 Initially I was very excited about this device. Co ... Strengths: Decent sound, even from included earbuds.
Backlit LCD display.
Convenient inline remote/FM Tuner duplicates most functions on the main unit.
Included AC adapter and 2 AA batteries (alkaline).
Weaknesses: Non-standard DC input jack.
Has trouble with certain MP3's.
Unnecessarily difficult to navigate folders.
Large-pixel LCD display looks cheap compared to other models.
Slow text scrolling.
Summary: Initially I was very excited about this device. Computers4Sure shipped it quickly, and from other reviews I'd read, it seemed to be exactly what I wanted. It even came with a free set of batteries - Duracells, not the cheapo ones that are usually included with a device like this. However, once I recieved the box, the disappointments came one after another.
First, the DC input is a non-standard size, so the carkit I have would not work with it. Even with its included ear buds, the Bling produces a nice range of sound, with a good set of EQ presets (I'd read complaints that this unit couldn't produce very loud sound, but I didn't notice that). However, the sound glitches all over the place when playing an MP3 of anything but 128 or 192kbps - so all the 160kbps, and variable bitrate songs that I have were totally unlistenable. And even though the screen is backlit, which was a major selling point for me, the pixels are huge which makes it look old and cheap. And finally, if you arrange your MP3's into folders by Artist/Album as I do, be prepared to spend a long time navigating the menus looking for them. Why more manufactureers can't use a simple 1-touch navigation system is beyond me. And the last disappointment, however minor - the LCD on the remote only works in FM mode, to display the station. And, of course, it's not backlit.
Overall, this is an okay unit for the price, but there are better ones out there for around the same amount of money.
As a footnote - Computers4Sure's customer service department sucks. The automatic return system on their website does not work, they never responded to my emails, and when I called their 800 number I was greeted by a surly rep who promised to email me an RMA but never did.
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