Rio Volt Portable CD MP3 Player

If you are intrigued by the whole MP3 craze, but haven’t quite made the leap yet, the RioVolt just may be for you. This slick looking CD player also plays MP3 CDs. What that means is that while you are learning what “ripping” and “burning” means you can listen to your current CD collection. Then when you do burn your first MP3 CD, the RioVolt will be ready for you.

“What are the advantages to having a CD with MP3 files?” you might ask. Well, the main advantage is that you can hold a lot more music. Depending on file size, you can listen to up to 20 hours of music using the MP3 format as opposed to the traditional WAV format that most CD’s use.

The RioVolt has many great features: It has an easy to read LCD display and a great carrying case and belt attachment. It even comes with a remote so that you can switch tracks and adjust the volume with little effort. For a few extra dollars ($21.95) you can get a car kit that lets you plug the RioVolt into the cassette tape slot in your car and listen to your music. The Riovolt is priced right at $169.95. This includes: earphones, two AA batteries, an AC adapter, carrying case and the RioVolt installation CDs including Real Jukebox, SoundJam (for the Mac) and Easy CD Creator software (to make MP3 files).

The only draw back is that once you are comfortable with making your own MP3s you will probably seek out an even smaller MP3 player that does not require a disc. But don’t fear Rio will be happy to sell you the Rio800 (see review).