There is Only One Reason to Buy...
Written: Dec 05 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Everything, storage galore, features galore, durable, a smart company that listens to consumers, great sound, upcoming features
Cons: I could do without the pre- loaded tunes
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| hwz1's Full Review: Creative Technology Nomad Jukebox (6 GB) MP3 Playe... |
Why in the world would you want to spend a decent chunk of change on an MP3 player? What could it possibly offer that you cannot find in a cheaper model? What is the one reason to buy this particular MP3 player? The answer is simple; you are talking about the best product available.
First of all, I am not easy to please when it comes to new products. Take a look at some of my other epinions that trash some of the products that show up all the time in the "Best Of" listings on the site. The one thing you will see is that I am not easily impressed.
The Creative Labs Nomad Jukebox is an exception. I bought the Nomad Jukebox a few months back and have been thrilled with the performance. I have compared it with various other brands that my friends have and they want to know where they can get a Nomad. In other words, they are all jealous of my machinery (Ah, they always are).
A DESCRIPTION:
The Nomad jukebox is a little bit bigger and certainly more expensive than a number of other MP3 players. The size should not be a concern since the player is quite light and really hardly noticeably larger.
Otherwise, the Nomad is basically the same as all other MP3 players. You have the function buttons and the headphones and a few jacks that allow you to interface with your computer.
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES:
The features are plentiful and mostly have to do with the storage capabilities. Keep in mind that this is quite possibly the most important aspect of the features. Yes, being able to hear what you store is important, but being able to store a lot is so important for the simple fact that we all have a new favorite tune every other day. The features:
* 6GB hard drive storage
* 1000 hours of CD quality audio
* USB interrace that allows for quick transfer of files
* Adjustable playback speeds
* MAC OS support
* Four points surround sound speakers
* Downloadable upgrade ability
* Storage for MP3, WAV, or WMA files
* Alternate power sources
Again, the storage capabilities amaze. The storage that the Nomad Jukebox offers is equivalent to 150 audio CD's. You can store 150 CD's worth of music on something about the size of a sandwich bag (sandwich included). Simply amazing.
THE BORING BASICS:
The boring basics are the things that come with the product, but are not exactly going to blood to rushing to certain parts of the body with building levels of excitement:
* USB cable
* Universal AC power pack
* Stereo headphones
* Rechargeable batteries
* One 4 pack AA NiMH set of batteries and a backup set
* Carrying case
* Installation CD and manual
Like I said, these are pretty boring aspects. However, you have to have them and I must admit that the dual sets of batteries are a nice touch that a lot of other manufactures do not add.
THE FUTURE:
Will the product become obsolete in a few months like so much of the technology that we buy? I doubt it. The product will certainly be improved upon and the price will keep coming down as the manufacturer's continue to attempt to gain market share. However, the Nomad Jukebox is the top of the line and is ahead of a certain portion of the curve.
Additionally, the company, Creative Labs is doing all that it can to keep the consumer happy. What do I mean by this? I just finished an article in Fortune Magazine that contained a few paragraphs on Creative Labs. The paragraph mentions that they are developing a car stereo adapter and external speakers that will essentially allow you to take the Nomad anywhere and all the time.
I know that external speakers and a car adapter are not exactly watershed events. However, they are signs that the company is willing to listen to the concerns of their customers. I find this to be a rarity these days.
HOW GOOD IS THE PRODUCT:
The product is simply the best that I have found. To begin with, the sound is excellent and this is the most important aspect of playback.
Secondly, the digital features make finding a file easy and fast. If you have never experienced what it is like to operate something with digital search features, try a digital answering machine or a friend's MP3 player. You will come to love the ability to skip through files or messages in order to find the one you are looking for.
Thirdly, the Nomad is easy to set up and get running. I would believe that if you have ever downloaded something that you will find that this is the same thing. The batteries are easy to install and the rest of the installation involves putting a headphone jack into the correct hole. If you cannot do this, well, I have no idea why you would want something so high tech.
Finally, the Nomad is put together well and can stand the ocassional drop. Yes, I did find this out by experience. I was worried that I would have just ruined an expensive piece of equipment. Thankfully, I was wrong. Yes, the Nomad had a small gouge in the outer shell, but the important thing was that it worked just as it had before the "big drop".
ANYTHING WRONG:
I am stretching to find something wrong with the Nomad, but I would say that the pre- loaded music is kind of annoying. If I wanted this I would have asked for it. Alas, a minor annoyance. A bigger annoyance is the price. You will pay somewhere around $500 for the Nomad Jukebox. A little salty, I would agree. However, for what you get for your money I would not hesitate to pay the money. If you think the price is too high, keep in mind that the prices will fall as the makers continue to try to win market share.
I would not have even mentioned negatives with the Nomad except that I always feel that both sides of the product need to be presented. I did have to search my mind for the negatives that I came up with.
RECOMMENDATION:
I would have to guess that most of you can figure out that I would highly recommend the Nomad Jukebox. You would be correct.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
hwz1
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Location: Philadelphia, PA
Reviews written: 845
Trusted by: 916 members
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Just got a big promotion that will move my new wife and I to Atlanta.
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