The MP3 file format has been around for over 10 years now believe it or not, but it is only relatively recently with the broadband revolution, and the corresponding rise in popularity of file-swapping software such as Kazaa and WinMX, that they are now almost as commonplace as CDs and more traditional ways of storing audio. Whilst the RIAA do their utmost to stop this “evil” spread, Hi-Fi manufacturers are making the standard more and more mainstream with CD and DVD players that will read MP3 data disks as if they were normal CDs, albeit normal CDs with up to 190 songs on them. Microsoft has also been doing its bit to slow down the spread of MP3s by only allowing native ripping into their proprietary, and in many ways superior WMP format in Windows XP. The fewest people connected to Kazaa at any one time these days seems to be approximately 2,000,000 individuals. Even if just 50% of them are actively transferring on average a single album per day, the cost to the record industry as a whole (assuming current UK CD prices) would be £15,000,000 per day. Add to this the almost as huge WinMX network, who pessimistically might add another £8,000,000 onto that figure, as well as the estimated £30,000,000 worth transferred over IRC, instant messenger, and other file-swap servers and its clear to see why the record companies are becoming concerned. (A total annual loss of £19,345,000,000 if every album downloaded were purchased).
Like it or loathe it, MP3s have become a way of life, and it’s as common to see MP3 players in electronics stores as the walkmans and DiskMans they sit alongside. These can be broadly subdivided into 3 categories, Solid State, CD-based, and Hard Drive based. The former has the advantage of being cheap and compact, the second has the advantage of being relatively spacious and inexpensive, and the final category has the capability to pretty much hold every song you own, or are ever likely to own, on one small device. The New Jukebox from Creative Labs is such device, and what a device it is!
Inside this attractive box (as are all Creative Labs boxes these days), hide the following items:
-The Creative Jukebox 3 itself, with either 20GB or 40GB of storage space.
-Firewire lead
-USB lead
-Quick-reference guide
-1 x rechargeable battery
-A remote Control
-Driver Disk
-Leatherette Protective wallet
-Headphones
-Ac Adaptor / Charger
The Creative DAP Jukebox 3 currently retails for £361ex VAT ($499) for the 40GB version, and £299ex VAT ($399) for the 20GB Version from Creative’s on-line store, although you might be able to get a better deal from your local creative dealer.
