The Creative Muvo2 is the smallest 4GB hard-drive-based player we've reviewed to date. Basing this player on a 4GB Hitachi Microdrive enabled Creative to shrink the Muvo2 to a mere 2.6 by 2.6 by 0.8 inches and 3.2 ounces.
At $250, the unit costs less than a 4GB Microdrive card does on its own (approximately $400). People are reportedly buying Muvo2 devices and taking them apart to get at the Microdrive card, according to a few Web sites such as Gizmodo. (Note that doing so would certainly void the warranty and possibly damage the player or the card.)
You can load your favorite music effortlessly: Use the bundled 3-inch-long USB cable to connect your PC to the Muvo2's USB 2.0 port, and the Muvo2 is immediately recognized as USB mass storage device. Then drag and drop music and files to the player in Windows Explorer. The included cable is fine if your PC has a front-mounted USB port; if not, you'll have to spring for a longer USB cable. (Note, however, that most USB hubs do not provide enough juice to power the device.)
We disliked the Muvo2's file system, or lack thereof. When you power on the player, it starts playing the last track you listened to. The only way to advance to another album or song is to hit the forward button until you find the track you want like to hear. There are no folders and no file tree. That arangement is fine for a flash-based player, but when you have 4GB of music, you're looking at a lot of browsing.
An optional FM Wired Remote is available for the player.
This tiny hard-drive-based player is handy if you need a small device (or a Microdrive card), but look elsewhere for a better interface.
Alexandra Krasne
