Brendan Goetz
07-03-2006, 09:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/29/hands-on-with-napsters-new-1gb-player/' target='_blank'>http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/29/hands-on-with-napsters-new-1gb-player/</a><br /><br /></div><i>“We just got to spend a little time with Napster's new 1GB PlaysForSure promotional player, and we liked what we saw for the most part. The tiny device probably won't be seen outside of its current role of attracting 1-year subscriptions, but it manages a nice look, decent user interface and a commendable 40 hour battery life -- not bad for $50. Of course, the player's first role is to support DRM10 PlaysForSure files from Napster To Go, but regular old WMA files and MP3s are supported as well, and it doesn't seem that Napster has made an effort to lock down the player from other services. You can also play back MPEG-4 video on the tiny, but nice, 128 x 160 LCD, but you'll be on your own for content since Napster doesn't currently offer any vids. There's also JPEG and FM playback, and everything is accessible via a convenient and fast iPod-like menu system.”</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/nap1.jpg" /> <br /><br />I actually got to fondle this little guy at the recent Digital Life Expo in NYC. It is a very elegant little player and a steal at $50. If subscription music is your thing, and a strong case can be made for its economical benefit, then this would be a nice device to have. Its small, has a nice interface, and doesn’t try to do too much. I might have to rethink my attitude towards subscription music services. I’m not ready to give up my iPod, but this thing is a very nice alternative to a Nano. Oh yeah, and it has a radio in it.