MPIO keeps it simple with the MP300 DAP

While a myriad of companies battle it out to sell you on multifaceted converged devices, MPIO is staying in tune with the basics on its ML300. Checking in at 29- x 66- x 19.5-millimeters, this minuscule digital audio player boasts a simple display, supports MP3 / WMA formats, touts an FM tuner, and operates around 10-hours on a single AAA cell. Additionally, it includes a voice and FM recorder, USB 2.0 connectivity, and seven equalizer pre-sets. Reportedly, the ML300 will come in both 1GB and 2GB flavors, and while hard pricing deets weren't readily available, such a stripped down unit ought not break the bank.

[Via TheMP3Players]

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 6th 2007 8:35AM]

The problem with these new audio players is that there are a ton of them at these capacities out there already that are cheap, cheap, cheap to buy.
Like 20 dollars cheap for a 2GB player.

I would say keep
em simple, but boost that capacity to at least 4GB if not more to justify the price.
(I know pricing info isn't available, but I'll bet you it isn't 20 bucks.)

[tekdroid @ Jul 6th 2007 9:32AM]

The problem with these new audio players is that there are a ton of them at these capacities out there already that are cheap, cheap, cheap to buy.
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There are very few with removable batteries like this one, tho.

iRiver has some toblerone-like sticks with reportedly iffy joysticks, last I looked. Not many others come to mind. For extended travelling, camping, or simply having the freedom to switch batteries when one runs out in the middle of your day...it's nice to bring a spare AAA rechargeable with you and enjoy music without constantly being pc-bound.

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 6th 2007 9:54AM]

The 20-dollar ones I'm talking about use replaceable batteries.
That's part of how they keep them cheap.

[tekdroid @ Jul 6th 2007 10:05AM]

any brand/model info? links?

[aaron @ Jul 6th 2007 12:23PM]

The brand and model are right there in front of you..

And it hasn't actually arrived in stores yet.

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 6th 2007 9:21PM]

mymusics radio shack

[tekdroid @ Jul 7th 2007 12:16AM]

aaron @ Jul 6th 2007 12:23PM
The brand and model are right there in front of you..

Kerr @ Jul 6th 2007 12:22PM
The brand and model are right there in front of you..
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To be clear, I was asking strider_mt2k for links to other models sporting a removable battery. Thanks, I realise this one is listed here :)

[L. Cyphre @ Jul 6th 2007 9:27AM]

Out of curiosity, am I the only one to think the thing's fugly as hell?
And the specs are pretty basic too.

[anonymous @ Jul 6th 2007 9:57AM]

DUH on the basic specs. that is one of the selling points.

[L. Cyphre @ Jul 6th 2007 11:33AM]

>anonymous

Yeah but what's the point when players exactly like this one (and mostly better looking) have been on sale for years now?

[Kerr @ Jul 6th 2007 12:22PM]

The brand and model are right there in front of you..

And it hasn't actually arrived in stores yet.

[Rob @ Jul 6th 2007 11:09AM]

I like it. It's very sporty and outdoorsy looking.
So, depending on the price, I wouldn't mind getting it.
Now, 4gigs for around $60 wouldn't be a bad price.
As long as it doesn't require proprietary software to load your audio content, it'd be a great addition.

[frank @ Jul 6th 2007 11:30AM]

My first MP3 player was an MPIO:
http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/review/mpio_dmk_mp3_player_review
http://www.pcpop.com/pcpopimg/04/10/27-14-37-38-711345250.jpg

It came out in '01 or '02 and held a whopping 128 MB. The desgin was brilliant and I can't imagine anything so small having a better interface. It came with a lanyard with integrated earbuds which are the best free earbuds I've ever used (better than Apple's by far). And the thing looked like it came from aliens.

The only downside was the proprietary software which was terrible. Why must DAP makers continue to insult my intelligence by using proprietary software?