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Sony MPD AP20U External CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo DriveThe sleek and silvery device enables computer users to perform common CD-R/RW burning tasks, such as backing up data, recording digital...
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The sleek and silvery device enables computer users to perform common CD-R/RW burning tasks, such as backing up data, recording digital images and creating original music CDs at up to 24X speed. When connected to a computer, the MPD-AP20U also operates as a DVD-ROM drive for viewing DVD movies, and as a Memory Stick media reader for viewing, saving and transferring files. When detached from a computer, the drive works as a stand-alone CD player that can play back standard audio CDs, as well as MP3 and WAV files from either a CD, DVD, or Memory Stick media.
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6 Reviews from Shopping.com
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Finally, but unfortunately, not good enough.
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Pros: * Right idea: play MP3s on "any" disc format * Nice to have CDRW capabilities
Cons: * Problems reading DVDs * Awful remote control * Can't play DVD videos to TV
The Bottom Line:
Wait for next generation of portable DVD-ROM MP3 players.
I've been waiting and waiting for a portable DVD-ROM MP3 player, so I jumped and bought this Sony MPD AP20U as soon as I saw it was available.
The potential of carrying 100 albums worth of music per DVD makes the portable DVD-ROM MP3 player a great concept. Unfortunately, and surprisingly, Sony blew it with their first attempt.
First, I must indicate that my main use of the MPD was for playing MP3 files (stored on DVDs) in my car. The MPD unfortunately had problems reading some of my MP3s (which play fine in any PC). And after a while, the MPD's ability to find/read MP3s actually deteriorated, to the point where you could hear it seeking for minutes and not finding the next song, especially in shuffle mode. I found that I literally had to turn the player off and on again.
The MPD's novel "remote control" was at least as infuriating. The design of this remote is one of the dumbest contemporary human factors engineering designs I've seen in a long time. For example, to advance to the next song, you must twist the cylindrical remote. This requires either using two hands or will cause cramps trying to do this with one. And the display only shows about 15-20 characters. With folder/subfolder, title, artist, album information, etc., this small display is virtually useless. Even though it has different display modes, you'll inevitably find yourself waiting for information to finally scroll into the small display window.
I suggest waiting for manufacturers to understand the unique challenges of playing a disc with 1,000 songs.
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