Home > Consumer Reviews > Memorex MPD8610-01 MP3/CD Player (Blue Ice)

After learning many opinions on this player, several of which were negative, I decided that I would go ahead and give this product a chance anyway. BIG MISTAKE! Basically, it flat out didn't work. From the very moment I tried it (and with various types of CD's) it would start up and leave a message on the LCD saying "no disc." It was highly frusterating and even the technical support line way inadequate at best. Generally speaking, I like Memorex products. However, this one could be used only as little more than an overpriced jewel case. Even my off-brand cheap one is more reliable.

In the world of MP3 players, this one may be considered a bit past its prime now (as of 8/2003), but I still use mine nearly every day and really like it. Do I want an iPod that can carry 10,000 songs? You bet! Can I settle for a player that can carry 100 MP3 songs on a 10-cent CD, and sells for less than 10% of the cost of the iPod? Sure!

I find the sound quality to be quite acceptable, though most of the EQ settings only distort the sound - not improve it (don't worry, the standard setting is pretty good). Controls aren't very intuitive, but can be navigated without too much trouble. The display, while not large, is clear and makes it easy to identify tracks and artists. Battery life is good - especially if you're using some nickel-metal hydride rechargeables (not included).

While not recommended for jogging, the player seems quite forgiving of general movement, with a generous skip protection window. So if you're not worried about being "cutting edge cool," but just want an inexpensive way to listen to MP3's, this is a great little player for the money.

The good:
I recieved mine today and it works very nicely. Exactly what I needed for a cheap mp3 player for my truck. Nothing too flashy and it's relatively easy to use to boot.

The bad:
The Amazon.com review says it's display is backlit, it isn't. Also, as others have pointed out, it doesn't have the best navigation.

But basically it's a good unit with lots of features for a cheap price.

I bought this off Amazon brand new, and after 1 week, when I put a disc in, nothing would happen when I pushed play or anything. I put brand new batteries in and still, nothing.

DO NOT BUY THIS JUST FOR THE PRICE! SPEND $20 MORE DOLLARS AND BUY A CD PLAYER THAT ACTUALLY WORKS!

After trying various fixes, new batteries, new CD, CD cleaner, I've come to the conclusion that my CD player is dead. I'm assuming it's the drive mechanism or the motor since it no longer makes a spin up sound or vibration.

Other than that this was an okay CD player. The volume was a little lower than other CD players I've had, making it hard to hear on the noisier parts of my daily train ride. I also thought the MP3 display / controls were a little difficult to use, but I've been spoiled by my computer's MP3 player I suppose.