Memorex MPD8505CP Personal CD/MP3 Player with 45 Seconds of Anti-Skip Protection

Accommodating standard CDs as well as CD-Rs or CD-RWs brimming with MP3 or .WAV audio files, the Memorex MPD8505CP MP3-CD player packs high technology into a low-lying music player, giving you beck-and-call access to literally hours of music from a single MP3-encoded CD. And did we mention that it's far cheaper than any of its name-brand competition?

Each of the player's multifunction control buttons is used for standard CD controls like Play, Pause, Skip, or Stop, as well as programming functions such as File/Directory, File Search, Display, and the numbers and letters of the alphabet. That's right--unlike other MP3 CD players, this one shows track and artist information, and lets you add it as well. Unfortunately, the buttons aren't clustered together for ready access, but configured in an eleven-button semi-circle to memorize.

Imperceptive controls with multiple functions demand a good study of the manual to guide you through searching and programming. You'll also need to spend some time learning and remembering things like stop" also means "off", and other such hidden functions.

It also seems that due to the MP3 chip, start-up time is slower than on standard CD players. After loading a CD, we had to wait at least 10 seconds to be able to play, search, or adjust any of the controls. Meanwhile, the dark LCD display screen remains blank while you wonder if the unit is on or if the CD has been loaded correctly. Then, it takes an additional 10 to 15 seconds for it to play. While not a huge inconvenience, a portable unit for car use should react quickly to minimize the time spent fiddling with it.

The DBBS (Dynamic Bass Boost System) offers impressive bass reinforcement. The high end is bright and clear, although you'll hear some hiss with quieter tracks or during music featuring a soloist.

A 45-second "electronic skip protection" feature lets you use the Memorex on road trips, bus rides, or brisk walks, though we did experience occasional skips even on relatively sedate bus rides.

Memorex includes a complete car kit, a nice convenience. But despite its quirks (and despite its bulky and awkward design), this Memorex piece can be a good way to take music along any journey, long or short--especially when used with a good set of headphones. --Zoe Knight

Pros:

• Plays MP3 CDs
• Cheaper than name-brand competition
• Car kit included
• Good bass boost
• Locked lid
• Album/Track directory
• Anti-shock protection

Cons:

• Bulky design
• Confusing control buttons
• Hard-to-read display screen
• Delayed reaction time for control functions
• Headphone jack hiss heard with quieter tracks

Find your way around an MP3 disc with the MPD8505CP's handy text search feature, which allows you to search by subject, title, or artist. For example, if you're in a romantic mood, press the file search key, then enter "L-O-V-E" for every track on your disc that fits the bill. Keep track of where you are with the MP3 playback display which shows the directory, track, and playback time.

This player features 45-second antiskip protection and a rugged sports design in silver. Memorex throws in a car kit to facilitate hookup to your car's cassette deck. An AC/DC adapter is also included. Memorex claims seven hours of playback time from two AA alkaline batteries for the CD player with skip-protection off, and six hours for MP3 play. Standard CD player features include 24-track programming, random play, track skip, repeat, a 1-bit digital-to-analog converter, and digital dynamic bass boost.