Creative's Nomad Muvo TX - A Different Kind of MP3 Player

Creative Lab's Nomad Muvo line is one of a kind in its approach of a suitable power supply. Basically, all flash-based MP3 players that we have seen use a single casing, which contains the LCD module, hardware components, power conduit, power supply (usually a single AAA battery), etc. The problem with this is that the MP3 player becomes extremely bulky if used as a pure MP3 player or flash drive.




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The Muvo line takes a different approach by separating the power supply from the rest of the components, which provides the benefit of a smaller profile flash drive. With Muvo NX and TX models (they are the same size), the Muvo line moved to an even further smaller profile, both in the battery module and flash drive. Even with the Muvo TX plugged in, the overall size is smaller than many flash-based MP3 players. In the hand, it has a similar size and feel as a Zippo lighter, measuring at 1.4" x 2.9" x 0.6" (WxHxD) and weighing 1.5 ounces (1.1 oz without AAA battery).




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The AAA battery is easy enough to install. Just push down, slide the door out and drop it in.




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  • Phiro - Thursday, May 27, 2004 - link

    The message is clear; without Ogg support, no dollars from Phiro!
  • plewis00 - Thursday, May 27, 2004 - link

    The only reason they say don't use rechargeables is because they are a different voltage (1.2V vs. 1.5V) and this can produce some strange results. In the past I've always used rechargeable batteries in my MP3 players and found the *only* problem with them is that the power management can't accurately read the remaining battery life left (e.g. my Nokia HDR-1, cuts out when it's been on 3 out of 5 bars for about 2 hours, but it still lasts about 5 hours for solid music which is in line with alkalines, Creative Jukebox goes down to 1 out of 3 bars quickly but will power up in this mode for hours). I think you will be fine with decent Ni-MH cells.
  • GraemeWright - Thursday, May 27, 2004 - link

    Agreed - but most manufacturers say that they do not support rechangeable batteries. I would agree if they do then it is a better option.

    Thanks
  • Warder45 - Thursday, May 27, 2004 - link

    iRiver > Creative

    1 - You can buy rechargible batteries anywhere for alittle more cost then normal batteries. With built in batteries once it's drained you have to stop listening and recharge, with external rechargible batteries you can quickly pop in another one while the first is rechargeing.
  • GraemeWright - Thursday, May 27, 2004 - link

    The only problem I have with most of these devices is that they do not use rechargeable power supplies. I am currently using a "No Name" player - an iBead 150 which has all the usual features of MP3 player, FM Radio, Voice and FM recording. However it has an in built battery which is charged of the USB port - you get about 14hrs of play out of a charge and weighs in at only 37g. Down side is that it is not USB2.

    Why don't other supplies add the support of at least rechargeable AAA?



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