I've been using the Insignia Pilot 8GB for a little over a month now, and would like to share a little about it.
First off, at $160.00 this flash player is already way cheaper than most of the competition. The 4GB version sells for $130.00
But, cheaper isn't everything, even if this thing cost more than the other guys, it would be worth it. Here's a list of features:
- 2.4" LCD display (320 x 240 resolution)
- Works with Audio, Video, Audible Books, Rhapsody, iTunes (They claim), and Pictures
- Digital FM Tuner
- Custom Equalizer
- SD (High Capacity) Expansion
- Bluetooth
- Two audio out ports
- Line in
- Video out
- USB 2.0
- 25 hour batter life (removable)
- Windows, Mac, Linux compatible
Here's a list of digital media formats that work with the pilot:
MP3, WMA, WMA Lossless, WMA DRM, WMA Pro, OGG, WAV, Audible, MPEG4 (30 fps), WMV (30 fps) and JPEG
I am unsure about iTunes support. They claim it's compatible, but do not list the iTunes acc music format. Does anyone know more about this?
I'm sure there are things I'm missing. The screen is bright and can be adjusted to your liking or even turned off. The manual scroll well is comfortable and allows for exact scrolling or very fast scrolling. The menu's can take a little getting used to, but once you understand it, you realize it is laid out very nicely, there are just so many features! You can customize the background design with a few pre-set color schemes. I bought mine with the Insignia bluetooth headphones and they pair up amazingly, although sometimes not right away when I start up the player. I love the innovative rocker at the top that allows you to quickly add or remove stars from songs. I've never used the rating feature on an MP3 player before because it was never worth the effort before. Now I actually enjoy rating my music as it plays.
My overall consensus is that it is far superior to other similar flash MP3 players out there, especially the ipod ones which lack the features and cost way more. So go out and buy the Insignia Pilot 4GB or 8GB!
Pros:
Decent size, comfortable to hold, great price, expandable memory (Supports SDHC!), bluetooth, removable battery, good screen resolution, Computers see it just like a flash drive or through your favorite music sorting program.
edit: Also if anything goes wrong while under warranty, just take it in and they'll replace it.
Cons:
Mine came with a poor battery (which I returned), the album art can be tricky to get to display, and I know some people report problems with video sync.
