RioVolt Hits the High Notes

Whereas a conventional audio CD holds up to 80 minutes of music, you can store 20 hours' worth of MP3 files on one recordable CD. The new RioVolt portable player, from the Rio division of Sonicblue, works with both conventional audio CDs and recordable CDs with MP3--and it also can handle Windows Media Audio (WMA) files.

An additional benefit: It is currently the only player that lets you upgrade (via CD-ROM) to add new user features as they arrive.

The RioVolt uses effective built-in 120-second shock protection to buffer audio tracks, eliminating skipping and increasing the batteries' life. In the shipping unit I tested, the buffering was noticeable--particularly on the MP3 tracks. The disc stops spinning after about 10 seconds, and it starts up again about 2 minutes later.

The song title, track number, artist name, and overall playing time appear in the device's two-line backlit LCD panel. Rio says two AA batteries will last for 15 hours playing WMA files; I got a little over 12 hours while listening more to regular CDs than to discs encoded with MP3s.

I slapped the player around a bit while a CD was playing, and it didn't skip a beat. You can switch the 120-second shock protection span to 10 or 40 seconds for standard CDs to prolong battery life.

Unlike flash-memory MP3 players, this music player does require you to carry around discs to play. The flip side? With discs at hand, you don't have to hook up the unit to your computer when you want to change the music.

Priced at $170, the RioVolt won't give you sticker shock. It ships with earphones, an eight-function remote control, an AC adapter, Easy CD Creator 4 software, Real Jukebox software, and a carrying case.

SUMMARY

RioVolt PRO: Dual-purpose CD player handles MP3-encoded discs for up to 20 hours of music; good battery life. CON: You'll need a CD burner to listen to MP3s or upgrade firmware. VALUE: Competitively priced with high-end portable MP3/CD players; its ability to play WMA files is a plus. List price: $170 Sonicblue 800/468-5846 www.sonicblue.com