MobiBLU 1500i doesn't sound half bad

[blessingx]

Been playing this weekend with the DAH-1500i, and just wanted to say it sounds pretty good. It has a more "processed" sound compared to the smoother iPod (though some may prefer it), but while not playing with all the Trubass and WOW settings, the custom EQ settings are very useful and even the presets work well (if occasionally breaks up the highs). There's an issue with a slight pop every ten or so minutes (maybe the buffer load or just a problem with mine) which I'll have to look into. Maybe I'll exchange and see if it's there on there too. Anyway wanted to say it sounds better than its size conveys.

Otherwise, my only issue is it isn't recognized on my older Macs 1.1 USB port (listed as Mac compatible, but always references USB 2.0 - so I'm using a newer PC laptop), and the square shape isn't exactly necklace/pocket friendly.

Otherwise, very nice screen, decent controls (if stolen a bit from the iPod - see box imagry for another example), looks great, FM is "usable", protector rubber frame cube is a great idea, and as mentioned it has pretty decent (and quite customizable) sound. Overall very happy, though the Mac/USB1.1 issue may be a show stopper specifically for me.

All my listening was with AT A900s, Etys ER4Ps and Senn MX500s.

 

[LFC_SL]

You keep plugging it - are you being paid?

 

[blessingx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFC_SL You keep plugging it - are you being paid?

Errr if you do a search on my name and 'mobiblu' you get one question about bookmarking and this thread (though I may have asked where to buy one at some point also). Does that count as "keep plugging it"?

 

[Mano]

i think this review hasnt been posted yet (from pocketnow.com):

http://pocketnow.com/index.php?a=por...reviews&id=681

 

[Sparky191]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blessingx ....Otherwise, my only issue is it isn't recognized on my older Macs 1.1 USB port (listed as Mac compatible, but always references USB 2.0 - ...

USB2.0 is backward compatible with 1.1. However an old mac might need specific drivers for the unit. Especially if its OS 9..

 

[blessingx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparky191 USB2.0 is backward compatible with 1.1. However an old mac might need specific drivers for the unit. Especially if its OS 9..

Yeah, that's why I assumed it would work. Even the iPod won't charge over USB 1.1 (according to Apple though will mount to transfer), so there's something besides speed associated with the difference between the two standards. Anyway, unfortunately the MobiBLU keeps blinking like it's about ready to mount, just never does (have no problems with USB Flash drives, USB audio, etc.). BTW, I have Tiger (it's a dual G4 system) so drivers shouldn't be necessary. If anyone has any luck mounting with USB 1.1 I'd love to find out about it, but I suspect there's an issue there. Leaning towards a return as it's to inconvenient to transfer tracks between computers to then transfer to the player. And I'm not going to spend more money on a USB 2.0 card when I prefer Firewire for external HDs, etc. Anyway pretty decent little player, just looking like it's not going to work in my situation. Probably back to seeing if Apple announces anything at MacWorld Paris next month.

 

[blessingx]

BTW, PCMag just reviewed it.

 

[Mano]

I will be getting one of this players soon, my only concern is battery life, im used to my portable HiMD stamina, but i guess 10 hrs. is sufficient; i saw a review where they took the cube apart, and the battery seems very easy to replace, does anyone know if there are any batteries out there to replace the one in the unit? ones with a lot more power?