New portable devices from Philips arrive

[Ioman]

The consumer can take music wherever he or she goes or transfer and replace their favorite music from a PC as often they want on the super-svelte audio KEY RINGS. The innovative and intuitive wearable neck strap with integrated remote control provides added freedom and flexibility. Available in 64 and 128MB versions, these mini devices combine MP3 and USB memory drive for absolute portability and convenience.
The KEY RING range of portable solid-state audio players provides up to four hours of music on the move on a device no bigger than a pack of chewing gum. The KEY solid-state cameras are the same size, yet can take and store up to 800 (1.3 Mega Pixel) quality photos. Made from magnesium, which is ultra light yet sturdy, this range is built for enjoyment on the move whether it’s wearable music around your neck or memorable moments captured in your key ring.
The KEY 003 and 004 audio players and the KEY 007 and 008 digital cameras can be attached to a bunch of keys like a key ring, and slipped into a pocket. In the KEY 004 and 006 an integral neck strap is incorporated that also houses all the controls. In this way, these products can be worn as fashion accessories - with the extra benefit that users can easily operate them.

All products have been designed for maximum ease of data transfer. They plug straight into any USB port, without the need for cables, drivers or any other additional software. This allows music to be downloaded or pictures to be uploaded to a PC quickly and simply. An added advantage of this instant compatibility is that Philips KEY audio players and cameras also double as compact external drives for PCs. They are ideal for transferring data between computers, carrying out quick back up of important files, or storing personal information. Depending on the model used, there is either 64 MB of flash memory available, equivalent to 44 floppy disks, or 128 MB, the same as 88 floppy disks worth of storage space.

Photos on the go
With the camera KEY RING, you’ll never miss exciting and precious moments again! This compact digital camera lets you create instant memories – just snap, share and wear! The wearable digital camera is a digital still picture camera with a USB flash memory drive. Two solid-state cameras are available: the KEY 008 and the KEY 007. The first with 128 MB of flash memory for storage of up to 800 high-quality photos, making it the smallest camera available with so much capacity. The KEY 007 can handle up to 400 photos. Both cameras use VGA picture capture technology, then the images can be converted to 1.3 Mega pixels on the PC for enhanced picture quality.

Music on the go
Four solid-state audio players are available, all of which provide hours of skip-free music for mobile users. The KEY 006 offers 128 MB of flash memory capacity enough for four hours of WMA music files or two hours of MP3 audio. All the controls are integrated into the neck strap. This greatly improves the aesthetic appeal and also means the controls are always within convenient reach. The KEY 004 offer is the same functionality - including the neck strap remote control - but with 64 MB of flash memory.

The KEY 005 and 003 have 128 MB and 64 MB of flash memory respectively, but are supplied without the neck strap. They are intended for use as key rings. A handy five-key in-cord remote control allows the player to remain in a pocket or bag while accessing its functions.

No extra costs of ownership
The flash memory is an integral part of all KEY RING range products, and does not have to be bought separately. All models run on rechargeable batteries that can be charged without removal. An additional clip for AAA batteries allows extended use.

[mimi]

I bought the 128mb model of this mp3 device in black (key005). I'd have prefered it in white, as seen in pic in Ioman's post above, but alas white only seems to be availalbe for the 64mb version. Nevermind, it's still nice.

Purchased from the Dixons dutyfree airport shop, whilst I was on my way out of this country for my holidays, I had to wait a full 2 weeks before I could test it out.

I had a great holiday and, feeling miserable as one always does on one's return, the one conselation I had was the excitement of putting this sexy little music device to work. It was burning a hole in my suitcase.

Being an apple mac girl with a liking for design beauty, I was most excited to see that:

a) the mp3 player promised to be mac compatible
b) the mp3 player was portable and gorgeous

The box reads...
"No software and no cable needed! Direct US plug-in" and
"No software drivers required (except for Windows 98)"

No problems for me then. Just plug in, download and off I hop. Tubes, buses, walking will no longer be laborious experiences as my pockets are light and my soul is high with the joy of the music experience.

I don't even get that far.

The device states minimum requirements on a mac are...
G3 and higher on an OS 9 - X system.
This shouldn't be a problem for me as Im on a G3 Mac, OS 9.1.

On plugging my black Philips Key005 MP3 player into the USB socket of my keyboard I get an alert stating

"Software needed for the USB device "Wearable Audio Player (128MB)" is not available. Would you like to look for software on the internet?" CANCEL / OK

OK (nothing happens on clicking cancel)

"Software for this device has not been found. Please contact the manufacturer for the latest version of the needed software"

I've searched far and wide on the internet for some sort of driver.
I've looked at the CD Rom provided but it looks only to be suitable for Windows - only Windows 98 users require drivers remember?..

So between last night and today I have spent hours (literally) on hold and being cut off the US technical support line and today on the UK customer support phonelines and when I've eventually managed to get through to a human voice, neither avenues have been able to offer me an explanation as to why I can't get this to work.

Noone at Philips knows a thing about macs (not uncommon) but nobody can even direct me through to someone who should know. I find myself asking...
1) WHO WROTE THE SPECS ON THE PRODUCT BOX AND INSTRUCTION MANUAL?
2) WHERE ARE THEY TO EXPLAIN TO ME WHY IT ISN'T WORKING AS THEY PROMISED?
3) WOULD I HAVE BOUGHT THIS PRODUCT IF IT DIDN'T STATE IT WAS MAC COMPATIBLE? NO IS THE ANSWER

Have any mac customers suffered from the same problem?
Has anyone got any advice?

I WANT to use this bit of kit, I really do. So rather than take it back, I'd like to make the thing work.

Right, rant over
Thanks for listening

Mimi x

[ECA]

I love Generic-ly handicaped persons.
Persons that think EVERYTHING is the same.
PC=Personal computer= Intel(windows)+68000(mot)+G series(mot)+ IBM PPC+ a few others, not going back into history.
So many ppl and companies do NOT THINK, about what IS.

[Archon]

hehe, macs are silly

[mimi]

opinions appreciated

the question remains for mac folk

thanks

[dang]

If anyone has a mac that can help please do so