Frontier Labs NEX iA 256 MB MP3 Player

Average customer rating:

What the He$%

Don't waste your time or dollars unless you have lots of spare CF cards

The Nex iA - a runners perspective

$270!?! The Most Overpriced MP3 Player Ever

customer care for this item sucks

Frontier Labs NEX iA 256 MB MP3 Player

Manufacturer: FrontierLabs
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

MP3 Players & Accessories | Creative Labs | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
MP3 Players | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
128 MB to 512 MB | Flash Drive-Based | MP3 Players | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Accessories:

Sennheiser HD433 Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones

Viking 64 MB MultiMedia Card

Linksys USBHUB4C ProConnect Compact USB 4-Port Hub

Aiwa HP-V061 Headphones

NETGEAR Wireless Digital Music Player

Product Features:

MP3/WMA music player with built-in FM radio and a 256 MB removable MicroDrive with 4-hour storage capacity (128 kbps MP3)

5-band user-programmable equalizer with 5 preset sound modes: Jazz, Rock, Classic, Dance, Latin

ID3 tag recognition to show song and artist names; plays up to 320 kbps MP3 (including variable-rate)

Offers repeat and shuffle modes, user-programmable FM radio presets, and a USB port

Built-in condenser microphone helps generate MP3 files from voice recordings; records from FM radio as well

ASIN: B0000SVSP8

Product Description

NEX ia is a feature-packed digital audio player that gives you an infinite digital audio listening gratification. With its powerful digital signal processor, firmware upgradeability and memory expansion capability, NEX ia is the ultimate portable player that truly brings its users an infinite audio experience. NEX ia is infinite Audio.NEX ia contains no moving parts. Music is stored digitally inside the flash memory cards instead of cassette tape or compact discs. Therefore NEX ia is both light and shock resistant and a perfect companion during exercise and outdoor activities.NEX ia follows on the heels of the revolutionary NEX II/IIe. Like its predecessor, NEX ia continues to use removable Compact Flash or the Microdrive memory card as its storage medium, giving you as a user maximum flexibility and expandability. NEX ia also incorporates a built-in FM tuner and voice recording facility. You can now not only listen to your favorite digital music but also listen to FM radio and use NEX ia for recording purposes.

Amazon.com Product Description

Put all fears of format obsolescence behind you with the NEX iA digital music player from Frontier Labs, which includes a built-in FM radio tuner and the ability to record radio broadcasts and, using an onboard condenser microphone, live audio--ideal for voice recordings, which show up as MP3 files in your playlist upon completion. The player will run for 7 to 13 hours on a pair of AA batteries (not included), depending on use, and it comes complete with stereo headphones and a wired remote control.

The MP3/WMA player is modular in 2 key ways: the NEX iA's firmware is upgradeable to allow playback of additional file types (Ogg Vorbis, for instance, which offers slightly higher quality than MP3 for similar-sized files), and the unit is configured exclusively for removable storage drives (CompactFlash and MicroDrive), thereby permitting greater storage capacity as its media allow. Currently, the player is compatible with up to 1 GB MicroDrives; a 256 MB MicroDrive is included. You'll get about 17 hours of 128 kbps MP3 onto a 1 GB drive; the 256 MB incarnation will hold a little more than 4 hours.

Its USB port (up to 400 kbps transfers) makes the player suitable for use as a portable disk drive, too, for fast and easy file transfer and storage. You can perform simple drag-and-drop transfers with most Windows systems (98SE and up)--and there's no proprietary software to install. "Smart power" draws power from the supplied USB cable, conserving battery life and simplifying hookup during file transfers.

The player's latest firmware upgrade includes support for multiple folders and menu access during playback. The NEX iA is ergonomic, too: super light (just 3 ounces), with intuitive controls governed by a single 5-way jog lever that you can manage with just your thumb. Its fully interactive high-resolution LCD offers bitmapped 132 x 64 resolution and a cool neon-blue EL (electroluminescent) backlight that can show scrolling ID3 tags, song duration, memory level, and battery level.

A 5-band user-programmable equalizer comes with 5 preset sound modes: jazz, rock, classic, dance, and Latin to help you tailor your listening to your music or preferences. Smart-play functions included repeat one/all and shuffle play, and of course the player uses solid-state construction with no moving parts to break down.

