|
Using the BLiNG
 
Click to Enlarge
The BLiNG's LCD display is backlit, making navigation in the dark fairly easy. When you drop the Music/MP3 CD in, the player initializes, and detects the proper format for playback. ID tags are also supported, so long as the MP3s you're playing have them.
  
Click to Enlarge
The LCD also displays the equalizer settings. Although the sound differences are obvious, if you need to check them, they are there. There are a total of six settings... flat, rock, pop, bass, classic, and jazz.
Click to Enlarge (It's blurry intentionally)
Because it isn't a solid state player, I had some initial concerns about skipping if the BLiNG is use. The specifications state a two minute electronic skip protection (ESP), and 45 seconds for audio CDs, I was determined to put it to the test. I chucked the player up and down in my hands, as well as giving it a few shakes for good measure, and the player continued playing my tunes without issue. However, large knocks, such as knocking off my desk onto my floor did result in the player skipping, but only once. What I am concluding is that if you're using the player on the bus, or jogging, you shouldn't have any problems, but I wouldn't try breakdancing while using the BLiNG.
The sound quality is very good, though ultimately, the quality will depend a lot on the headphones, as well as the MP3 quality. I'm not an audio expert, nor have I ever claimed to be, but playing the same MP3 CD on my PC (SB Audigy), as well as on the BLiNG, and I'd be hard pressed to tell you which sounded better.
CD testing was uneventfull, which is a good thing. All audio CDs tested, about 15 of them, all played without a hitch. MP3s converted to standard music CD format also played without any problems. MP3 CDs worked fine also, but ID tags were missing from a few songs, which is the fault of the software that ripped them. I tested a mix of audio and MP3 CDs burned to Sony CDR & CDRW, Kodak CDR, Verbatum CDR & CDRW, and one generic CDR, and all played just fine.
Button use is another story. By default, you should be alright using the basic buttons, but navigating through your MP3 disc can be tricky without looking at the player. Now, you shouldn't be wearing this when you're driving, so for the most part, the navigation issues is not that big of a deal.
Battery life was excellent. I was expecting about 14 hours of playback time, which is what it states in the specifications, so I programmed a set of songs to be constantly played and repeated, and let it run overnight. The next day, the player was still running, and after about 12 hours, it stopped. Although it seemed to have fell short, I did use the player during basic testing (pre-overnight battery test), and the quality of the batteries will play a part in it's battery life.
Final Words
Although I was impressed by Sean's review of the iRock 530, I had a few reservations about the BLiNG. I have owned portable CD players in the past (we're talking a long time ago), and a few things that used to bother me were the constant skipping, as well as a lack of a FM tuner. I actually don't listen to a whole lot of CDs this day, mostly because I hate carrying 20 of them around just to get 20 songs I like. MP3s are convenient, but I half expected similar issues I've had with CD players to be present with the BLiNG.
After working with the BLiNG for about 2 weeks, I can say that this is an excellent product. It can do almost everything a software based player can do, and unlike a PC, you won't get odd stares carrying the player on the bus. Sound quality was very good, but I don't use the included headphones (except for testing), and much prefer my Sennheisers. When battery life is low, I can easily switch to the FM tuner to tune out the commuter snoring next to me on the bus. The ESP is the real deal, and you'll be hard pressed to make it skip in day-to-day use.
My only complaints are minor. iRock! certainly needs to incorporate a lock for the player to prevent it from opening while it's in use. It would also be nice to have the FM tuner capabilities built into the player itself, though I do understand the remote acts as an antenna. Nothing could be done about the size of the unit, but maybe a little more rubber or metal would make me a little more confident that I won't break it by sitting on it.
Despite my initial hesitation, I am truly impressed by the features of this product. It isn't perfect, but the problems were minor, and if the thought of 150 MP3s on a 0.50$ CDR appeals to you, then this is the player to get. The FM capabilities and remote are bonuses to me, and considering its low price tag, the BLiNG is a heck of a bargain.
Pros: Easy to use, great sound quality, ESP works as advertised, FM tuner, handy remote, good battery life, low priced.
Cons: Can't lock the unit shut.
Bottom Line: The all-in-wonder of MP3 players, this one does it all. If you're still using a portable CD player, it's time to move on. Selling at about 85$, you'll be hard pressed to find another MP3 player, CD, solid state, or hard drive based, that can do what the BLiNG can do in this price range, or 100$ above it.
Agree? Disagree? Discuss it in our forums
Previous Page - The Player
Home
|
iRock! BLiNG MP3/CD/FM Player: If the 128MB MP3 players don't provide enough storage, and the 5GB drives are too expensive, nothing beats the price/storage ratio of CDs.
