Which players have separate search and skip (AMS) buttons (total of four buttons)?

[bstct]

Hi, The original portable Minidisc unit, the MZ-1, had separate search and skip (AMS) buttons, i.e., FOUR buttons, |<< >>| and also << >>. I would prefer to have these four buttons in my player and would give up some of the later features to have them. Apparently separate search buttons are not desired by most Americans; later players have only the dual function (press and hold in order to search) |<< and >>| buttons.

Also, are there any Minidisc players that have the switchable-mode directional buttons as on early Sony Discmen, for example the D-180K which, in addition to the |<< and >>| buttons, also had a "KEY" button which when pushed would transform the |<< and >>| buttons into true search controls.

Are there any MD players or recorders in addition to the MZ-1 that have the four buttons or the "KEY" button described?

Thanks!!

[Skradgee]

Welcome to the forums, bstct.

I can't think of any electronic device that I've seen in recent memory with a design like that. Having the two extra buttons or even a Key button is not a bad idea, but it conflicts with the minimalist style of design that I think the Sony engineers try to implement. I'm pretty sure that all Hi-MD units DO NOT have the four buttons or a Key button that you mentioned, but there probably are probably several legacy units that have them. If you check the equipment browser at minidisc.org you should be able to find what you're looking for.

http://www.minidisc.org/equipment_browser.html

Good luck.

[WaywardTraveller]

If this helps, although the Hi-MD units don't have the buttons you're talking about, there are a couple of different ways to search. You can plod through a track by holding down the |<< and >>| buttons on the unit or remote OR, if you pause first, you can zoom through a track at lightning speed and then un-pause. It's not quite the same I know, but that's about the closest it gets.

peace

WaywardTraveller