What's in the Box
Music player, a 256 MB MicroDrive, stereo ear-clip headphones, a remote control, a remote battery, a user's manual, a USB transfer cable, a neoprene sport case with belt holder, and Windows Media Player 7 (for Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP; Media Jukebox for Win 98SE/2000).

Customer Reviews:

What the He$%.......2007-03-30

I am a man of few words on this item...It doesnt seem to work!!! Only thing working is the mp3, Radio doesnt pick up stations, the built in recorder recordings sounds like it's recorded under water ... it is ill made, the MP3 sound is very good to say the least... I would not buy another product by FrontierLabs again...EVER!!!!!!!!!

Don't waste your time or dollars unless you have lots of spare CF cards.......2006-12-21

I bought a NEX IA when they first came out and it was barely worth it then and is basically a paperweight now. I thought I would/could upgrade to a microdrive larger than 1 GB but no go. The largest CF card or drive I can get to work in the player is 1 GB. The player uses 2 AA batteries and is large and heavy compared to any other player on the market. The only possible good use for this paperweight is in your car, and then if you have a stack of spare CF cards loaded with music and labeled. You can buy a 12volt lighter plug in adapter to power the unit and I happen to have a cassette player that I can plug a headphone to cassette adapter into. I am trying to make it last as a car player, otherwise, I'd toss it in the garbage.

The Nex iA - a runners perspective.......2005-08-06

I recently purchased a SanDisk MP3 player and had nothing but problems with it. Since I had the old Nex II player and it lasted for quite a few years, I thought I'd give the iA a try. I'll mention that I did not buy it at Amazon who seems to have the device at an unreasonably high price as compared to other similar devices.

Comparing this to the Nex II, the iA is actually a bit bigger. This in a time when everyone is making things smaller. No matter. The UI is almost identical to the II - with the exception of having a few new features and a different control ("joystick" style instead of jog button).

Pros:
* Nice, sturdy construction.
* Headphones have nice bass response.
* The memory card/microdrive is removable, so you can upgrade or replace the memory when needed.
* The memory can be formatted from the menu. This is an advantage over the II since performing a format on an external device like a card reader sometimes doesn't reformat the memory the way the device likes, leading to being unable to read all of the files on the card.
* Simple, easy to figure out menus.
* Remote control makes it easy to control without accessing the actual unit.

Cons:
* This is a relativelty big, heavy unit.
* Can't access all of the buttons with the cover on the unit. I suppose the designers thought this was OK since the remote control lets you access most of the buttons without opening the cover.
* The headphones aren't good for running - I will use pair of earbuds or similar instead, which is a shame because the sound on them is quite nice.
* Microdrives are not solid state devices and are not usable when running because the shock makes it unable to read the media. Use a CF instead.

$270!?! The Most Overpriced MP3 Player Ever.......2005-06-01

OK I only paid $120 for the thing on sale from Amazon but the price is now back to $269. At that price, do not even consider this player.

Pros - sturdy construction, easy to use menu, good backlighting, decent equalizer, drag & drop download.

Cons - Heavy with 2AA's, slightest bump makes it skip even with "hold" button on, constantly freezes (must remove battery to reset) and usb 1.1 microdrive is as slow as a glacier.

Do not get suckered by the extra bells & whistles (CF card usage, built in microphone & FM radio). These things will have no value in the long run to anyone as the primary reason for buying an MP3 player is to play MP3's. On that function, this player sucks big time. The 1 gig microdrive never let me load more than 540 megs of mp3's. I kept getting a "disk full" pop-up once that limit was reached. Frontier support said to reformat disk and try again (this exchange occured via email as Frontier has no live person support). I did this 2x with no change. Also, the microdrive is as slow as molasses. I kid you not, it takes about 5 hrs to download 540 megs of files. You will be at it all day. Take my advice and skip this piece of junk.

customer care for this item sucks.......2005-05-23

the player is working fine only if u upgrade the firmware. but in my package, there is a missing ac/dc adaptor and the remote is not working at all. and for replacing the remote, i hav to ship it all the way to hong kong which will cost me extra bucks unnecessarily. there is no direct contact number for the customer care in US and the email support is not good. i wanted to return the item initially but i am impressed by the quality of the mp3 player at this cheap cost. i got so much irratated by the customer care of the manufacturer because of which i am giving only 3 points. so if u get ur player and accessories correctly in ur initial package, its very good. otherwise the customer care really really sucks.

update:- the player is working really good except for the battery indicator. the player stops functioning even when the battery indicator shows that half battery is still remaining. voice recorder is also very good.

