Universe NU Dolphin Waterproof Touch 4GB MP3 Player with FM Radio

 

 

Create your own review

RADIO - I did a fair amount of research looking for the right product to help alleviate the boredom during my laps, and this was the one i settled on as i was mainly looking for a waterproof radio, the latest tracks and conversation, personally for me radio 1 is all i need, unfortunately the reception on this product is pretty poor as it relies on the earphones to act as the antenna, it could be down to where i live (North Wales), but i generally do get good reception around here, it's not like i'm in a dead spot, but i don't want to pass complete judgement on the quality of the reception purely from this one location.. to solve this issue, now i've become used to recording the live stream from the BBC website and simply putting that on the player every day. At least the radio option is there though.

STORAGE - Unless you're a fan of shuffling through your music library, then you'll find 4GB surplus to requirements, the interface doesn't allow for the easiest of navigation, you are better off picking the tracks you want for your session and transferring them before you head off to the pool. I would have liked the option of a cheaper 1GB model, but i suppose 4GB gives me the option to shuffle through 850 songs or so.

TOUCH INTERFACE - I don't understand the touch controls, as the player is most likely going to be strapped to your goggles and there is absolutely no tactile feedback on the player, you'll need to be a ninja to control the player blindly.. also if you don't lock the buttons it is extremely easy for you to accidentally press them while putting the player back on your head or wherever, and the worst flaw that seriously leads me to believe they simply tested the waterproof aspect but not the functionality.. splashes of water like in a warm shower can actually register as pushes!! I don't know why they didn't have physical buttons like the previous models, maybe there were technical issues, but the touch controls are a mixed bag, i know its all the rage in Japan where this player originates from, but i've yet to see touch buttons implemented properly in any gadget. I myself have quickly got used to locking the buttons after every use, it's not that much of an issue, but while the player looks and feels cool, it's hardly designed by Apple engineers when it comes to practicality.

BUILD QUALITY - the build quality of the player is actually pretty good, its very light and very solid, but it doesn't float, not too much of a problem for pool swimmers, but something to consider if planning to use in the wild if not attaching to your goggles. Speaking of, i'm 5' 10" and the length of the earphone cables does not allow for the player to be clipped to my shorts, i HAVE to clip to goggle, another option would be clipping to your hair clip if you have long hair, it's light enough, but i guess the belt clip is meant for dry use, but something to consider if you don't wear goggles, even if you used other waterproof earphones, it's unlikely they'll have the screw-in connector needed, you MUST use the earphones provided for wet use.

SOUND QUALITY - i work in the music/film industry so am used to reference grade sound products, and i am personally more than happy with the sound, i was never expecting anything amazing for something that works underwater, but was pleasantly surprised. As for the dry earbuds included, they are literally the worst things ever, i didn't even think it was possible to make anything as bad, if you care about sound and intend to use this player dry, then look to purchase a 2.5mm->3.5mm adaptor and use another pair of earphones, even if you don't care about sound quality i doubt the ones provided will even fit. The actual sound quality of the player is decent enough. There are only 2 types of ear plugs provided for the wet earphones, but no variance in size, i'm lucky that i have 'normal' sized ears, but anyone with small or large ears should take heed, though due to the fact these have to be pushed right in more than usual, it might not be an issue. I'm still trying to get used to them fitting perfectly and not getting waterlogged, but i'm sure i'll get there.. the plugs need to be snug or the sound will be very tinny.

CONCLUSION - while i was mainly looking for a radio and despite the radio being poor, i'm still happy with this purchase, anything that helps me with my swimming exercise is worth it for me, i just wish a more reputable company designed something like this, Sony would have made this a killer product. While the previous models might have physical buttons, no radio and half the price, the LCD screen and black color make the upgrade worthwhile, also apparently this has much better sound quality and better battery life.

Flawed, but does it's job adequately.

