SwiMP3 v2: Bone conducting underwater MP3 player gets an upgrade

It's taken 'em nearly three years to get around to it, but Finis have a new version of their SwiMP3 underwater MP3 player coming out. Like the original, the SwiMP3 v2 uses bone conduction, rather than regular earphones, to transmit sound directly from your cheek bone to your inner ear (it all sounds a little creepy, but bone conduction is pretty much the best way to listen to stuff underwater). Version 2 of the SwiMP3 is a little smaller and sleeker than the original, though it still doesn't have all that much storage -- even after two-and-a-half years they've only managed to bump the SwiMP3 from 128MB up to 256MB. Still, with a specialized player like this you really only need enough music for your swim, right?

[Jeremy K. @ Apr 28th 2007 12:54AM]

In a way I agree. I like to workout (ride my bike) without music and enjoy nature and the whole experience. I've tried music but it gets in the way. Shouldn't the activity itself be fun, instead of a chore that you have to while away your time by listening to music? Just an idea...

Nevertheless... 256mb? c'mon. It's not like it's a physical size issue.

[Dan @ Apr 28th 2007 12:58AM]

I don't know about you, but I find it difficult to talk to friends when I'm swimming laps for 30 minutes straight ... unless I develop my ability to speak in clicks and buzzes like a dolphin, I don't think this device is too much of a threat to the fabric of society

[darkstar @ Apr 28th 2007 12:06AM]

$200???
way overpriced. i bought a waterproof case from h2oaudio.com for 30 bux with headset. went on ebay for a 30 bux 512mb iriver mp3 player. total comes to 60 bux. works great so far

[Victor (Mister A) @ Apr 28th 2007 12:34AM]

Hey did you also get the strap? I work at a pool and well I would like to get one since it get kind of boring just swimming.

[steve @ Apr 28th 2007 8:55AM]

Perhaps you missed the whole "bone conduction" part, which yours doesn't do and doesn't compare in any way to this just because you have a waterproof case for it.

[Paul @ Apr 28th 2007 12:07AM]

looks like a bluetooth headset

[John Doe @ Apr 28th 2007 12:23AM]

Gah. Need to change my font sizes. the feed said SwiMP3 v2: Bone conducting underw....and cut off.

hmm bone conducting underwear. o.O

[dark star @ Apr 28th 2007 9:35AM]

victor,
the package from h2oaudio.com has everything for the iriver model case. i didnt have to buy the strap nor the headset

[John Doe @ Apr 28th 2007 2:22AM]

Not when you have traffic buzzing my you at 45MPH. Kinda hard to be one with nature when The Pussycat Dolls's crap is blaring out someone's car window 20 feet away from you.

[Diver Al @ Apr 28th 2007 8:46AM]

Fusion came out with MP3 player http://www.scubaology.com/archives/2007/01/11/underwater-gadgets/
a while back, which can go down to 10 feet underwater. Swimming laps is a pretty boring workout. Either of these models will help make the time pass faster.

[dark star @ Apr 28th 2007 9:35AM]

no, mine doesnt do bone conduction. but it still works great under 10ft.
im all about cheap and good. im sure the $200 is much better but is it really worth it? :)

[Diver Al @ Apr 28th 2007 5:51PM]

Hey Steve thanks for pointing that out. I was only trying to show another underwater MP3 player that is available. I guess I qualify for the "bone"head.

[steve @ Apr 28th 2007 8:55AM]

I wonder how much of an amplifier you would need before this bone conduction stuff starts causing microfractures :D

[JSM @ Apr 28th 2007 10:24AM]

No his doesn't do bone conduction, but it has the added benefit of not being from Finis. I bought one of their version one players as a gift, when the connector cracked after the first use (making it useless) they would not even respond to requests for service. When I finally reached someone there the response was "if you want to listen to your music I guess you'll have to buy another one." I have never dealt with that kind of hubris from a business (we've got the only product that does this, so you're screwed) and it should be a cold day in hell before anyone with common sense gives these people a dime.

[Victor (Mister A) @ Apr 28th 2007 11:03AM]

See I like I river and while bone conduction is nice it just seems that they should have been able to upgrade the size I mean I know on a normal work out most people don't finish all the music but having to deal with just that little this far into the game it's kind of sad. I am looking at the iriver and on ebay (they are hard to find) but if it goes well i have a nice one soon.

[Shadowfax @ May 2nd 2007 3:04PM]

I honestly can't picture myself buying an mp3-player dedicated just for when I go swimming. I'd sooner use Swimman, they'll take my iPod shuffle and waterproof it for $75.

http://www.swimman.net/

[Mikey @ May 28th 2007 1:13AM]

I've been looking at Freestyle Audio on eBay. It comes in a 256mb 512mb or a 1gb. Their rated to 10 feet. Has anyone out there ever tried them?