Eiger Labs F20 EigerMan MP3 Player

MPMan plays MP3 music files downloaded from the Internet or copied from your favorite audio CDs. Typically, an MP3 file contains about one minute of audio per megabyte of information at CD-quality compression rates (128 kilobits per second). The MPMan comes with 32 MB of built-in storage space. However, you can upgrade to 64 MB or store additional music content on separate SmartMedia Flash cards (sold separately). In addition to music files, this unit also supports nonmusic-data files such as .doc, .gif, .txt, and .bmp formats.

The provided MPMan Manager software was a snap to use. Once we installed it on our computer, we simply selected the MP3 files that we wanted to transfer from our PC to the MPMan. The files were transferred to the MPMan via the PC parallel port, using the supplied 25-to-18 pin printer cable. (While some other MP3 players require that the player be firmly placed in a docking station, that's not the case with the MPMan.) We were a bit disappointed that we were unable to upload MP3 files stored on our SmartMedia card back to our computer. However, this is because of a copyright protection that is built into the SmartMedia card format, and it's not a flaw in the MPMan.

This portable unit is about the size of a pager and comes in its own snug carrying case; we found it to be pleasantly lightweight and compact. Unlike many other MP3 players, the MPMan contains a bass-boost feature that offers 20 decibels of bass enhancement. We were particularly impressed with the crisp, clear sound of the MPMan's earbud-style headphones. In addition, we found that the cushioned headphones fit comfortably in our ears.

With advanced features and good sound quality, the MPMan is a good value for anyone looking for an inexpensive, entry-level digital music player.

Pros:

• Topnotch accessories included (comfortable headphones, snug carrying case)
• No-skip playback

Cons:

• Additional memory cards are expensive

the MUCH MUCH OVERDUE Win2000/XP driver for Eigerman F20! (which you can download at www.mpman.com)

F20 claims to be the first MP3 Player ever, invented in 1997. Quality wise I think F20 has an excellent sound quality and decent functionalities.

However, in light of today's more sophisticated mp3 players out there, you shouldn't even be thinking about buying it. Besides, they've discontinued the product anyway.

But thank you MPMan.com for the Win2000/XP Driver!!!


Its ok   December 27, 2002
Good sound, solid consturction. But, since it doesnt have much storage space you cant store many songs on it. Good buy for the price though.


Mad   December 12, 2002
Mike (Bellefontaine, OH USA)
I enjoyed using my mp3 player for about a year until I upgraded to Windows XP at home. Eiger Labs does not support Windows Xp, so I loaded all of my mp3's onto a few zip disks and took them to work where I had Windows 98. I have subsequently got a new PC with another operating system that Eiger Labs doesn't support, Windows 2000. I have wrote to Eiger's support e-mail and have yet to hear from them.

To tell you the truth I am quite mad seeing how I can't update my player with new songs and that I am stuck with what I have already installed on it. Since I started writing this I have lowered my rating from a 2 to a 1 with my anger.

I am sorry, I needed a place to vent and maybe this with help others that have Win'XP or '2000.


now windows 2000 support   October 20, 2002
William C Trick (Toronto, Canada)
I can't believe this company doesn't support NT or Win 2000. The lack of support for >32 MB Smart Media cards is also annoying. The manufacturer should wake up.


Highly not recommended   September 2, 2002
Pierce Soracco (CA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

When I first got the player, I was very happy with it, the space was limited though, and file transfers were pretty low. Then I upgraded to windows NT ... and the player is completely incompatible. I tried e-mailing eiger labs, my first e-mail went completely unread or responded too, and after my FOURTH e-mail, I finally got a response saying that no, it did not support NT software, and they never plan to make compatible software ... all my further e-mails were ignored. It is a good deal, and if you can get compatible software, its a great player ... but don't buy it to find you can completely not use it. Also, the customer support has just been god awful, and offered no help or even apology.