Philips EXP 200 MP3 CD Player

Coming packaged in a tiny box, the EXP 200 MP3/CD player has a simple no-nonsense approach to playing both audio CDs and CD-R. The unit has all the features of a standard portable CD player including Electronic Skip Protection, Dynamic Bass Boost, shuffle and repeat modes and the added bonus of being able to play MP3 files.

Playing MP3 files is as easy as playing a standard audio CDs--simply insert a CD-R with MP3 files on it into the unit and it will automatically detect them. If you have multiple MP3 albums contained within separate folders, the EXP 200 will allow you to select them as if you were selecting a CD in a changer unit. The CD player controls surround a small LCD screen which displays track number, battery level and more--unfortunately, MP3 file information such as track title can't be displayed.

Although the player will run for 10 hours on two "AA" batteries, you can run it off a 4.5v mains adapter or an in-car power adapter--sadly these aren't included.

If you like to dance around while listening to your music you'll be glad to know that the EXP 200 has a 45 second Electronic Skip Protection facility for MP3 files and 25 seconds for CD audio. So you can jump around, shake your booty to the beats and the EXP 200 won't skip one of them.

Overall, the EXP 200 isn't the most feature-packed of units, but what it does it does well. Sound is clear, crisp and the Dynamic Bass Boost really beefs up the music. The in-ear earphones keep the sound in the ear and not outside really well--even at a loud volume. The ability to play MP3 files from a CD-R/RW is very handy--it's just like having a multi-CD changer in one unit. --Martin Snelling

Product Description
The EXP 200 Portable eXpanium MP3-CD player plays both 8 and 12 cm CDs containing MP3 tracks as well as regular audio CDs. That means more than 10 hours of music, 150 tracks on one 12 cm MP3 CD and more than three hours of music, 50 tracks on one 8 cm MP3 CD. It can playback both CD-R and CD-RW discs and handles MP3 tracks with bit rates from 32-320 kbps and variable bit rates. Thanks to power saving technology, the unit will offer up to 10 hours of uninterrupted MP3 playback from regular AA alkaline batteries. The 45 second Electronic Skip Protection will ensure that your music won’t jump even if you do. The unit is supplied with in-ear headphones.

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