RCA Lyra RD1028 128 MB Personal MP3 Player

by RCA

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.4 x 0.6 x 1.9 inches ; 12 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002ZPDV4
• Item model number: RD1028
• Batteries: 1 AAA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer Features

mp3/WMA/WMA DRM Playback
Plays back mp3 & Windows Microsoft Audio (WMA) files. Also, compatible with most secure music downloads from WMA-compliant services that support DRM.

128 MB Flash Memory
Stores up to 4 hours of WMA music encoded at 64 Kbps as well as being a data storage device. No moving parts for skipless audio playback.

External SD/MMC Slot for Expandable Memory
Expandable memory with the use of additional memory cards. (SD / MMC - cards not included)

Multifunction 2-Line Alpha-Numeric LCD Display
The multi-line alpha-numeric display lists name of artist, song, elapsed time, volume level, and battery level indicator when in playback mode.

USB 2.0 Connectivity
It is quick and easy to transfer files from your PC to your Lyra player.

Extended Battery Life
Up to 20 hours playback on one "AAA" battery.

Full Accessory Kit Included
Includes: CD-ROM Music Management Software, USB Cable, Sports Armband, and e.clipz Clip-on Headphones, 1 "AAA" Alkaline Battery

Specifications

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 2.36" x 1.9" x 0.6"
• Weight: 0.11 / 0.77 pounds
• Battery Life (Continuous Playback): Up to 20 Hours

Display

• Total Number of Tracks: Yes
• Track Number: Yes
• Elapsed Play Time: Yes
• Bit Rate: Yes
• USB Download: Yes
• DSP Modes: Yes
• Play Mode: Yes
• Hold: Yes
• Digital Volume Level: Yes
• Low Battery Indicator: Yes
• Low Battery: Yes
• Dead Battery: Yes
• USB Connection: Yes
• Memory Card: Yes
• Key Lock: Yes

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Product Description

RCA LYRA Personal mp3 Player with 128MB built in flash memory with external memory slot for SD / MultiMedia Card expandability, Upgradable Firmware, High Speed USB 2.0 with full accessory kit included

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Quality but lacks features, June 15, 2005

By 

Jonathan D. Forster "area123" (nowata, ok United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: RCA Lyra RD1028 128 MB Personal MP3 Player (Electronics)

I bought this to go along with a 1gb sd card I got a great deal on, I thought for less than 80 bucks I was going to have a sweet 1gb mp3 which sells for about 2x that normally.

But the problem is that the only way I have found to navigate through your music is to push forward through each of the 300+ songs I have put on it. What a pain, it does not recognize folders or albums as you store them, only skips to the next song, or you can also have it play a random shuffle which is ok.

I guess it was meant as a device to play 20 or 30 songs randomly while you work out, etc. It is good for that but a little expensive for a 128mb player. Since they expect that you will add memory, up to 1 or 2gb, they should have allowed better management of the songs.

The software is crap, didn't even install correctly on 1 pc and had trouble on another. Also it doesn't sync w/ the sd card, only the 128mb of onboard flash, sucks.

Overall I like the player, nice feel, easy to use, good quality and works well, but only good for what's in the package, 128mb of workout or whatever music.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Shortsighted Memory Limitation but Otherwise Very Good Bang for the Buck, December 13, 2005

By 

Darkness (SoCal) - See all my reviews

This review is from: RCA Lyra RD1028 128 MB Personal MP3 Player (Electronics)

I bought this thing back in March 2005 for $40 bucks on sale from Radio Shack. The size was an immediate selling point for me as it is the least bulky of all mp3 players I researched. This is important if you exercise and want to take along your tunes or even if you just want tunes to take along with you whatever you do. For me, I ride a bike so anything small and light is a bonus. I have been using this player 6 days/wk for the past 9 months and aside from the clip on headphone wire having gone on the fritz (which is to be expected) I really have no big complaints about this product.

PROS: Compact size, ease of use, comes with own arm band case, no software necessary, 1 AAA battery all that's needed.

CONS: 512 MB limitation, mp3 format only, no menu, no backlight, player sporadically freezes even with brand new battery installed

The RD1028 has a 128 meg capacity and has an open slot for a memory upgrade but unfortunately, that upgrade will only get you a whopping 512 MB. The 128 MB will yield approximately 25-28 mp3 files depending on size. It's enough for a 90 minute workout but gets old fast if you want to cycle through more music. A 512 MB upgrade is probably in order however pricing said memory card runs approximately $45 bucks, which is about what I initially paid for the unit along with tax.

I have looked at other manufacturers but absolutely none of them have the appeal of the Lyra because none are as compact. Except the latest version of iPod, whatever that model is called. But I don't have $500 bucks to throw away on a player.

The Lyra is very simplistic to use. Don't worry about installing the MusicMatch software in order to upload tunes. It's useless and the only reason MM threw in their software with the Lyra was to hook consumers into paying for music downloads from their site. You don't need the software, just simply use your Windows explorer!

All in all, I really enjoy the Lyra, however its price tag on Amazon is very steep. At $80 bucks it is over priced, particularly given the 128 MB size. If you can find it elsewhere then do so.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars awsome for the price, November 24, 2005

By 

David Zidel "diz1356" (Richton Park, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: RCA Lyra RD1028 128 MB Personal MP3 Player (Electronics)

This was my first mp3 player...did not even have to use the supplied software.....used windows explorer to drag and drop songs on to the memory,,,,great sound too