Verbatim has released a low end 256MB MP3 player that capitalises on their expertise with storage solutions, by offering an expandable slot. What this means is that in addition to the inbuilt 256MB memory, you can purchase an additional SD or MMC card to store extra memory. As these cards are starting to approach sizes of 4GB and higher, this greatly enhances the amount of music you can potentially carry around with you. These cards are also expensive however, and Verbatim hasn't included any in the sales package.
Apart from the expandable memory, there is nothing particularly noteworthy about this unit. In fact, that are two good reasons we would steer away from buying one. Firstly, it uses a USB cable to transfer music. We like the fact that USB 2.0 is supported, ensuring fast transfers, but after using MP3 players that plug directly into USB ports without the need for cables, we will never go back to cable based players again. The issue is simply one of convenience - the Verbatim player requires you to carry a cable around with you just to transfer music or files, which is an unnecessary limitation.
The second reason we would be hesitant about purchasing the Verbatim player is that it runs on an AAA battery. This means that you will have to continually buy batteries rather than simply recharging the unit. On the other hand, some users may find recharging something of hassle and may even prefer just buying disposable batteries. We, however, are poor product reviewers and continually buying batteries is an added expense we can do without.
The Verbatim player is both small and light, with a silver and black finish and a small OLED screen positioned on the front. The menu system on the unit is relatively simple to master, but not visually appealing. We didn't feel the unit was particularly well constructed and found the battery case slipped off rather easily. A set of hard to press buttons are situated on top of the device, with the USB port placed at the bottom.
Continuing the theme of ordinariness, the features on this player are nothing to write home about. In addition to music playback, you can also listen to or record from an FM radio and make voice recordings. This is all rather standard fare these days, as is the inclusion of an equaliser and line-in recording.
