People who get frustrated by unnecessarily complicated technology will love this simple, cleverly designed MP3 player.
We can't imagine an MP3 player that's easier to use than this little number from Creative. With an innovative, detachable flash- memory module that connects directly to your USB port, the Nomad MuVo doesn't require cables, software, or drivers to download music or data from your computer. Though it lacks many frills such as an LCD, expandable memory, a carrying case, and settings of any kind, its tiny size, nifty design, and simple operation make it a great choice for those who hate fussy electronics.
Zippo-sized and hassle-free
The MuVo is really small--about the size of a cigarette lighter at 7.29x3.51x1.6cm--and weighs just 28 grams. There's no LCD, and there are only six buttons to control playback and volume. For some, the lack of viewable song-title and settings information will be a shortcoming. Others, however, will revel in the simplicity of a device that can be operated by feel alone.
Ease of use aside, the most innovative aspect of the MuVo's design is that it separates into two parts, one of which plugs directly into your computer's USB slot and doesn't require a cable. A loop on the corner of the device hooks onto the included lanyard or a keychain, but we'd prefer a more secure method of attachment.
Few features
Since there's no LCD, there are no settings to futz around with; just press Play, and you're good to go. A green light indicates that the device is playing, while red means that the MuVo is stopped or connected to your PC via USB. Anyone who likes to tweak EQ and other settings is out of luck; the EQ level is preset at Creative's Rock designation--which entails a slight bass boost--all the time.
All Windows operating systems later than Windows 98 SE recognize the MuVo's detachable flash-memory portion as a removable drive, which enables you to copy and paste or drag and drop MP3s onto the device. (Windows 98 and 98 SE users will need to install a driver, but Mac users with OS 9 or OS X won't have to do so, despite the absence of a Mac-compatibility logo on the box.) We love the fact that most newer computers need neither drivers nor cables to connect to the MuVo; that makes it perfect for ferrying data between computers in the manner that people utilize DiskonKey or other flash-based keychain hard drives. Those who prefer to use full-featured jukebox software to manage their music collections can opt for the included Creative PlayCenter software to transfer songs onto the MuVo.
Solid performance
The MuVo sounds great playing both MP3 and WMA files, with a loud top volume and a very high 93dB signal-to-noise ratio for clean sound. One AAA battery powers the unit for almost 12 hours. The included headphones sound average and have a long enough cord to reach the pocket of a tall individual.
Normally, we'd never recommend an MP3 player with no expandable memory, no belt clip, no display, and no settings whatsoever. However, these omissions are partially responsible for the MuVo's extraordinary ease of use, which is one of its main strengths. If you're one of those people who can't stand cumbersome and complicated technology or you need an MP3 player that doubles as a keychain-based data-transport device, this is the product for you. All you have to do is decide whether to get the AU$299 64MB flavor or this AU$399 128MB flavor, both of which will ship in August 2002.
Creative MuVo
Company: Creative Labs
Price: AU$399
Phone: (02) 9666 6100
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