HDD vs Hi-MD, which should I choose?

[IndyMCSE]

Hello, I am new to this forum and had a question. I am debating between 3 different digital audio devices. The Rio Karma, Sony MZ-RH10, and the Vaio Pocket. My main use is listening to music while riding the bus. My current Sharp MD-702 has started to skip on me as I carry it in my pocket walking to/from the bus stop. Has anyone had any trouble with the Vaio Pocket doing this? Thanks in advance for any/all information anyone is able to provide.

[Ishiyoshi]

Hello, I am new to this forum and had a question.  I am debating between 3 different digital audio devices.  The Rio Karma, Sony MZ-RH10, and the Vaio Pocket.  My main use is listening to music while riding the bus.  My current Sharp MD-702 has started to skip on me as I carry it in my pocket walking to/from the bus stop.  Has anyone had any trouble with the Vaio Pocket doing this?  Thanks in advance for any/all information anyone is able to provide.

←

Welcome to ALC!

Rest assured, I am confident to say that the VAIO Pocket does not skip while you're walking or running.

[IndyMCSE]

Thanks so much for the prompt reply Ishi!!

Now, since I know that you have both the Vaio Pocket and the Sony MZ-RH10, which do you find to be a better overall machine? I like the idea of the VP due to the larger color screen and larger capacity and they are both around the same price. Do you find any advantages of the RH10 over the VP for just music playing? Which one sounds better? etc.

[Ishiyoshi]

Thanks so much for the prompt reply Ishi!!

Now, since I know that you have both the Vaio Pocket and the Sony MZ-RH10, which do you find to be a better overall machine?  I like the idea of the VP due to the larger color screen and larger capacity and they are both around the same price.  Do you find any advantages of the RH10 over the VP for just music playing?  Which one sounds better?  etc.

←

The VAIO Pocket’s larger, crisp and vibrant color screen with a fixed 40GB HDD definitely gives it more appeal over the RH10. However, you can’t really compare these two devices as they are completely of different genre.

Nonetheless, the VAIO Pocket is extremely useful if you only listens to music and do not conduct any recordings. However, in general I do not find the VAIO Pocket any better than the RH10 in music playback and sound quality. With this in mind, the most significant advantages of the RH10 over the VAIO Pocket for just music playback are:

1) Customizable Sound EQ

2) Cheaper battery replacements in the long run; more accessible as well.

3) PCM playback

Please note: since sound quality is a subjective topic and I will only say that the VAIO Pocket provides somewhat fuller sound but this is by no means better than the RH10.

Overall, I prefer the VAIO Pocket when I am in-flight or on outdoor photography; as for general purposes, I prefer the RH10 since it’s somewhat smaller and is independent of the cradle when you need to interact with SonicStage or the PC.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend the VAIO Pocket over the RH10 if you only need it for listening purposes.

[IndyMCSE]

Thank you again Ishi for the prompt reply and the detail included in the reply. I believe I will most like end up with the Vaio Pocket then.

[pata2001]

Not to go against the forum's title, but the Rio Karma is 1 of the best MP3 DAP out there, feature wise. It is the only MP3 DAP that can play MP3, OGG, and WMA gaplessly. Too bad it is discontinued already, but you can find it real cheap now. Other great feature is it has an excellent parametric EQ, which has been praised by almost every reviews. The drawbacks, it is not a USB mass storage device, and requires Rio music manager to transfer tracks.

The Vaio pocket, although a good device by itself, IMO would be overkill for your purpose. Not only that it is probably too big/heavy to be pocketable, since it is a hard-drive, it will be more fragile for portable purposes. I would put it inside a good case, and inside your backpack. The good thing is it comes with a remote, and with 40GB, you can pretty much bring your whole music collection with you.

HiMD actually seems to be a really good choice. 1GB would probably give you a good amount of music, especially if you use LP2 or HiLP (HiLP would probably be good enough, especially inside a bus), and you can always carry an extra disc. The only drawbacks is the slower transfer process (vs USB2.0 transfer of Rio Karma and Vaio pocket), and the extra discs (if you want your whole music collection with you).

Edited August 11, 2005 by pata2001

[IndyMCSE]

Can anyone please post any size comparison pics of the pocket beside maybe a Rio Karma and/or IPOD?

[Ryzir]

If size is an issue for you you can check out the NW-HD3. They are going for under $200 on eBay and are smaller than the VP and RH10.

I have owned a Rio Karma and wasn't that impressed with it. It would only sometimes be gapless and sound quality wasn't that great either even with OGG. Also it is pretty bulky and doesn't have very good battery life.

I have been increasingly impressed with my HD1. When I bought it I also had Hi-Md. I ended up selling all my Hi-Md equipment because the HD1 did everything I needed and more. Plus the battery life is amazing on it.

Anyway good luck with your decision. Every DAP has their own advantages, you just need to find the one that caters to your needs.

[IndyMCSE]

I found the following review with IPOD/VAIO POCKET size comparison if anyone else is interested.

VAIO POCKET review