A thing of beauty (Creative Jukebox 10 GB)

Member Name: grahamp3

Product:	Creative Jukebox 10 GB
Date:	30/05/01 (61 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 6Gb drive, sturdy, upgradeable

Disadvantages: battery life, portability, sound level

Now that digital music is so widespread, you might as well invest in the best player currently on the market - the Creative DAP. Its 6Gb memory equates to around 100 hours of music, or 150 CDs. Rip 'em yourself from your own collection or transfer your mp3 stash (however acquired) via the USB lead provided in the box (works on Macs, too!)

When it came out in the UK last year the DAP cost £349 standard, but if you look around you can find it at up to £100 cheaper these days. I'm not bothered that I didn't wait for this price drop, though, as I've had over six months of joy from this splendid gadget. Unusually for portable devices of any kind, it is upgradeable as you can download improved functionality through Creative Labs official web site.

It isn't a tiny piece of equipment and little attention has been paid to means of portability (ie. a belt clip), but I've found it can rest in between one's belly and belt without falling down or out!

And yes, the batteries only last 4 hours at a stretch but you get two sets included, and they are rechargeable. Further minor quibbles include the leaky, clumsy wrapround headphones supplied (use your own favourites I would say) and the fact that even on full volume, it's not quite loud enough for me. It should go up to 21!

I can't see why anyone would bother with 64Mb mp3 players even if they are a fraction of the size. And the Creative DAP pretty much makes cassette walkmans redundant.

Certainly, smaller cheaper mp3 players will be released in the future but buy one of these now and you won't regret it - treat it nicely it should last a long long time. If you love music and want to have a wide range of sounds available, this machine is for you.

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