BenQ Joybee 120

Cute as two buttons and not far off the same size, the whimsically named Joybee 120 is one of the smallest MP3 players we've seen. Its sub-matchbox 57 x 38 x 12mm size and stylish all-metal casing propels its desirability factor through the ceiling - everyone in PC Pro's offices who saw it wanted to fondle it.

The Joybee's shape means it differs from most of the small thumbdrive players: it needs to be connected via a USB cable rather than being directly plugged in. It doesn't rely on a dry battery either, being fitted with a non-removable lithium ion power pack giving a claimed battery life of 16 hours. Our testing proved this figure to be pretty accurate too. Recharging is via a separate mains charger that plugs into the USB connector; you can't recharge while connected to the PC.

As well as playing WMAs and MP3s, the Joybee has an FM radio, but as far as other features are concerned the player is fairly basic. There's an equaliser offering seven presets, a dictation mode using the integrated microphone and that's about it. There's no folder-skip ability for MP3s, so albums are flattened into one continuous list of files: you need to trawl through the list manually by continually stabbing the track-skip button to get to the album you want. Skipping is fairly sluggish too, taking a couple of seconds a track.

A small size does tend to be the enemy of ergonomics, and the Joybee is no exception to the rule: the controls are arranged along one edge of the casing and are more or less impossible to use by feel. The situation isn't helped by the lack of dedicated volume buttons. Instead, four key presses are needed to adjust the volume, and the Hold function also requires a menu trawl. There's a rotary volume control on the supplied headphones, but as usual you'd be much better off getting a decent third-party set. There is a hardware on/off slide switch, though.

Fortunately, its functional limitations are made up for to some extent by its sound quality, which is more than acceptable. It doesn't require any artificial bass boost either, being nice and punchy on the default flat EQ setting.

The Joybee ranks fairly well among the legions of sub-256MB players and has a far higher desirability rating than any thumbdrive player. It's great for a casual listen on the train, but serious music lovers will probably get tired of its functional limitations all too quickly.

Author: David Fearon