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CNET gave the SoundsGood MP3 player an Editor's Choice! 8/10

Good Technology SoundsGood AudioPlayer




Ever since Handspring released the Visor, we've wondered if the modules that were supposed to add functionality to the company's PDAs were nothing more than a desert mirage--within sight but forever out of reach. Then along comes the SoundsGood AudioPlayer, which delivers the sweet sound of MP3 to a fleet of hungry PDA users, in a svelte module that fits flush with the Handspring Visor.

Tiny Design, Big Sound
The SoundsGood module fits so snugly in the Springboard expansion slot that a Handspring cover can still be used while the module is installed. It comes loaded with 64MB of built-in memory, which gives you about an hour of MP3 audio playback; however, there's no way to upgrade the memory to hold more songs. It took about four minutes to fill the module with music at a transfer rate of 250 kbps, which seemed reasonably quick to us. Even more impressive was the fact that the Handspring could run other applications with no complications while we rocked out to our favorite tunes.

But all this wouldn't amount to a hill of beans if the SoundsGood didn't actually sound good. Thankfully, we were bowled over with the module's playback quality, as well as its features. You control playback via an onscreen Handspring application, which uses a control panel interface that is navigable with your stylus or your fingers. You can also operate the unit using three buttons and a volume control wheel on the top of the module without having to power up the Visor itself (although the module does run off of your Handspring's batteries, with an average battery life of 10 hours). The SoundsGood also comes with tone controls for boosting bass or treble. And with a signal-to-noise ratio of 85 dB, there was scant hiss to get in the way of our enjoyment.

Talk to the Handspring
The task of transferring MP3 files over to a player can be a cumbersome affair, but the bundled Good Desktop software loaded our MP3s onto the module without a hitch, thanks to the software's extremely basic and intuitive interface. Also included is a custom version of MusicMatch Jukebox to help you encode and organize your MP3s. Once the tracks are loaded via the software, it takes just one click to move them to the module via the HotSync Cradle.

Pricey, but Worth a Look
The $270 price tag might be a bit much for some, considering that you can buy the Nomad II 64MB, with a handful of extra features, for less. But if you tote a Visor around with you anyway, you should choose this player over a standalone portable MP3 player, unless you need a separate device to use for workouts. After all, there's no need to carry two things when one will suffice, and this module passed our usability tests with flying colors.