Well, to be honest, I do agree that MDMT15 is a happily awaited move from
Sharp, although a bit on the late side. The only reason that the MD-format
has continued to struggle is due to the heafty price-tags. 200$ IS a
price-reduction but, as I see it, it should have been cheaper. The problem
is that when the MDMT15 came out, some of its predecessors were already
selling for appr. that price. And they include rechargeable batteries,
remote control, smaller size and possibly slot-in. (For a list of low
prices, check out 'http://www.gabtoof.com/minidisc24/table1.htm'). Which
is partly why I wouldn't select is as MD-product of the year, even to a
person just wanting to get a cheap MD-player for Christmas!
That being said, the low price of the MDMT15 and hopefully others really
could help getting more MD-gear out to the public. Which could give the
MD-format its nice final years before it is forever passed by 1GB solide
state players...
I totally agree that all portables should have digital out. If the
MD-discs were to increase its storage capasity well beyond 1GB (check out:
'http://www.zdnet.com/pccomp/stories/all/0,6605,388066,00.html')
, while new players being compatible with current discs, the MD-format
should be able to co-exist with any solide state player. Naturally this
wouldn't be a wise move by the manufactorers of discs as consumers
wouldn't need too many discs... But a 6 GB disc should have other areas of
interest than solely audio; it would certainly make the MD-cam more than
what (flop?) it is today!
If I'm not mistaken, the R90 is to be released in late November. Although
relatively expensive at 350$(55-price), its size is impressively 98 ccm,
compared to the 209 ccm of the MDMT15! Personally, size matters: My
winner!
If I were to choose a MD-product of the year, aimed at a newcomer to MD
wanting a cheap introduction; MDMS722 (slot-in!) at 189$ (Netmarket, after
rebate) would be my best advice.
> Hey all --First off, great list. I've been here for less than a week and
I've
> learnedalot already.I've also learned a lot in testing different MD
recorders,
> and one of themain things I've learned is that they're dang expensive
for the
> average Joe(i.e. etown.com reader). That's obviously why I chose the 815
as
> product ofthe year.I think you all should be psyched about the choice.
In fact,
> I think the815 and "budget" players like it will do more for MD mass
> acceptence (andcheaper blank media, and product development, such as
portable
> optical out,better PC interface, < 74 minutes, etc.) in the brief time
since
> it's beenout than any other development the format's ever had. Sharp
agrees; on
> arecent chat one of the Sharp honchos claimed they're capturing more of
the
> market than ever.So what's your vote for best 1999 MD product? (sorry,
the R50
> doesn'tcount; it's 1998)R55R37AM-F70MT821MT815MS722XM-R70
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