What does everyone think about the SONY VAIO VGF-AP1L 40GB mp3 player?

[demenion]

I am in the market for a new mp3 player and decided to jump on the 229.99 deal on the SONY Vaio 40GB player w/ dock and remote.

I primarily want to use it in my car and at school.

I was happy iPod owner but sold it a couple of years ago.. I kinda miss having a mp3 player in my car but I also want to try something new.

I already ordered it and should be here in a couple of days.. Seemed like a great deal. =p

My primary concern is the lack of support and community the iPod has. Does the Sony VAIO have something similiar to iPodlounge.com?

Also, I can't seem to find additional accessories for this mp3 player... Does a car charger even exist for it?

Anyways, I would just like to hear from other owners about this player.

Thanks!

Only review I can find of this product: http://www.siliconpopculture.com/review/92_0_2_0_M/

 

[Rip the Jacker]

Sony makes mp3 players ??

 

[gsaldivar]

Sony provides two different ways to get music onto your VAIO Pocket and both currently require converting your music collection to Sony's proprietary ATRAC audio compression sound format.

Deal killer.

/thread

 

[demenion]

Originally posted by: gsaldivar

Sony provides two different ways to get music onto your VAIO Pocket and both currently require converting your music collection to Sony's proprietary ATRAC audio compression sound format.

Deal killer.

/thread

That's a old review.. theres a firmware update that allows mp3s to be transfered straight over.

 

[gsaldivar]

I just read the new review. Definitely an improvement. :thumbsup:

Unfortunately, Sony still insists on forcing its DRM and SonicStage crapware on users:

Sony?s software does not convert the MP3s during transfer, it does modify the file. It seems to encapsulate the MP3 with some DRM and turns it into an OMA file. Some people may be up in arms about this especially those who wish to use their digital audio player as a storage device/mp3 player. Obviously, this is an attempt to discourage people from sharing music files.

The VAIO Pocket is a nice first try for Sony but they still have a lot of work to do to catch up with everyone else. First and foremost, they must add direct MP3 support. When every single other portable audio vendor supports MP3 and you don't, there's a serious problem. Secondly, they must redo or refine the software interface. The SonicStage software really kills what is otherwise pretty good hardware.

EDIT: For $229, I *might* learn to live with the flaws. :beer:

 

[imported_Phil]

Surely it would make more sense to have the questions answered before ordering?

 

[Deadtrees]

Look futher. Sony is a crap when it comes to mp3 players.
Oh and if you're in a market for HDD mp3 players, think about a one that has USB host function. It's extremly useful when with a digital camera.

 

[0roo0roo]

sony cr@p software and their love of attrac kills their players

 

[demenion]

For the price I feel like I could live with the software problems... =p

This player almost seems perfect but doesn't seem as viable as my iPod was in my car install.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Can you use this thing as a hard drive in windows explorer like many MP3 players to move files from computer to computer, and does it work with XP 64? I have been looking at this as well.

 

[OrByte]

sony always equates to overpriced, propriatary (sp?) CRAP

no thanks.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
sony cr@p software and their love of attrac kills their players

The latest firmware allows MP3 use now.

 

[BRObedoza]

looks pretty sweet. let us know how you like it once you get it.

 

[Schadenfroh]

This thing have a belt clip? I dont see any place for one and i dont see one on Sony's site. This thing just keeps looking better and better, now that i can connect it to my pc and use it just like a hard drive (thought would only work with sony's proprietary software, which worried me for lack of xp64bit support)

 

[imported_ArtVandalay]

Sony? Not a chance.

 

[everman]

No fm or usb host capability?

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: everman
No fm or usb host capability?

USB host capability?

btw, do the new ipods have FM yet?

 

[imported_ArtVandalay]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh

Originally posted by: everman
No fm or usb host capability?

USB host capability?

btw, do the new ipods have FM yet?

No, and they're not going to. You can buy one separately, which is far more profitable for Apple.

 

[lokiju]

If I didn't already own an Ipod I'd buy this one from Sony, has all the features I want, and yes it supports mp3 files.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: lokiju
If I didn't already own an Ipod I'd buy this one from Sony, has all the features I want, and yes it supports mp3 files.

only 20gb

 

[Schadenfroh]

bump, anyone able to find more reviews on this?