Blaupunkt MP3 changer

[theenglishman]

I know this is a long shot, but i've just got one of these MP3 players with a 1GB microdrive in it.

Now as my taste in music is vastly different from her indoors, I want another microdrive - but you can only buy 2GB ones or bigger.

Does anyone know if 2GB ones will work? Blaupunkt just wouldn't commit themselves - they said 'It might, but we're not promising anything'

TIA

Neil

 

[philharve]

MP3 changer?

Hi theenglishman

Confusion!

I have an MP3 player/recorder with a 1Gbyte memory. It's about 2 inches long and almost 1 inch in diameter. It has an integral FM radio with LCD and can be plugged into a full size Hi-Fi system for playback. It can also record from a domestic Hi-Fi system in order to take my favourite music with me. My MP3 player/recorder comes with earphones and a landyard for hanging around the neck. It's really a solid-state personal Hi-Fi that can easily fit in a pocket or hang around the neck or attach to the wrist or upper arm.

I know about microdrives which can also be used with PDAs and cameras and other portable equipment. However, I've never heard of an MP3 'changer'. The 'MP3' is a reference to the music recording format that is used by personal computers. There are several other music recording formats but MP3 is the best known because it's easy to remember. I cannot imagine what an MP3 'changer' does!

How exactly does your inquiry relate to Mercedes-Benz? I understand the Blaupunkt reference and I guess they make MP3 players/recorders too.

It sounds as though your inquiry really relates to the use of a 2Gb microdrive in place of a 1Gb microdrive. If correct, then you should know that microdrives conform to a particular standard and are physically and electrically identical and use the same interface standard. They have to be electrically compatible in order to be interchangeable. I have yet to encounter a microdrive manufacturer whose products conform to a unique standard. Although I suppose it is possible but I don't see the point.

So, the simple answer to your inquiry is 'yes', your partner can plugin her 1G microdrive and record/listen to her music and you can unplug it and insert your microdrive (whatever size you choose) and record/listen to your kind of music. Think of microdrives as being similar to high capacity audio tapes or re-recordable music CDs. Just switch them over when required.

I am assuming from your description that you and your partner share the MP3 player/recorder and you are not considering purchasing another MP3 player/recorder with a higher capacity, 2G, say?

So I return to my original question ... what is an MP3 'changer' because it sounds as though you are using the term in the wrong context? My apologies if I am wrong.

Are you confusing CDs/mini-discs with MP3 technology? They're quite different technologies.

None of this, of course, relates specifically to Mercedes-Benz because you can use MP3 players/recorders anywhere. I image you can even replay MP3 music through a car's Hi-Fi if your have the necessary stereo phono connectors on the Hi-Fi.

REGARDS Phil

 

[peterchurch]

An mp3 changer could take the form of several devices

1) An Ipod / or looky likey device
2) A solid state media device
3) A convensional 6,10,12 disk cd changer that understands the MPS disk format...

My understanding of Changer is something that will load more than item without the user having to do anything...

The only problem that could arise from using the larger media is that the stereo may not be able to read the memory segments above 1 gb

 

[EuroCLK320]

Do you mean you have a Blaupunkt car audio system that plays MP3's and takes the microdrives too?

I have a Blaupunkt Woodstock DAB 54 in my CLK that plays MP3 cd's and also takes the small SD cards as well. I guess your question is about this or something similar??

Is that what you mean? If so, then I pushed Blaupunkt for an answer on this same question and they would not commit on the 2GB card working in the radio. If if does then you have almost DVD size storage capabilities on the car audio, so I can see why it would be a big plus.

Please let us know if you try it and what results you get.

 

[philharve]

Hi EuroCLK320

So, there are in-car hi-fi systems that take SD cards. That may well be what the member is referring to. As for 'changer', this implies some form of seletion device. Are there SD changers for vehicles on the market?

REGARDS Phil

 

[davidsl500]

I think you will find that he may have a "standard" setup ie CD Changer in the boot as normal but his facia also has a slot to take sd cards and thus play MP3's as well.

Whether a 2Gb Card will work is debateable - if Blaupunkt will not give you a straight answer then the only thing you can do is to try one. If you can, try buying one from someone that has a refund policy!

Just because a card is the same physical size and shape and has the same connectors doesnt mean it will work - the hardware must be capable of "seeing" the whole of the memory. You may find that it doesnt recognise the card at all, can only use the first 1Gb or simply the data will be corrupted.