Print
Email
Comment
Facebook
Digg this
March 3, 2008 at 04:19:00 PM | more stories by this author
These really aren't the worst MP3 players of 2007. The actual worst MP3 players are the ones we didn't even dignify with a review--and there are hundreds of them. Here are the best of the worst MP3 Players of 2007.
Explaining why a product sucks is the toughest part of my job. You'd think it'd be easy to tear a bad product to smithereens, but some of the hardest reviews I've had to write are for the bunk gadgets that don't deserve your time.
For example, it took us nearly 800 words to describe exactly why the Coby MP-C7092 received the lowest rating CNET has ever awarded to an MP3 player. Ultimately, an absurd interface and a nonstandard headphone jack gave Coby the edge it needed to earn the distinction of CNET's second-worst product of 2007.
While we're constantly being surprised with new ways to be disappointed, the constant that runs through all of these abysmal products is their lowest-bidder build quality. Generally, if a product feels like a Cracker Jack toy, it's probably a dud. Which is not to say that a product can't be both cheap and good or an insanely expensive brick.
To be fair, these really aren't the worst MP3 players of 2007. The actual worst MP3 players are the ones we didn't even dignify with a review--and there are hundreds of them. At least the following manufacturers had the nerve to step into the ring and take one on the chin. Better luck in '08, fellas.
 |
 2.3 Terrible |
1. Coby MP-C7092
Don't bother.
Read user review of the Coby MP-C7092.
Price: $55-56 (check latest prices)
 |
 3.7 Poor |
2. Mach Speed Trio TV5
The Mach Speed Trio TV5 is proof that sometimes a product can be less than the sum of its parts.
Read user review of the Mach Speed Trio TV5.
Price: $n/a (check latest prices)
 |
 4.7 Mediocre |
3. MPIO FL500
The MPIO FL500 may get you some attention for its design, but there are many players that beat it out on price, performance, capacity, and features.
Read user review of the MPIO FL500.
Price: $n/a (check latest prices)
 |
| 4.0 Mediocre |
3. Dada Footwear Code M/TSB
While building an MP3 player into a pair of basketball shoes is an interesting idea, the Dada Code M isn't ready for the pro leagues just yet.
Price: $n/a (check latest prices)
 |
 5.0 Average |
3. Memorex MMP8640
Vastly superior MP3 players available in the same price range. You deserve better.
Read user review of the Memorex MMP8640.
Price: $n/a (check latest prices)
 |
| 5.6 Average |
3. RCA Opal
There are better MP3 players than the RCA Opal for the money, but none capable of handling both video and photos.
Read user review of the RCA Opal.
Price: $67 (check latest prices)
