Amazon.com Review

Eiger Labs, maker of the first portable MP3 player, returns with this second-generation digital music player that's worth a look and a listen. In the F20V, Eiger has streamlined the design of the original MPMan to include more advanced features in a smaller package.

MPMan plays MP3 music files downloaded from the Internet or copied from your favorite audio CDs. Typically, an MP3 file contains about one minute of audio per megabyte of information at CD-quality compression rates (128 kilobits per second). The MPMan comes with 32 MB of built-in storage space. However, you can upgrade to 64 MB or store additional music content on separate SmartMedia Flash cards (sold separately). In addition to music files, this unit also supports nonmusic-data files such as .doc, .gif, .txt, and .bmp formats.

The provided MPMan Manager software was a snap to use. Once we installed it on our computer, we simply selected the MP3 files that we wanted to transfer from our PC to the MPMan. The files were transferred to the MPMan via the PC parallel port, using the supplied 25-to-18 pin printer cable. (While some other MP3 players require that the player be firmly placed in a docking station, that's not the case with the MPMan.) We were a bit disappointed that we were unable to upload MP3 files stored on our SmartMedia card back to our computer. However, this is because of a copyright protection that is built into the SmartMedia card format, and it's not a flaw in the MPMan.

This portable unit is about the size of a pager and comes in its own snug carrying case; we found it to be pleasantly lightweight and compact. Unlike many other MP3 players, the MPMan contains a bass-boost feature that offers 20 decibels of bass enhancement. We were particularly impressed with the crisp, clear sound of the MPMan's earbud-style headphones. In addition, we found that the cushioned headphones fit comfortably in our ears.

With advanced features and good sound quality, the MPMan is a good value for anyone looking for an inexpensive, entry-level digital music player.

Pros:

• Topnotch accessories included (comfortable headphones, snug carrying case)
• No-skip playback

Cons:

• Additional memory cards are expensive

Features

• 32 MB onboard memory, expandable to 64 MB
• Supports Windows 95 and 98
• Parallel-port connection with supplied cable
• Mega-bass enabled
• Palm-size portability that offers up to 12 hours of continuous playback; comes with soft carrying case, earphones, and management and installation software

Reviews (61)

REALLY NICE FOR THE MONEY--VERY EASY TO SET UP
There are a lot of really good and bad reviews for this product, but here's what i think. If you have the common sense to read about what software this product supports then it will work perfectly. You won't need any customer support because it takes all of 2 minutes to set up. I was hesitent to buy it like you probably are, but if you're looking for a cheap, but really nice mp3 player, this is the one for you. If you have windows NT don't get this player because it won't work. If you have windows 95 or 98 like most of us do then this will work just fine. Don't be scared, it's definately worth it for the money.

Low cost, entry level MP3 Player - very happy with purchase
Let me start by saying that I'd never seen or heard of Eigerman before. I don't think it's commonly available in Australia. I bought it new through a technology "trash & treasure".

I'd been shopping around for a MP3 Player a while, and had come across Diamond Rio, Creative Nomad, Samsung, Voxson, D'Music, MPZoo, LG, JazPiper,etc,etc.

However, Eigerman is by far the cheapest (paid $175AUD=$98US). Nearest rival in terms of cost was $295AUD=$165US. The highly desirable Sony Memory Stick Walkman is expected to sell for around $750AUD=$420US when released here.

The Upside:

1. Fault-free installation - I downloaded the latest MP Manager Ver3.0 from the EigerLabs website and it worked perfectly with the EigerMan. I also use the second parallel port attached to my external Zip drive for music download and have had no problems.

2. Stylish and well constructed case, basic black with velvety finish (looks better up close than some other expensive ones I've seen).

3. Everything works as advertised; Play, FF, FR, prev, next, repeat, shuffle, volume and hold via chrome finish push buttons.

4. Really impressive Bass (at Max)with 3 settings; Norm, Mid, Max.

The Downside:

1. The smallest LCD screen I'd ever seen on any current MP3 player. Just large enough to show track no., elapsed time, battery meter, volume and bit rate. Forget about song title, artist name, and other good stuff.

2. Basic model with 32MB is only just enough for 30 minutes music (i.e. appx. 5-7 songs). My first upgrade was to slot in a 32MB SmartMedia card in the single available slot to bring it to a max 64MB. By the way - it doesn't support 64MB cards - I tried.

3. Snug vinyl black case (with belt clip) has no access for the parallel interface slot or battery hatch. You have to slide it off to use either (minor gripe!).

To my untrained ear - MP3 sounds just as good as CD and the EigerMan highlights this to it's advantage.

Overall on price and basic functionality it's impressed me enough to chip in this user review. I read all the other user comments on Amazon before making the decision to buy mine.

Eigler labs and Mpman.com are the same company
Eigler labs and Mpman.com are the same company. This can be found from the manual.

Win2000/XP Driver is finally available!
Eigerlabs (officially MPMan.com, Inc.) seemed to have revitalized their business with a great new website, a bunch of new line of mp3 players, and....

the MUCH MUCH OVERDUE Win2000/XP driver for Eigerman F20! (which you can download at www.mpman.com)

F20 claims to be the first MP3 Player ever, invented in 1997. Quality wise I think F20 has an excellent sound quality and decent functionalities.

However, in light of today's more sophisticated mp3 players out there, you shouldn't even be thinking about buying it. Besides, they've discontinued the product anyway.

But thank you MPMan.com for the Win2000/XP Driver!!!

Its ok
Good sound, solid consturction. But, since it doesnt have much storage space you cant store many songs on it. Good buy for the price though. ... Read more

Product Description

If you're a mobile computer user with a LAN-based system at your office or home, you can achieve quick and easy data, applications and resource sharing by using an EigerNet PC Card 10BaseT Ethernet Adapter. High-speed operation allows you to work on your portable computer and access LAN-based information, applications and system resources - at normal speeds - without the added cost or inconvenience of a docking station or external LAN adapter. ... Read more