Rio 800 128 MB Digital Audio Player (MP3/WMA)

This version of the Rio 800 comes with 128 MB of memory, enough for about 2 hours of near-CD quality MP3 music. (Another version comes with 64 MB of built-in memory.) It can also accommodate Windows Media Audio (WMA) files, which can double the playing time, thanks to the format's high compression. If 128 MB isn't quite enough for you, SONICblue sells proprietary Memory Backpacks (instead of standard memory cards, like SmartMedia or CompactFlash) that can boost your Rio by an additional 32 or 64 MB. Unfortunately, prices are still fairly high for these Backpacks; hopefully they'll come down as Rio's popularity increases.

Another great feature is the built-in microphone feature that lets you record meetings and notes to yourself, then play them back later. And if your tastes run more to spoken-word recordings, Audible.com media files take up even less memory.

The Rio 800 is powered by a rechargeable battery, which we found to be perfectly acceptable. It averaged around 6 to 8 hours of continuous use per charge and required only a few hours to recharge. A red light let us know when the battery was being recharged, turning off when the battery was ready. The 800's carrying case is also much improved from earlier Rio models--smartly designed, form fitting, and providing easy access to all the controls.

The control buttons are centrally located, and with some practice we were able to operate the Rio's various functions without looking at it. On the unit we tested, we had to be sure to push toward the top of the volume rocker to increase the sound level, rather than where the volume icon was located, but that barely registered as a minor irritation.

A boon for frequent exercisers is the (misnamed) Hold switch, which locks the controls in case of accidental bumps. The Rio also comes with a pair of folding headphones that look cool but were uncomfortable to wear for more than about 20 minutes.

The LCD screen is a bit larger than most and has plenty of room for information like the current song title, sample rate, time, track number, and volume. However, to display that much info means using a small font, so at times it was hard to read. And the circular display window put form over function; it looked nice but it was sometimes difficult to see objects around the edges due to the shadow projected by the circular frame. We had to tilt the unit nearly every time to see the play indicator to find out if the music was stopped or just paused.

Overall, though, these criticisms are minor quibbles compared to what the Rio 800 offers: a portable repository for all your digital audio needs, from tunes to voice recording, with high-quality playback. --Jeff Carlson

Pros:

• Great memory storage for MP3s--even better if using the WMA format
• Voice-recording function
• Rechargeable battery

Cons:

• Display can be hard to read at times

The Rio 800 supports the most popular audio formats--MP3 and WMA--and can be upgraded to support emerging digital standards so your Rio is always up to date. SDMI compliance means you can download secure tracks from all the major recording labels. Also upgrade your Rio 800 with separate snap-on Memory Backpacks up to 340 MB to give you up to nine hours of music playback. The USB interface allows you to download songs from your PC or Mac to your Rio faster than with any other interface type.

The Rio comes with a one-year warranty.

Problem: does not work with XP
solution: they have resently released a installer that will seat up everything on xp. just go to support then download (on the left side of the screen). after that chose what version or rio 800 you have. then go to software and the first thing on the screen will be the support sofware for Xp. read the Warning befor downloading it.

Problem: it has stopped working
solution: due to a design flaw the charger port and the head set hock up is the same size. people have been confusing them and putting the chrger in the head set place. this will destroy the player. contact custimer support for a replacment.

problem: bad custimer supprot
reason: due to theis problems and flaws they have been backlogged in support department for some time. you will eventualy be able to get ahold of them and will send you replacemet parts and see if you will be able to get a replacement player.


RIO 800 is Poor At least   February 4, 2003
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

I have had the product for less than 6 months and after the product was charged originally, it never held a charge for more than an hour afterwards. Product drivers seem to be plentiful, but generally don't work. I have used RealOne software (which is shipped with the product)and upgrades. I have used MusicMatch Jukebox (which I think is a great product) and I have used Windows Media Player 7.1 All products hang when transferring music to the machine. I am using up to date operating software (Windows 2000 SP3). There is literaly no support I can find. RIO Support when you mail them, do not answer. I wish I could truly find an MP3 player out there that actually does what it is suppose to do .....