Creative Muvo Slim

Creative now has a wide range of Flash media mp3 players, and the latest to join the line-up is the Muvo Slim. As its name suggests, the key feature of this model is that it's particularly thin - not quite credit card size, but at just 7.6mm thick, it won't have any problem slipping in to your pocket. Weighing just 34g, you'll hardly notice it's there.

A total of 256MB of Flash memory is available, which equates to around 60 mp3 or 120 wma tracks. If you're listening through in-ear headphones, you probably won't notice the slight drop in quality between the lower bit-rate wma and mp3. This memory isn't expandable, which may be enough to strike it off many shopping lists, especially with high-capacity Ipods offering far greater storage.

Along with the voice recorder and equaliser features that are found on previous Muvo devices, Creative has also included an FM radio. The lack of a devoted aerial means you need a strong signal to get reception, but it's a useful feature that's missing on many other mp3 players.

A removable battery slots neatly into the side of the Muvo Slim and will charge itself whenever you hook it up to your PC via the USB cable. Although this lithium-ion unit helps the Muvo Slim keep its slender dimensions, it also means that if you run out of power and don't have access to a PC, you're stuck without music for a while. On a full charge, the battery is able to deliver around 16 hours worth of playback.

Retailing at just under £150, the Muvo Slim is a little on the expensive side, especially when you compare it to a 15GB Ipod that costs an extra £100 but offers more than 50 times the storage. However, the Muvo Slim is far smaller and sports an FM radio.

Contact: Creative
www.europe.creative.com

Specifications:

• 256MB
• USB2
• FM tuner
• Built-in mic
• 5-band equaliser
• Li-ion battery
• 34g
• 1yr warranty