Product Reviews

FujiFilm is best known to Mac users for its extensive line-up of digital cameras. However, as a benefit from its adopted Flash media format - the postage stamp-size xD-Picture Card - it has produced a versatile USB xD card reader and MP3 player in one.

Plugging directly into the USB connection on your Mac, the reader allows digital files from an inserted card to be transferred using iPhoto and, when finished, audio files to be downloaded to the same card for use with the player. There's no Flash memory supplied, and without it the player has no extra storage for MP3 files. Cards vary in price, but a 128MB xD card storing several hours of music (depending on bit rate) can be had for around £50.

The device is not much bigger than a key-fob for a car, and sports a concealed cover for the removable solid-state xD cards

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(currently to a maximum of 512MB), as well as a covered USB 1.1 interface. The player is understated with a simple layout.

To the front are four thumbnail-shaped buttons for power and volume, as well as the usual controls, including next and previous track. Fingertip precision is required, though each in turn are responsive. A tiny chrome button to the unit's side provides a bass boost and random play option by alternate touch. There's a chrome slider too, which locks all the buttons. Battery life from the single AAA-size cell is better than we expected and lasted for an impressive six hours over several days testing.

Fujifilm has a supplied a jogger-friendly case with a clear plastic front, allowing for unhindered operation of the player's controls, and there's a large, powerful, spring-loaded belt clip, which is more than up to the job. A pair of stereo earphones is included, and is surprisingly good, with better-than-average bass response, although the top-end is indistinct.

There's no remote control, of course, and no screen to view tracks, but the layout is easy enough to navigate and its simplicity of design and function are great attributes. Beyond the likes of the hard disk players with their greater capacity, we see little reason not to recommend this stylish little player. And if you're already a FujiFilm digicam user with a stack of xD cards, then the xD MP3 is even more tempting.