S3/Diamond Rio 600 Review
Rio 600 Overview
November 12, 2001
The Rio 600 contained only 32 MB flash memory, while the Rio 500 weighs in with a more generous 64 MB. This storage capacity can be upgraded through the use of 'backpacks'. These snap-on devices make upgrading the memory easy for even the most non-technically minded person. Currently 32 MB, 64 MB and even 340 MB upgrade packs are available, the latter providing its massive capacity through use of a miniature hard disc. Sadly there isn't a slot in the Rio 600 to insert flash cards, so if you already have a collection of flash media, this will cancel out your existing investment. I do see why Diamond did this, as the Rio 300 was more of a geek's toy than a major mainstream device. With the Rio 600, Diamond have positioned it with ease of use and simplicity as its main aims--a device to be enjoyed by the general music-loving public with the minimum of technical complications.
Out of the box the curvy little player provides support for the traditional MP3 format, along with Microsoft’s own WMA (Microsoft Windows Media). Later in this review I'll be looking more closely at the advantages of each compression scheme, and at which one you should be using. Apparently the Rio 600 can be updated to play files encoded under formats such as AAC (Advanced Audio Encoding); however, at time of writing the Diamond web site had no such update, and in fact the Rio 600 wasn’t even displayed under its list of MP3 players.
This third generation Rio device is certainly the most attractive yet, featuring a curvaceous exterior and a changable coloured panel to give it that personal touch. The unit feels very sturdy to hold, and seems definitely more able to survive the knocks and bumps inevitable for a portable device.Another point of interest is the way Diamond has placed the battery in the unit. I personally bought a Rio 300 when first out, but the unit was replaced three times because the battery flap kept on breaking. It looks like Diamond has listened to the grumbles of my fellow sufferers, because this time the battery is safely tucked away.
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