Average customer rating:

Well worth the price

Panasonic RPHT1000 Basic Headphones

Manufacturer: Panasonic
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Headphones | Portable Audio & Video | Panasonic | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
Over-the-Head Headphones | Headphones | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
All Headphones | Headphones | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
Headphones | DJ Equipment & Accessories | DJ, Karaoke & Lighting | Sound & Recording Equipment | Products | Musical Instruments
Headphones | Headphones & Accessories | Sound & Recording Equipment | Products | Musical Instruments
Accessories:

Memorex 700MB/80-Minute 52x CD-R Media (100-Pack Spindle)

KHypermedia 80-Minute/700 MB 48x Blank CD-Rs (200-Pack Spindle)

Sony PC-234S Audio Plug Adaptor

Product Features:

Open-air headphones system

Large-diameter speaker drive units (40 millimeters)

Neodymium, rare-earth magnet for rich and powerful sound

Double headband and cloth-covered ear pads for comfort

Single-sided cord

ASIN: B00004TZJM

Product Description

Panasonic RP-HT1000 Open-Air Monitor Headphones offer large-diameter driver units 40mm (1-9/16"), double headband and cloth-covered earpads for comfort. Neodymium, rare-earth magnet provides rich and powerful sound.

Amazon.com Product Description

These open-air monitor headphones from Panasonic feature an ergonomic design with double headband and cloth-covered ear pads to ensure a comfortable fit. The speaker drive units are large (40 millimeters) and contain neodymium, rare-earth magnet for rich and powerful sound. The single-sided cord provides increased manageability and ease of use.

Customer Reviews:

Well worth the price.......2000-11-14

At the moment I'm living in a dorm room in Boston, MA. Since I have a roomate that NEEDS to study, I decided I'd invest in a good pair of headphones. I don't think I made a mistake in choosing the RPHT-1000's. Quite a few kids on the floor have bought nice monitor headphones (it's becoming a competition to see who can come up with the best value) and these can stand up to them all. Very clear and crisp, and a good amount of bass for open ear headphones (for all those ravers and techies out there). These things sound great listening to ATB, Marley, and Deutsch Oper Berlin. In other words, just buy them already!

Product Description

Nu-kote International produces more than 3, 000 products for use in over 30, 000 types of imaging devices. As the world shrinks and printing technology expands, count on Nu-kote to keep its edge. The company will do it through a commitment to quality, value, innovation, financial strength and superior service.

Product Description

Pengo is an innovative leader within the computer accessories industry. Pengo capabilities are further complemented by a strong product development team that continually improves product features and design, sources new materials, and supervises production. Further to its enhanced manufacturing capabilities, Pengo is constantly developing and researching new technology in its production line to reduce any production cost and pass even more savings on to its customers.PRODUCT FEATURES: Single-sided, up to 4.7 GB capacity; Up to 240 minutes video; For exclusive recording in DVD-RW drives; Rewrite capability of more than 1, 000 times; Two-way compatibility between DVD video players and DVD-RW recorders.

Product Description

Photosmart Starter Kit
4AA NIMH batteries, charger, AC aadpter and soft case.

Product Description

With DiamondPoint V71LCD display, all of your computer applications are more exciting and enjoyable - surfing the Internet, watching movies, working with digital images...even word processing. This monitor comes equipped with all of the tools you need to work and play. A high-bright backlight, flicker-free images and AccuColor control system deliver premium clarity, comfort and color adjustment, so that your on-screen experience is just how you like it.

Customer Reviews:

GREAT MONITORS FOR THE PRICE.......2005-10-26

I bought 2 of these monitors from best buy at their grand opening and have been using them for 2months now. So far I've loved them - They look just awesome with two of them side by side and the black and silver colour scheme is sharp and sleek. the 16ms response for some people may seem slow but I have played computer games, watched movies, and ran visualizations and I have seen no signs of ghosting.

As it does say in the manual it takes a few minutes for the screen to "warm up" to optimal running conditions.

The only drawback of these monitors are that they only support a VGA connection. Perfect, High Quality product that is great for a first time dollar consious LCD buyer that is not in need of a DVI connection.

