mp3 anywhere review

this is a product by x-10 technology. you have probably seen their ads around the net for the smallest remote video camera... needless to say those things freak me out... mp3 anywhere however is a pretty cool product, that deserves a place in the mainstream consumer retail world. also mp3 anywhere comes with something else that deserves a place in everyone's multimedia pc system, a remote control for your computer.

mp3 anywhere is a transmitter, a receiver, a remote control (that interfaces with your computer) and a software program the runs most mainstream audio appz - winamp(which is now available for free), music match, etc all for 88 dollars... you hook up the transmitter to your speaker out, and the receiver to wherever you want your music to be transmitted to, a home stereo, or just a pair of stand alone computer speakers.... i used a set of computer speakers...

the sound quality at short distances under 5 feet is almost perfect.... ten feet to fifty feet, there is a very noticeable hiss. however as you turn the volume up the hiss does not grow, and if you turn it up moderately the music cloaks it. so the hiss is really only going to be a problem for people that listen to their music very quietly. in one of my tests i had my source speakers set up outside about thirty five feet away from the transmitter. with the volume at moderate or higher levels the performance was quite adequate, radio like. in fact this system would make an optimal party sound system. you would be able to have your sound system outside with the ability to control it via the remote. and you would not have to worry about your cd library being lifted. it is not flawless digital sound, but it is a usably good and versatile portable sound option.

the included remote control is really the standout here. a little black box plugs into one of your serial port allowing your remote control to communicate with your computer. you can program the remote to open up any application. the 'boom' software which is free, but you have to download, controls the most popular music programs so you can play, pause, adjust volume, fast forward, rewind, all with the remote. the remote worked up to 50 feet away. i think anyone that likes to listen to music as they go to sleep or just wants the ability to remotely control their tunes needs this. the remote can be purchased separately for around 30 dollars which would be the way to go if the mp3 anywhere does not fit your needs.

_price >>> 5 performance >>> 3 design >>> 4

4 pc's out of 5