Creative unveils improved MuVo MP3 players, say hello to MuVo 2

September 5, 2003

Creative has unveiled the MuVo 2; an improved MP3 player over the predecessor MuVo. The MuVo 2 pictured here in blue, features a 1.5GB Micro Disk according to a UK press release, but Creative's web site does not mention its storage technology. The Micro Disk is likely Iomeg's new 'Flash Killer' drive. Either way, it uses a USB 2.0 connection for transferring music to the device.

Its features include a signal to noise ratio of up to 98dB; very near that of their Sound Blaster Audigy sound cards. It features a four-band equaliser with four pre-sets. Dimensions are 66mm x 65mm x 20mm (2.6 x 2.6 x 0.8in) and weighs 90.7g (3.2oz) with the battery.

Creative is also preparing the more sturdy model 'MuVo 2 X-trainer" shown here in yellow, for joggers that uses "Skip Free" storage (likely solid state flash). These are expected to come in 512MB and 1GB models. All three products have an optional FM radio/Remote Conrol add-on.

Creative has followed up its MuVo compact Flash drive MP3 player with a beefier model the MuVo 2. In place of the older ciggie lighter-style case comes a 6.6 x 6.5 x 2cm (2.6 x 2.6 x 0.8in) shell. It weighs 90.7g (3.2oz) with a battery.

The player features 1.5GB of storage. Whether it's solid state or something else isn't clear. The UK press release talks of a "1.5GB micro disk", while Creative's web site doesn't refer to any specific storage technology, but notes that it operates as a "USB flash drive with any PC".

Update: Quite possibly the micro disk is Iomega's new Flash killer, the as yet unbranded 'Clik 2' drive.
In either case, music tracks can be transferred to the device across a USB 2.0 connection.

Musically, the player offers a signal to noise ratio of up to 98dB - "as good as expensive hi-fi systems!" claims Creative. It also features a four-band equaliser with four pre-sets.

The MuVo 2 goes on sale in the UK next month for Â£ 199.99. In the US it will retail for around $ 230

MP3 players have been around for several years now. Until the introduction of 'Hard Drive' and CD based MP3 players, most of them had a limit of 64MB to 128MB or what ever was the maximum external flash that could be added on. These players at least provide a large flash capacity without going through the roof on the price.

I find that solid state players are best suited to those who need a light & compact player for walking, jogging, etc. For those who travel by bus, car, train, etc. a CD/HDD MP3 player is cheaper and has much more MP3 storage than the equivalent solid state version at the cost of physical size and weight. As solid state players do not have moving parts, they tend to last longer on batteries. I have a Goodmans CD MP-370 MP3 player and find the large capacity of a CD-R very useful. Despite its claim of having 120 second shock protection, it does skip if it gets several bumps. Also, there is a noticeable background hiss constantly in the background. The better the Signal-to-noise ratio, the less background hiss there is 😉

The MuVo 2 goes on sale next month for Â£ 199.99 in the UK and the US for around 230 dollars US. The MuVo 2 X-Trainer is expected to be priced around $ 499 for the 1GB model and $ 270 for the 512MB model.

Source: The Register