Strengths:Easy Menus; Listen by Track, Albumn or Playlist; Adding memory is simple; Included ear buds sound excellent once I figured out just how to fit them in my ear canal.
Weaknesses:Radio reception was not as good as I had hoped but probably as good as I should expect from a small unit like the Rio Cali.
Music Manager software Sucks. Manage this device as a Drive.
Posted Dec 29, 2004 - The Rio Cali 128 MB had music installed as delivered (most was not my taste but provided a good example that A) it works, and B) the range of the audio and the function of the Equalizer.
The Rubber Grip surface makes it easier to handle (especially when you're sweating at the gym). The display is easy to read even without my reading glasses, yet the size of the unit is small and light.
Rio Music Manager software installed on my Windows XP Professional without a problem, searched and found my few MP3s and added them to the list. Ripping CDs was easy. It does not handle playlists correctly. Playlists must be created on the memory location (Internal or Memory Card) where the related songs exist. I use WinAmp to create my playlists. In fact I gave up on Music Manager today and just use the Removable Mass Storage Device through Windows Explorer to add/remove/manage my music. It's much easier and the Rio reconfigures after I eject it. If all else fails delete all the database files and start over.
I did find out only by trial and error that I had to select the Rio from the column at the left to create playlists on the device from the songs on it. Once I discovered that it was simple.
I only have USB version 1.1 so transfering files to fill up my 128MB plus the added 1 Gig card took some time -- I think I'll invest in a USB 2.0 card... it's a small price to pay.
I did find that I wanted more than two CDs worth of files, which is about what it would hold with the internal 128MB of memory, so I was glad I purchased the 1 GIG SD (Secure Digital) add-on memory.
While the Rio line includes many colors based on which model of Rio and what size memory, I wasn't picky but kind of like the bright yellow of this model. Mine has a black joystick where the one pictured on their web site is red, (they call it a Riostick but it's basically a short joystick which can be pressed in for "select"). I like it in black better than red.
The included arm band case is a simple press-in design with a semi-soft plastic molded to fit the Rio. It works excellent and appears that it will hold up fine based on an examination of the construction materials and design.
I'm very happy with my purchase choice and would recommend the Rio Cali to anyone wanting an easy to use, expandable, Sport-ready MP3 player.
And remember the SD memory cards go on sale from time-to-time, so you may choose to have a couple with different music collections on them.
91% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?
Rated 
The Rio Cali is difficult to beat with its feature ...
Comment about this review
I don't know why I thought the customer service wo ...
