I really enjoy the small Coby MP3 players. Using simple MSC file transfer just like onto a flash drive, I can organize audio files any way I like. I listen to mostly audio books, audio drama, and podcasts, so play lists are not needed.
The basic operating software is the same on the MP315 as on the MP305 model, but with the MP315 model I get about twice the life out of a battery than with the MP305. I get about 8+ hours of play time from a rechargeable AAA battery. Coby Micro MP3 Player with LCD and FM Radio 4 GB Flash Memory MP315-4GBLK (Black)
The device automatically installs their own "Music Manager".
It is their idea of "iTunes". (Which is exactly what I don't want).
Do yourself a favor and cancel the install. Delete the files off the device.
The previous version from Coby, the MP-305 acted just like a memory stick.
You could use any music manager to sync files, or just drag and drop.
The FM radio on the MP-305 is a little better. It picked up 22 stations, instead of the 17 stations.
Music sounds just a good as my MP-305.
The price is pretty good. A 4GB thumb runs about $5, so an extra $20 you get a radio and an MP3 player.
I give this unit 4 stars, would have been 5 if it wasn't for the cheap battery compartment door and very tiny buttons that need more pressure than I would have expected to work which is most likely going to be the points of failure for most users.
I bought this player to replace my now dead 1 gig ILO player of 4 yrs (RIP).
Overall impression is nice small sleek unit about the size of two thumb drives side by side, a very compact unit. It is a rather basic unit, not much in bells and whistles but that was I was looking for.
Unit does have FM but I have not used it (although I really didn't need FM since it is used inside a metal building which leaves radio reception less than optimal at best).
Unit has several different repeat modes, a power save (On by default, need to turn this off if you want the player to play all day), Folder search.
As some folks have noted, this unit plays files in the order they are copied to the drive, this includes folders so it ignores alphabetical order.
The work around might be to place multiple folders on the drive, name them in numerical order. I have not tried this as of yet since I simply copied my existing folders from my PC to the player which are alphabetical using the album name.
Then name your songs adding in a NUMBER sequence (IE name the file something like MYMUSIC01, 02, 03, ect) This is how I was able to get my ILO to play each song of an album to play in track order rather than alphabetical order.
Also noted by someone else, you do not need to install the Coby Media Manager software.
It does not automatically attempt to install (Coby Media Manager) unless YOU choose to do so.
Folks, READ THE MANUAL, this info IS IN THE MANUAL.
When you plug the player in to the PC it will pop up an action box which at the top of the box is Install Coby Media Manager. Just ignore that and choose to Open folders like a thumb drive, now you can simply drag and drop your MP3 files directly to the player.
If you chose to remove the preinstalled Coby Manager installation software I would suggest copying it into a folder to your PC HD just in case. The reason for this is Windows Media player 10 and above may detect your player as a media player instead of a removable drive.
This player has some quirks, when powering on, it will splash Coby on the screen, then to menu which allows you to choose the action (play, FM, setup, ect), then pause 10 seconds or so then open the play folder. But it gets crazier from there, instead of automatically playing, it WAITS in Stop mode until you press the play button not once but twice.
Additional Bonus quirk, this one I like! This unit can be powered via USB port and play! To use this quirk, you do not need to plug into a PC USB port but instead use a USB CHARGER. I have even done this with no battery installed and the unit powered up and plays when I plugged it into a USB charger. Good bye to batteries that fail during the least opportune time.
Now for the good points.
LOW COST! This unit is a steal for being under $30!
Lots of storage space (4 gig can hold nearly 40 hrs of MP3s at 128 bit encoding)
Runs from a single AAA battery (read, no expensive or non replaceable Li-Ion batts which eventually require scrapping the player). Additional bonus, this player sips on batteries, I use Duracell 1000mahr NiMH rechargeable batteries with my old player it would play about 18 hrs per charge, the Coby is easily going 30 hrs per charge! Coby was only rating it as 8 hrs of play time but this was most likely based on drycells.
Acts like a thumb drive (no special software or specific version of Windows Media player required).
Can power up and play without a battery via USB or a USB charger.
Cons.
Battery cover is extremely cheap, rather difficult to get it closed since it is so flimsy. I would think this item is going to not last long if you give it to a kid or don't pay attention to how you put the door on.
Buttons are very tiny, unless you have very small fingers, it is easy to press the wrong button or press two buttons at the same time.
Buttons need pressed a bit harder than one would expect to be needed, hopefully they won't break off.
Bass equalizer setting is a extremely muddy and really isn't a usable setting.
Display has some very tiny fonts, may not be a good choice if you require bifocals.
When using NiMH rechargeable batteries, the battery indicator never reads more than one bar??? The battery indicator appears to be designed for use with dry cells (read as non rechargables). Coby needs to add a menu item to allow adjustments for rechargeable or non rechargeable batteries like some digital cameras do.
Final notes.. If you are looking for a cool high tech, slick Ipod with playlists then this is not for you! An Ipod it is not.
If you are looking for a low cost no frills player with lots of space (4Gig) and don't mind a few short comings then this one is for you. - 4gb Mp3 Player - Aaa Battery'
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