Creative Lab's Nomad Muvo TX - Best of the micro MP3 players
by Andrew Ku on May 27, 2004 12:05 AM EST- Posted in
- Smartphones
- Mobile
Final Words
The Muvo TX is definitely unique among the flash-based MP3 players. The fact that it has USB 2.0 support already puts it above most of the pack, and its ability to swap AAA batteries puts it further ahead, making it an awesome choice as a cross between a flash drive and MP3 player. However, the price tags alone (Muvo TX 512MB - $249.99, Muvo TX 256MB - $179.99, Muvo TX 128MB - $119.99) should make you reconsider the "why" portion of your purchase.For those looking for a pure MP3 player, we would instead recommend a mini iPod or a Muvo2. Dollar for dollar, a mini iPod ($249.99) and Muvo2 ($199.99) is, by far, a better buy than a Muvo TX 512MB.
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A Muvo TX is more for someone who needs a higher performance flash drive to transfer files as much as the ability to listen to MP3s. In that context, we find the Muvo TX to be the best engineered flash-based MP3 player on the market, and thus, it wins our Editor's Choice Silver Award. We have heard complaints about the small size of the controls and LCD screen, but we don't see any other way to maintain the Muvo TX's incredibly small profile. Increasing either of the two would increase the overall size, and make the Muvo TX not so desirable. As it is, the LCD and the controls for the unit are in excellent proportion to the MP3 player. |
For its size, it has incredibly crisp sound; not exactly iPod quality, but nevertheless, crisp. And with a long battery life of roughly 10 hours on a single alkaline AAA battery (depends on brand and type) and coupled with the swappable ability, it is our favorite MP3 player of its class. The only significant issues we have in so far with the Muvo TX are the price tag and its bundled pair of headphones. In the future, we would like to see a decent pair of headphones bundled with the Muvo TX because having to dish out another $30+ for a good pair seems to be a waste after spending so much on a good MP3 player.
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Phiro - Thursday, May 27, 2004 - link
The message is clear; without Ogg support, no dollars from Phiro!plewis00 - Thursday, May 27, 2004 - link
The only reason they say don't use rechargeables is because they are a different voltage (1.2V vs. 1.5V) and this can produce some strange results. In the past I've always used rechargeable batteries in my MP3 players and found the *only* problem with them is that the power management can't accurately read the remaining battery life left (e.g. my Nokia HDR-1, cuts out when it's been on 3 out of 5 bars for about 2 hours, but it still lasts about 5 hours for solid music which is in line with alkalines, Creative Jukebox goes down to 1 out of 3 bars quickly but will power up in this mode for hours). I think you will be fine with decent Ni-MH cells.GraemeWright - Thursday, May 27, 2004 - link
Agreed - but most manufacturers say that they do not support rechangeable batteries. I would agree if they do then it is a better option.Thanks
Warder45 - Thursday, May 27, 2004 - link
iRiver > Creative1 - You can buy rechargible batteries anywhere for alittle more cost then normal batteries. With built in batteries once it's drained you have to stop listening and recharge, with external rechargible batteries you can quickly pop in another one while the first is rechargeing.
GraemeWright - Thursday, May 27, 2004 - link
The only problem I have with most of these devices is that they do not use rechargeable power supplies. I am currently using a "No Name" player - an iBead 150 which has all the usual features of MP3 player, FM Radio, Voice and FM recording. However it has an in built battery which is charged of the USB port - you get about 14hrs of play out of a charge and weighs in at only 37g. Down side is that it is not USB2.Why don't other supplies add the support of at least rechargeable AAA?