OK so I would consider myself mr. Average Joe. I'm not a die hard music lover, I'm not a super keen fitness person... I bought the Nu Dolphin because I wanted a waterproof MP3 player to make swimming laps less tedius, and so far it's working. I've put 101 running songs on it for motivation and stuck it on shuffle to add an air of variety. To begin with I had problems charging the device... to help you guys out the Nu Dolphin needs to be charged in a USB port running on full power (not power saver mode) once that was sorted transfering music was a piece of cake. Then I had issues with getting the headphones to stay in my ears, I resolved that by making the wires leading from my goggles to my ears as short as possible (by tucking the wire underneath the goggle straps, I find the clips provided allow for too much movement.

The radio function I find to be somewhat lacking, although that may just be because the swimming pool I go to is in the basement of a Gym, works well in the bath though.

Yes I agree with some of the previous reviews that the interface could have been more tactile but lets be honest, the more time you spend fiddling with your electronics the less time you spend swimming, make your decisions before you get in the pool and you'll be fine.

The sound quality of the player was far and above what I expected from the player, yes it occasionally gets muffled if water manages to get in to my ears but for the most part its like it is above the water and really you shouldnt expect top grade sound under water so to me it was a pleasent suprise.

Overall this product shouldn't replace your full time MP3 player but given that it's cheaper than an iPod AND waterproof it is still a bargain if used as intended.

I purchased one of these items through Amazon as a gift for my wife. After about 5 weeks and only half a dozen times used in the pool, there were signs of moisture in the viewing window and the player failed to function. I returned this defective model and ordered a replacement. After a similar amount of time and usage as the first model, the replacement failed to work. Although the battery icon registered as fully charged, the on/off switch failed to work. Fortunately Amazon were very good at facilitating the return of the items and processing the refund. Nonetheless I am not prepared to go through the ordering process again in the hope of getting a reliable version of this product. There is certainly a market for a waterproof MP3 player and I will continue to search for one. Unfortunately I don't believe that the Dolphin Touch is the answer.

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 25 customer reviews...

 

4.0 out of 5 stars Great MP3, weak on the radio side
First of all, the request for rating is a bit misleading. the shipping, the packaging, timing were perfect, but after I'd sent my rating I realized there was not other place to... Read more

Published 16 days ago by Elizabeth Lapp Colombo

5.0 out of 5 stars makes a difference
I was expecting sound quality to be questionable listening with my head in the water - but with the different size ear plugs provided, got a good seal and it sounds amazing... Read more

Published 4 months ago by Trrev

4.0 out of 5 stars Good buy
Works well. Can navigate easily. Headphones could be better and more easily available in different sizes. Otherwise does exactly what it should

Published 6 months ago by john ruddy

1.0 out of 5 stars Leaks not worth wasting your time with
Got this overpriced toy the other day. It takes ages to charge the battery. The usability of the control buttons is terrible and it LEAKS despite having the earphones correctly... Read more

Published 6 months ago by laura

1.0 out of 5 stars GGrrrrrrrrr
OK - I'm not a technophobe, but I have just spent 4 hours trying to upload an audio book onto this device. Read more

Published 7 months ago by KE

3.0 out of 5 stars Be wary of the firmware upgrade
I've used my Dolphin Touch for over a year now, and have been reasonably happy with it. Being able to listen to music while I am face-down swimming is brilliant, and that... Read more

Published 10 months ago by Shirlz

2.0 out of 5 stars Not very satisfied
I bought this to use. It maybe that I am the problem and have not persevered with it. Biggest problem is that I cannot see display in the water, as I wear spectacles normally,... Read more

Published 11 months ago by smiler1962

4.0 out of 5 stars Does what you expect
This is a bit awkward to use, compared to an iPod, and the earphones feel very odd to start with. However, I purchased this as I wanted a waterproof mp3 player and, so far, it... Read more

Published 11 months ago by Nick Dudley

5.0 out of 5 stars really good
I can honestly say I really love my one. I've had it for about 6 months and I use it a lot. It's so incredibly easy to download music to. Read more

Published 15 months ago by brinyoung

5.0 out of 5 stars Great! Underwater MP3
I have wanted a MP3 player for swimming for sometime now and it was not until I was in my local gym swimming and a guy had the older Dolphin with the buttons (which he let me... Read more

Published 15 months ago by Danny John

Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

› See all 25 customer reviews...

Search Listmania!