A DVI connection would have bumped my rating of the monitor from my 4 star rating to a 5

Average customer rating:
Neoware Eon e350 - All-in-one - 1 1 GHz - RAM 128 MB - HD: none - Windows CE - Monitor : 15" TFT

Manufacturer: Neoware
ProductGroup: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers

Desktops | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B000A6L8S2

Product Description

Eon e350 from Neoware is the most powerful integrated, flat-panel thin client available, offering video and application performance superior to today's most modern PCs. Eon e350 lets you run Windows applications from a server, plus connect to mainframes, UNIX/Linux servers and the Internet with a local Internet Explorer web browser.

Neoware Eon e350 - All-in-one - 1 1 GHz - RAM 128 MB - HD: none - Windows CE - Monitor : 15" TFT

Average customer rating:

Neoware Eon e350 - All-in-one - 1 1 GHz - RAM 128 MB - HD: none - Windows CE - Monitor : 15" TFT

Manufacturer: Neoware
ProductGroup: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers

Desktops | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B000A6JTCO

Product Description

Average customer rating:
Microtel Desktop PC AM556 (AMD Duron 1.3GB, 128MB RAM, 40GB Hard Drive)

Manufacturer: Microtel Computer Systems
ProductGroup: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers

Categories | Electronics | Accessories & Supplies | Audio & Video | Camera & Photo | Car Electronics | Computers & Add-Ons | GPS & Navigation | Home Automation & Security | Office Electronics
Accessories:

Targus PA410U DEFCON CL Notebook Computer Cable Lock

Targus PA090U USB Mobile Port Replicator with Ethernet

Targus TSB312 16 Sport Deluxe Notebook Backpack

Targus PAUM01U Ultra Mini Retractable Optical Mouse

Targus CPT400 17 Platinum Deluxe Notebook Case

Product Features:

AMD Duron 1.3GB

128 MB PC133

40 GB IDE Hard Disk

DVDRW/DVD-RAM

Operating System ¿ NOT INCLUDED

ASIN: B00015GB02

Product Description

The Memorex MX3300 Multimedia Office Keyboard creates a fast, efficient work environment for all your favorite functions and programs. One-touch editing features allow users to conveniently cut, copy and paste with the tap of a single key. Additional time-savers include multimedia keys, enhanced function keys for Microsoft Office and Internet hot keys. The programmable scroll wheel simplifies navigation by performing a host of timesaving functions including volume control, forward and backward Internet navigation, and previous or next CD track selection. Memorex has made their Office Keyboard so affordable and easy to use that it is a must have for every computer user.

Customer Reviews:

Good keyboard, but clicky.......2003-04-19

I bought this a few days ago and it's definitely a quality keyboard, with plenty of extra buttons and straightforward software. It has extra keys for the internet toolbar, MS office, multimedia, and copy/paste. The scroll wheel is a nice touch, though most mice nowadays have them already. However, be warned that this kb is very clicky. The noise can be irritating at first, but one gets used to it. The included palmrest is very comfortable, and has a nice semi-rough texture.

Product Description

Raritan offers a complete array of KVM (keyboard, video, and mouse) switch and related connectivity products for single-user or multi-user control of multiple computers, supporting multiple platforms, including PC, Mac, Sun, Digital Alpha, HP9000, SGI, RS/6000 and ASCII terminal devices. Raritan's product line is set apart from others in the industry by a unique combination of features and capabilities assure simplicity, as well as superior performance and reliability.VideoShare splits the VGA output from 1 to 4 PCs and displays high quality video on 2 to 16 monitors. Monitors can be located up to 300 feet away.

Product Description

24 page-per-minute print speed. A 500 MHz processor. The fastest first-page-out time of any color printer. Stunning, rich color output on virtually any media. All at a price far below what you'd expect to pay for a professional quality printer. The Phaser 8400 series printer is an unbeatable value for thriving businesses that need the benefits of color without any trade-offs.

Customer Reviews:

Would never ever recommend this printer.......2006-07-30

The cleaning cycle on this machine scrapes off piles of melted ink everytime the machine is rebooted. Xerox advises you to keep the machine on all the time. That helps only if you don't have power outages or other problems that require you to reboot the printer.
Since last year... and I've measured the weight of the waste on a postal scale... I've discarded the equivalent of 8 blocks of ink at about $30 each. Considering I've purchased and loaded 64 blocks of ink since August, that's a considerable loss.

In addition, color is very important to my work as I'm a graphic designer who does short runs for my clients. The color color has become faded over time, especially the blues.

