The player doesn't skimp in the feature department. With support for MP3 and DRM-protected WMA files, the FY400 is compatible with songs purchased online, and it can play and record FM radio, as well as record voice notes and from external sources. The latter feature is less impressive, given the player's paltry 128MB of storage (it also comes in 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB), but it could come in handy for, say, ripping an audiocassette using an old Walkman. For voice, line-in, and FM recording alike, the player encodes in MP3 format at a maximum sample rate and bit rate of 44.1KHz and 128Kbps, respectively. The maximum bit rate is 320Kbps if you drop to a 32KHz sample rate.
As a radio, the FY400 features autoscanning, 20 auto or manual presets, and even support for worldwide FM bands, instead of just the United States'. It also sports a seven-band equalizer (which is better than the five most players offer) with five presets and a user-adjustable mode. You can also choose from four sound effects, such as Concert and Dynamic Bass. Just be prepared to spend some time mastering the FY400's awkward interface, which relies on a smallish four-line LCD and an often odd combination of button presses and joystick manipulation.
Though equipped with a USB 2.0 interface, the FY400 proved a serious slowpoke in our transfer tests. With so little storage available with our 128MB version, however, that wasn't a major issue. Our bigger complaints are with MPIO's torturous unpadded earbuds, which sound OK but really hurt our ear canals, and the FY400's $120 price tag. That's definitely on the high side for a 128MB player, even with the extra features. The 256MB model sells for $150, which also strikes us as a bit high. Indeed, despite good overall sound quality and an impressive roster of features, the FY400 comes up short in the key areas of affordability and storage capacity.
- See more CNET content tagged:
- audio player,
- joystick,
- battery,
- USB,
- LCD
%20MP3%20player%20reviews%20-%20CNET%20Reviews&srcUrl=http://homeinstallation.cnet.com/mp3-players/mpio-fy400-128mb/4505-6490_7-31243339-2.html){kind=small}