Alienware CE-IV 1GB MP3 Player and Docking Hub
Overview
Alienware CE-IV 1GB MP3 Player
Alienware Docking System
Reasons for Buying
I was looking for an MP3 player, I wanted something small, and not too much money. An iPod is too expensie, and I don't like proprietary hardware formats. Most other MP3 players are high priced, and I'm not one of those people who needs access to eleventy billion songs all the time. I decided to purchase the Alienware CE-IV (Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind) 1GB player. Already being and Alienware owner, and knowing the quality of Alienware products, it was an easy choice. I started reading the rumours of Dell aquiring Alienware, and thought to myself I should get one while I still had the chance. (Of course we know now that the rumour was true, but it appears Alienware will still be Alienware so good news there). It also allows you to insert an SD card for more storage. I've read several other peoples reviews stating that you can only use up to 512MB card, and that's what I'm using in mine, but I've recently read of others using 2GB cards with no problems, giving the CE-IV the potential of at least three GB of storage, possibly more.
Where Purchased
http://www.alienware.com
It arrived well packaged, although due to a recent change in address, it took a while for them to verify my information, and took a little longer to ship than Alienware usually does. Rather than the plain black box with the Alienware logos and web address on them, the MP3 player was packaged in an alien head shaped blister pack, a continuance of the Alienware coolness factor, just one of those little extra things that make Alienware what it is. The Docking Hub was also well packaged.
Build and Design
Once I opened the package I wasn't disappointed. I've seen several people complain that they thought the MP3 player was all metal, but I knew it was partially plastic to start out with. It's not as if it's thin plastic. I do admit dropping this unit from a good height is probably gonna hurt it, but I'm pretty careful, so hopefully I won't have that problem. To me the fit and finish of the player are great, the docking hub is even better. This thing is a sturdy, well built piece of equipment. I have the MP3 player pictured with my RAZr phone for size comparison.
It has the SRS WOW HD technology and the sound through the noise reduction earbuds is crystal clear, and free of distortion, white noise or any other unwanted sound.
The ear buds fit perfectly in your ears, and I've been blasting good stuff through them already, blues, Joe Satriani, Pantera and Metallica.
The interface is easy to use, and pretty much self explanatory. There are EQ settings in the MP3 player , which all sounded great with different music. The only drawbacks are that the MP3 player is powered by a single AAA battery, although I'm still on the first battery I put in it, and the lack of folder support, which I can only hope will be fixed with a future firmware upgrade. Unlike reported elsewhere, the screen is backlit, and very easy to read. The FM tuner and voice recorder functions both work well. You can also record from FM. Paired with a Belkin F8V3080 FM transmitter it sounded great in my car.
The hub is equally easy to use. Alienware advertises that the hub is compatible with most other MP3 players, and if so I would recommend it for each one. It includes the cradle for the CE-IV, which can be removed to use the hub with other MP3 players. It includes an AC adapter and can also run on a whopping 8 D batteries. It also includes a remote, though the remote lacks the desired functionality. The remote controls only volume, and the WOW technology.
The hub also has SRS WOW HD technology, and has it's own controls for SRS TruBass, SRS 3D audio, and SRS Focus, in addition to the MP3 players controls. This of course lends it for use with other MP3 players. It has it's own headphone jack, auxiliary input, and A/V line output.
The CE-IV is placed into its cradle, which is in turn placed into the hub. The cradle is also good for using the MP3 player at your desktop.
When I finally turned on the hub, the sound was unbelievable. I would even dare to say the sound rivals some of the Bose systems I've heard. It has a bottom firing subwoofer, which I forgot to take a pic of (if you've seen one speaker grille you've seen them all), and you definitely know it's there. Everything on the table the hub sat on shook. I might just be ditching the big stereo I have in the entertainment center in my living room in favor of the hub, the sound is that big and rich and full. The whole package is easy on the eyes too, at least to me, I know all the Alienware haters out there will complain about the continued alien theme like they do with the Predator cases. Also, since I didn't have the hub turned on for the pics, it doesn't show that the alien eyes light up red when powered on.
