RCA Pearl 2 GB MP3 Player with FM Radio and Direct USB (Blue)

I don't like proprietary stuff. I don't like proprietary software (iTunes, WMP), cables (the iPod dock connector) or nonreplaceable li-ions that have to be kept topped off on the charger between sporadic uses and stop holding their charge within 12 months (see also: Apple).

In other words, I am really only interested in MP3 players that are plug-and-play for file transfers with no particular software or OS required, that can run off of normal alkalines, and that use a standard USB cable of some kind or, better yet, have the USB connection facility right on the unit.

In the last few years I've bought several MP3 players - an old PNY player, couple of Sandisk m2x0 series players and a Creative MuVo v200 - which fit the aforementioned bill but had varying and sometimes serious shortcomings that have kept me looking for the ultimate in practical MP3 players. The Pearl TH1602 seems to be a new contender meeting my two big requirements, and at an even better...Read more

I have purchased two units, and recieved two under their warranty replacement program. They were all were so buggy that after about 2 weeks, they stopped functioning entirely. Can't even use the radio.
When it did work, I loved it, but it is so frustrating to have to get them to send out a replacement every few weeks....
Tech support via webite and phone line; you'll need it. Judging from the call I made to them today, they are expecting to hear from Pearl buyers....
The product is seriously flawed. It won't shut down, freezes up etc. Yes, i installed the patch from their website. It helped with the freezing up during shut-down.
Tech support told me it would take a SD card up to 2 GB, to answer the previous reviewer's question....

This little mp3 player would be perfect for people who don't need to carry their music collection around with them and like the idea if their player runs out of juice they can slap in a cheap AAA battery. However, two major problems. Well, actually four. But the two biggies, one you can't navigate files by directory. You can't put, say, music in one directory and podcasts in another. This player just presents all files in one big list to you. You can sort them by tags but that's a bit of pain. The real deal killer is the second problem. When you turn the mp3 player off and on the player doesn't remember where you were. That's not bad for 3 minute songs but if you're 30 minutes into a podcast, it takes a while to ff back to where you left off, assuming you remember.

Other minor problems, the SD card reader doesn't seem to read all SD cards. And it really doesn't kick out much in the way of volume. If you're trying to listen to a podcast on a subway or on a busy street,...Read more