Philips eXpanium MP3 Player

Philips eXpanium MP3 Players have plenty of credibility amongst consumers and journalists. On this page Review Centre's Editor examines the evidence in the eXp's favour combining overview of review centre reviews, industry experts points of view plus a run down of various models, all at a glance.

Overview

Philips, one of the largest consumer electronics producers in the world, has long been a brand which inspires confidence. Launched in 2001 The Philips eXpanium was an MP3 CD player using near-standard CD display, showing track and album numbers and times with six transport control keys on the lid.

The idea was for a cost efficient music carrier, with MP3 compression enabling up to 10 hours of audio to be stored and played back from CD. Although a few found the design a little chunky initially most reviewers rated the eXpanium to be first-rate for audio performance and ease of use.

Basically this product is a CD portable specifically designed to play 8cm (3-inch) CDs which can contain several hours of compressed digital audio in formats like MP3, UDF or AAC. Creating CDs no different to normal CD-R or CD-RW discs. Successive models have continued to compete well in this corner of the market with latest eXp offering up to 80 hours playback plus games and video technology.

eXp Models

2002

eXp303 - 15 hours playback time.eXp401 - The sharp-looking two-tone gray case has silver and bronze accents and a jewel-like LCD.

2003

eXp431 - The 431 uses Philips Magic Electronic Skirotection feature to ensure that playback remains smooth.

2005

• eXp521 - Listen to music and play games on the go.
• eXp5463 - Super slim and sturdy design with charging cradle and wearable remote. 80 hours playback.

Basic Specification

• 30 track programming.
• Track and disc repeat and shuffle modes.
• Dynamic Bass Boost.
• Electronic shock protection (ESP).
• Key lock/resume mode.
• Standard rotary volume control graces.
• 3.5mm stereo sockets for headphones and for line output.
• External power input for the supplied AC adapter.
• Stereo earphones.
• In line remote control.
• Requires 2 x AA alkaline batteries.
• CD burner with suitable MP3 software and computer.
• Plays audio CDs and MP3 files from CD-ROM.
• Supports CD-RW and unfinalised multisession CD-R.
• Size: 139 x 130 x 30 mm.
• Weight: 331g.

Online Reviews

PC Authority said:

Brilliant idea for providing MP3 on low cost media, marred only by the difficulty of navigating through hundreds of tracks on a CD-ROM with minimal information.

Amazon.Com said:

The eXpanium currently leads the way in what will likely be the next big portable audio format..

Review Centre Reviews

This has been one of the best things Ive acquired lately, I just leave it playing for the whole day with only one CD, which has all my favorite songs. The sound quality is great.

Never skips, long battery life, holds lots of music, plays CD-RWs, looks sexy.

All in all, it is a great player and I can assure you will be happy with it for as long as you own it.