Introduction:
The nice folks from Fancylogic
in Hongkong sent as another interesting small MP3 Player. Last time
we reviewed the FancyLogic
Napa 128MB MP3 Player.
This time its the FancyLogic Techno Series 101. This Player is
actually a 128MB USB Flash-Drive at its core. With the attachable
Battery and control unit it becomes a MP3 Player and Voice Recorder.
This is a pretty intriguing concept especially considered the low
price tag. Compare that to 128MB
Flash Drives with no additional capabilities. Some of them cost
even more than the FancyLogic
101.
Experience:
Like the NAPA Player the 101 does not require any
software drivers. The Flash Drive itself is powered by the USB port.
So I just
removed the cover over the USB plug of the player to plug it
directly into my Notebook with Windows 2000. The OS recognizes the
Flash Drive and maps it as a drive. I drag'n'dropped several MP3 files onto the drive. It is recommended to stop the USB device before removing
it from the USB port, like with every USB device. Of course I could
transfer other files like Powerpoint slides etc. and use the USB
Flash Drive just for file storage. The Flash Drive itself is very
small as you see in the photos below and has a little ring to be put
on a key ring.
To use it as an MP3 Player I just connect the
wire remote control. The remote control contains a AAA battery
compartment and has the control buttons on it. The head-set plugs
right into the remote control. A clip on the back of the remote
enables me to clip it on my T-Shirt.
The
top buttons for play/pause/stop and Volume control are easy to use.
On the side of the remote is a toggle button that has 3 functions.
Skip through Songs or Voice Recordings forward and backward
and switching between Voice Recorder and MP3 Mode. Pushing the
toggle button for 1 second puts the player in voice recorder mode.
The voice recordings are stored in a separate folder on the flash
drive and of course can be played back with the player. I did not
find a extra microphone so I assume the headset is functioning as
the microphone.
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Compared to the FancyLogic Napa this player
has a more complicated cabling. From the USB Flash Drive to the
Remote and then to the Head-Set. It is not ideal for the gym, but
alright for everyday use like the commute. The big advantage of this
player/recorder is the versatility and that the Flash Drive can be
used independently.
The Sound is great. The Volume is smoothly
controllable. The Bass with most of those kinds of players is not
that strong but good enough. The switching between recording and mp3
player function needs some getting used to.
Specifications:
- Built-in 128MB hard disk
- Support MP3 & WMA formats
- Combined headphone and strap
- 9 hours of high quality voice recording
- Low power design: allows 12 hr of continuous operation with
one 1.5V AAA alkaline battery
- Drag and drop your MP3s/WMAs and data files straight onto the
device. No Cable is required!
*USB drivers provided in bundled CD
- Built-in USB plug, Connect the device into any computer USB
port And it will show up automatically as removable storage on
the desktop**
- Frequency Response Range:approx 20Hz-20KHz
- Weight: approx 36g (Without Battery)
- Support OS: Windows 98/Me/2000/XP (Not compatible with MAC
Systems)***
Accessories:
- AAA Battery
- Manual CD
- Earphones
- USB Extension Cable
- Manual
Pros:
no drivers necessary
small
the small Flash Drive can be used independently
plugs directly into USB port
low price
Voice Recorder Function
Cons:
complicated cabling
Conclusion:
Why go for a Flash Drive, if you can have an MP3 Player and a
Voice Recorder option and still have the small formfactor of Key
Chain Flash Drive. The 101 is a great all-in-one gadget for a low
budget.
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