If you’re looking for incredible digital audio quality, massive storage and fast transfer speed then the Creative Labs Nomad Jukebox 3 could be the MP3 player for you.
Like all Creative players the Nomad product line is built on strong foundations and has a clear style of its own and it costs a lot less than comparable capacity players. The model comes with capacities of 20GB or 40GB, you could be storing up to 666 hours of music on this machine with no problems at all in either MP3 or WMA formats.
One big plus with this model is that you can use SB1394 technology as well as USB to download. An SB1394 connection could increase your download times up to 10 times USB speeds. And, even the USB connection speeds are not too shabby themselves!
The Creative Labs Nomad Jukebox 3 comes with the Creative PlayCenter 3 software - this makes it easy to organize your digital music, rip CDs and transfer tracks. Other software in the kit includes a file manager program that you can use on a floppy disk so you can even keep non-music files portable. The AudioSync program can be used to synchronize your music collection. So, you can access your music with no problems by playlist, genre and artist.
This is a really intuitive player to use. The primary menus are managed by an easy to use navigation scroll button and various buttons on the front of the machine. It really won’t take you long to find your way round your options at all.
If you like your music on the move then the player’s battery capacity will be a huge advantage to you. This player outdoes even Creative’s Zen Xtra range, simply because you can fit two batteries in the machine at once. If you use both battery bays then you can get up to 22 hours of playback from one charge! The batteries here are removable (and therefore easily replaceable if need be) as well which is an added bonus down the line.
Creative Labs have a world class reputation when it comes to digital audio, the sound quality you’ll get on this player is top notch. The player is also EAX enabled which give you lots of opportunities (including Smart Volume Management and Environmental Effects options) to customize your listening experience to your own preferences, something you just won’t get with a lot of MP3 players.
The player comes with a pair of stereo earphones, a rechargeable Li-ion battery, universal AC power supply/charger, installation CD, connecting firewire and USB connector cables and a quick start guide. Current accessories include: cases, extra batteries, faceplate kits, a range of headphones/earphones, a car cassette adapter and an FM remote. If you’re shopping on the Internet for this player then you’ll find plenty of reviews and may be able to buy at a significant discount.
Pros:
- Capacity - The capacity of either Nomad 3 model is a lot bigger than that you’ll be able to get with many other similarly priced MP3 players.
- Cost - It’s doubtful you’ll be able to find a player of this high-quality/capacity for a lower price.
- Audio - Creative are the experts here and the sound is good (they claim a 98dB Signal-to-Noise ratio). Creative’s players do consistently better in many tests compared to other big-name MP3 players from a sound perspective.
- Battery - One rechargeable battery will give you up to 11 hours of use, which is good in itself. Double up with two batteries in the player, however, and you can get a massive 22 hours of continuous listening!
- Software - The software that comes with the player is easy to use and really does help you manage both your music tracks and some non-music files quickly and simply.
- Firewire Transfer - If you can use Firewire you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can transfer music.
- Analog/Optical Line-In - You can record direct from external audio devices via this option.
- Support - You’ll get comprehensive support, fix-help and firmware/driver upgrades on the Creative website.
Cons:
- Size/Design - This isn’t the smallest MP3 player in the world, it’s about the size of a CD Walkman.
- FM Tuner - The player doesn’t come with a built-in tuner.
- Headphones - Not every user likes the quality of headphones that come with the player.
Usage Tips and Tricks
If you opt to take the Nomad out and about with you then carry a paperclip with you as well. The reset button on the machine needs something small to make it work, a bent paperclip is just the right size for the reset hole.To maximize the use you can get out of this player buy an extra battery for it as soon as you can. Although the 11 hours you get from one battery is great, 22 hours from two batteries is even better!