Why a Rio for MP3?

1. CD-quality MD discs stores more audio and costs a LOT less (74 minutes per US$3 disc) than a Rio flash memory card (60 minutes per US$99 flash card)

2. MD discs and rec/players are ultraportable, and comparable in size to the Rio. Blank MD discs are also readily available at many stores, not just electronic stores.

3. You can purchase pre-recorded music on MD discs now, just like CDs.

4. MD discs can be erased and re-written millions of times without any loss of quality. MDs record CD quality music! Just like Rio flash cards.

5. You can attach a microphone to a MD recording unit and use it to record just like a tape recorder.

6. And most importantly, MD units are available now and *works with Macs*! (record by connecting a standard minijack wire from the Mac sound output to the sound input of the MD recording unit; play the MP3 on the Mac; press record on the MD unit!)

Granted, MD portable recording/player units may cost a bit more in the short run (from US$229 for a Sharp MD-MS702 at Planetminidisc) than a Rio player (US$170). However, in the long run, if you ever plan on recording and keeping more than 60 minutes of audio, you'll spend alot more on those Rio flash memory cards than MD discs! Plan on recording and keeping 5 CDs worth of music? Total cost with a Rio - US$570. Total cost with a MD unit - US$244. 10 CDs worth? With a Rio - US$1,070. With an MD unit - US$259. And so on it goes.

So I must ask, *why a Rio*? I'm not affiliated with any MD manufacturer or merchant ... just a loyal MD user :) and I just wanted your readers to know about the less expensive options they have right now when it comes to Macs and portable MP3 music."

[I'm getting deeper into computer audio than I intended.--Bill]