Conclusion
Great sound, great package, and a great price.
Pros:
• Great looking, both the hub and the CE-IV
• VERY easy to use, right outta the box
• Solid interface
• Very solid build on both items
• Very thin, very light - CE-IV
• Sound that rivals MUCH more expensive systems
• Easy to read display
• Potential for large amount of storage at low cost
Cons
• Lack of remote functionality on the remote for the hub
• Lack of folder support
Overall I'm totally surpised at the high quality of sound from both the MP3 player and the hub, especially the HUGE RICH LOUD sound of the hub. I'm sure there are things I forgot to include here, if so let me know or post here with any questions.
Overview
Alienware CE-IV 1GB MP3 Player
Quote:
| Alienware Website Alienware® CE-IV 1GB MP3 Player Enjoy easy, take-anywhere access to all your favorite MP3/WMA songs and Audible files with the Alienware CE-IV (Close Encounter of the 4th Kind). As the first digital audio player in the United States to feature SRS WOW HD™ technology, the CE-IV allows you to encounter a remarkably enhanced level of portable audio. The CE-IV 1GB MP3 Player is available in Saucer Silver and comes with 1GB of built-in memory. SRS WOW HD Technology The CE-IV's revolutionary SRS WOW HD technology delivers a treble control that allows listeners to experience cleaner and crisper high-frequency sounds. SRS WOW HD also includes improved TruBass technology to provide a richer, fuller bass sound for digitally compressed music. Multitude of Features In addition to ensuring that you can download songs from the top music download sites with Digital Rights Management technology, the CE-IV supplies an SD™/MMC memory expansion slot so you can pack even more music into your player. The CE-IV also comes preloaded with 8 tracks and includes a multi-preset EQ and a digital tune FM stereo radio with station presets and direct recording. The built-in voice recorder is great for recording notes, lectures and reminders.. Stylish, Lightweight Design The CE-IV's sleek design stylishly showcases Alienware's alien head logo with glowing eyes and features a graphic LCD display with ID3 compatibility that shows artist and track info. For optimum portability, the CE-IV measures just 3.1 x 2 x 0.7 inches and weighs only 1.3 ounces. Noise-Reduction Earbuds The CE-IV comes packaged with special Alienware noise-reduction earbuds that filter out unwanted background noise and let you crank up the music without disrupting those around you. Specifications Size WxHxD 3.1" x 2” x 0.7” Weight 1.3 ounces Capacity 1GB Battery & Battery Life 1 AAA Battery (not included) / Up to 12hrs of continuous playtime Interface USB2.0/1.1 Playback Formats MPEG Audio Layer 3 (MP3), Windows Media™ Audio (WMA), Audible Files Response Bandwidth 20-20000 Hz Bit Rates 32 - 320 Warranty 90 day limited |
Quote:
| Alienware Website Alienware® Docking System Simply connect your Alienware CE-IV digital audio player or virtually any other audio device to the HUB docking sound system and get ready to hear your favorite tracks like never before. Delivering highly advanced power and performance, the HUB is loaded with a bottom-firing subwoofer, variable bass control, and SRS WOWTM technology to make your music sound better than ever. Specifications:Cradle especially designed for the Alienware CE-IV digital audio player Supports virtually all digital audio players and other audio devices SRS WOWTM with controls for TruBass, Focus, and 3D 2.1 Channel Sound Stereo speakers plus bottom-firing subwoofer 30W RMS output power Electronic volume control Headphone jack Auxiliary input A/V line output Remote control (battery included) to let you control the HUB from across the room 3-way power: AC/DC/batteries Accessories include: AC adapter and desktop cradle 90 day limited warranty |
Reasons for Buying
I was looking for an MP3 player, I wanted something small, and not too much money. An iPod is too expensie, and I don't like proprietary hardware formats. Most other MP3 players are high priced, and I'm not one of those people who needs access to eleventy billion songs all the time. I decided to purchase the Alienware CE-IV (Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind) 1GB player. Already being and Alienware owner, and knowing the quality of Alienware products, it was an easy choice. I started reading the rumours of Dell aquiring Alienware, and thought to myself I should get one while I still had the chance. (Of course we know now that the rumour was true, but it appears Alienware will still be Alienware so good news there). It also allows you to insert an SD card for more storage. I've read several other peoples reviews stating that you can only use up to 512MB card, and that's what I'm using in mine, but I've recently read of others using 2GB cards with no problems, giving the CE-IV the potential of at least three GB of storage, possibly more.