Also, if you print on coated photo paper, the color peels off.

Living with an 8400.......2005-07-23

Everyone else has already covered the basics, and I shall not further beat the horse to glue. Here are the realities to happy 8400 ownership, and ignore them at your own peril :

1. Use the highest quality paper you can get. High quality is defined as at least 24 lb. paper, at least 94 briteness. Yes, the 8400 makes any crappy piece of paper look good, but you have a fantastic COLOR printer, so go the very little extra and get the paper to really make the color shine.

2. Never EVER shut the power off. The dirty little secret of the 8400 is how much ink it will suck down if you try to save on electricity and power it down overnight. Wrong move. It will eat ink like there is no tomorrow if you do. Preferably, set the 8400 for the longest sleep setting there is - 240 minutes. Once you plug it in and configure it, then leave it alone.

3. Most of the time the lower (or even lowest!) quality settings will MORE than suffice, and save you a bundle on ink. Did I say run it there all the time? No. Use the print settings in whatever program you are using to ramp up the quality if you need eye-popping color. Most of the time, however, you and your wallet will be more than pleased with the 8400 parked in the lower settings.

That's about it.

This is a fantastic printer for the money. Feed the 8400 great paper, keep it turned on, and take advantage of the lower quality settings and it should be a stellar performer for any SO/HO.

Good start, bad finish.......2005-04-22

At the very beginning it was really a nice surprise.
Experience of glossy color on a plain paper is really nice.
But in half of a year colors all of a sudden distorted.
Xerox help line did not help. And Xerox insisted
that this is our applications problem. But all applications
are the same and same pictures are printed differently.
Xerox did not find enough arguments to replace printer.
In four month new surprise. Paper started to glue to
the drum, make smears and it is done. Simply after 35000
copies what is a half of Minolta 5430 month resource.
Service center where it suppose to be repaired stated
that they don't have new drum.
Happily it is fixed. But still eats our pokets (about $800 per month for ink).

Love the Xerox 8400N!.......2005-02-20

Maybe I'm a printer-holic: I have an Epson Photo R200 for photos. I have a Primera Signature Z6 for CDs (fantastic printer, by the way). But I needed a fast, reliable printer for handouts and training materials. I work in Illustrator and InDesign, and PostScript Level 3 was critical. This printer is genuine Adobe PostScript (not "PretendScript" like other printers), and it shows. But, beyond that, the entire experience is superior: the manufacturing standards are splendid (great fit and finish!), and the set-up guide is perfect--you can't go wrong. The little ink sticks are shape-coated so that even a trained squirrel could load them. The "walk-up installation" that finds Windows boxes and says "hello" automatically is wonderful. It's speedy, sharp and chock full of great features I didn't know I'd love. I highly recommend this printer!

Professional print quality at a fraction of the cost.......2004-12-12

This machine was just installed in my office, and it's like a dream come true. The quality of the "solid ink" (really, a colored wax block) on regular paper is something comparable to the pages you'd find in professional, high-gloss magazines. The wax actually melts onto the paper, creating photo-print quality output. We have only used the regular stock paper, so I do not know what the output is like on cardstock or any of the glossier types of material.

I work for academic support, needing to print out flyers, brochures, invitations, as well as quality check graphics being submitted for publication in textbooks or syllabi. Before this printer, we ended up outsourcing print jobs to another departments and vendors. We had a color inkjet that would run out of ink and streak after very few printings. The Phaser replaced that machine. There is no comparing the output of the old printer to this new one. The Phaser just blows any other color printer in this price range out of the water.

One drawback, however, is that the Phaser does require a 15 minute "warm-up" period before you can start printing, in order to melt the wax. This is the reason for four stars instead of five. If your machine goes into sleep mode, you will have to warm up the wax again even if you just did a print job. The smell of the wax can also be a little stuffy, if you are in a small office like I am. If you are just printing black & white text w/ no graphics you may want to have a separate laser or even inkjet to do that job. However, for high-quality graphics like pics, slides, artwork, and such, the output of the Phaser is well worth the wait.

I am also an art/graphic design student on the side, an am seriously considering purchasing a Phaser for personal use at home, based on its perfomance on the job. It outputs magazine quality color prints on regular paper, and with all those saved trips to Kinkos in the middle of the night for this type of print to submit for class, not to mention the money to be saved from such adventures, the Phaser looks to be worth every penny.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics