The device design I find quite succeeded largely quite quality design. Only the top is a bit fingerprint sensitive (and possibly scratch-prone), the bottom of robust (interestingly, some fingerprint prone, but as the top polished).
The operation of the thumb wheel is (contrary to some reviews) not problematic, rather, that the key (reversed right buttons for left-handers) is something badly pressed the left of the slightly increased wheel for right with one-hand operation (despite my certainly more slender hands).
The TFT is brilliant, but on closer view shows a little flicker in lines. Easily viewed from the left, the image faded quickly.
It is striking that a special USB cable that is also charging the device is enclosed (ie not lose!), With a special device connector for device (here would be a standard mini-USB desirable) and USB Type A for the computer. Connected to the computer, the device can not be operated.
The USB connection must be set to the MSC mode for downloading files directly from your computer. The DB update after loading of MP3 files takes a while.
With difficulty, the video and image conversion of the additional software: the Player aspect ratio is unfortunately bitmap (JPG would be desirable), videos are saved as a QuickTime MOV. The player must be turned for cross format in image and video, video must be started to stop from the outset.
When enclosed Pocket Case broke up after 3 months already the seam, so rather simple design.
The often criticized volume problem was solved with me from the beginning, in addition to the volume control's settings also among the "normal" and "high". Also an equalizer with several fixed programs and manually adjustable in 5 frequency bands is available - but strong rate increases tend to oversteer. Sound Quality I think otherwise for ok, the accompanying headphones are high demands not sure justice.
However, in firmware version 1.2.15 there is tw. to channel dropouts, ie at the beginning of songs a canal is dead and comes after a few seconds playing time with Geknackse slowly to the correct volume up.
This error was the reason to update the firmware in February. However, (at my workplace) the update installer does not work (Maybe it's the proxy?), So I then loaded the version 1.3.1 downloaded (this is installable offline, but should now no longer be offered on the Sandisk-HP will). On the day I was able to test the device for the first time in person (for this recession) intensive. The device then works fine with regard to the dropouts. Even the 14 hours of gameplay should (without video and picture shows) get there halfway!
The operation is generally some getting used to.
For repeat play, I had the problem that the first title in the selection is not alluded to.
However, it was the beginning of April to problems with the battery - the equipment could no longer be charged via USB. Email to Support remained a week without reaction, only the case was taken up by pointing the Serial during the subsequent call to the hotline. to provide information about the HP and known to the general agent (Fa. HAMA) to send in Austria. The serial no. can be read only after unscrewing the rear cover! Replacing the device has lasted despite repeated Urgenz and 2 postponements by hama for 6 weeks (!).
With the new device, I (at home) the update installer easily used (under Windows XP) to 1.2.15 firmware upgrade to 1.2.18.
Thus, the device works now times so halfway, albeit in all firmware versions the MP3 tags can be used not always correct from the device - but a bit disturbing, after all the MP3 tags the essential navigation instrument in the song titles. Incidentally, WMA works.
Turning on the device still requires about 15 seconds (with firmware 1.3.1 was it at least about 2 seconds).
A word about the radio version (US): available with as of December 2006, isolated in Europe, however, is considerably more expensive. According to my Internet research, this missing feature is not for the firmware, but is located on a whether high license costs, missing element in the European version.
The additional slot for micro SD cards I have not used up to now, however, should allow up to 2GB Additional removable memory.
As Resümme: Nice device (were 5 *), with unfortunately still quite faulty firmware (-1 *) and very weak support (at least in Austria, also -1 *)!