Where Purchased
http://www.alienware.com
It arrived well packaged, although due to a recent change in address, it took a while for them to verify my information, and took a little longer to ship than Alienware usually does. Rather than the plain black box with the Alienware logos and web address on them, the MP3 player was packaged in an alien head shaped blister pack, a continuance of the Alienware coolness factor, just one of those little extra things that make Alienware what it is. The Docking Hub was also well packaged.
Build and Design
Once I opened the package I wasn't disappointed. I've seen several people complain that they thought the MP3 player was all metal, but I knew it was partially plastic to start out with. It's not as if it's thin plastic. I do admit dropping this unit from a good height is probably gonna hurt it, but I'm pretty careful, so hopefully I won't have that problem. To me the fit and finish of the player are great, the docking hub is even better. This thing is a sturdy, well built piece of equipment. I have the MP3 player pictured with my RAZr phone for size comparison.
It has the SRS WOW HD technology and the sound through the noise reduction earbuds is crystal clear, and free of distortion, white noise or any other unwanted sound.
The ear buds fit perfectly in your ears, and I've been blasting good stuff through them already, blues, Joe Satriani, Pantera and Metallica.
The interface is easy to use, and pretty much self explanatory. There are EQ settings in the MP3 player , which all sounded great with different music. The only drawbacks are that the MP3 player is powered by a single AAA battery, although I'm still on the first battery I put in it, and the lack of folder support, which I can only hope will be fixed with a future firmware upgrade. Unlike reported elsewhere, the screen is backlit, and very easy to read. The FM tuner and voice recorder functions both work well. You can also record from FM. Paired with a Belkin F8V3080 FM transmitter it sounded great in my car.
The hub is equally easy to use. Alienware advertises that the hub is compatible with most other MP3 players, and if so I would recommend it for each one. It includes the cradle for the CE-IV, which can be removed to use the hub with other MP3 players. It includes an AC adapter and can also run on a whopping 8 D batteries. It also includes a remote, though the remote lacks the desired functionality. The remote controls only volume, and the WOW technology.
The hub also has SRS WOW HD technology, and has it's own controls for SRS TruBass, SRS 3D audio, and SRS Focus, in addition to the MP3 players controls. This of course lends it for use with other MP3 players. It has it's own headphone jack, auxiliary input, and A/V line output.
The CE-IV is placed into its cradle, which is in turn placed into the hub. The cradle is also good for using the MP3 player at your desktop.
When I finally turned on the hub, the sound was unbelievable. I would even dare to say the sound rivals some of the Bose systems I've heard. It has a bottom firing subwoofer, which I forgot to take a pic of (if you've seen one speaker grille you've seen them all), and you definitely know it's there. Everything on the table the hub sat on shook. I might just be ditching the big stereo I have in the entertainment center in my living room in favor of the hub, the sound is that big and rich and full. The whole package is easy on the eyes too, at least to me, I know all the Alienware haters out there will complain about the continued alien theme like they do with the Predator cases. Also, since I didn't have the hub turned on for the pics, it doesn't show that the alien eyes light up red when powered on.
Conclusion
Great sound, great package, and a great price.
Pros:
• Great looking, both the hub and the CE-IV
• VERY easy to use, right outta the box
• Solid interface
• Very solid build on both items
• Very thin, very light - CE-IV
• Sound that rivals MUCH more expensive systems
• Easy to read display
• Potential for large amount of storage at low cost
Cons
• Lack of remote functionality on the remote for the hub
• Lack of folder support
Overall I'm totally surpised at the high quality of sound from both the MP3 player and the hub, especially the HUGE RICH LOUD sound of the hub. I'm sure there are things I forgot to include here, if so let me know or post here with any questions.
