The X-Micro Video MP3 400 does not require any drivers to operate. Just plug it and start transferring audio and image files to it – the device is instantly recognized as a flash-drive and you can even use it as a portable 1 GB drive (it also comes in 256 and 512 MB versions). But if you want to enjoy video files be sure to install the AMV Convert Tool that comes in a CD-Rom provided with the X-Micro. The AMV is a MTV-endorsed file format that is also the device’s native file format. The software handles the conversion of any movie file format with ease: it takes but a few minutes to convert a 180 MB .avi to a 40 MB .amv counterpart. You don’t have to give a second thought to screen sizes or bit rates; it’s the painless video conversion we’ve ever seen.

Once you transferred pictures, movies and music files to the X-Micro it’s very easy to access them using the joystick-like control on its faceplate. You can browse the main menu to Music, Recorder, Voice, FM and Video options. Use the joystick to go through the many files and the lateral play/pause button to view/listen/watch them.

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Figure 4: The menu.

When you use the voice recording feature be sure to rename the files with Windows explorer to easily recognize the conversations you recorded. You should also install the Sound Convert Tool that comes in the same AMV Convert Tool CD-ROM. The software will turn any recording made with the X-Micro – a high-compression mono file format - into a standard WAV file, so they can be played back on any other PC or portable device.

Music listening is on par with industry standards. Sound is clear and can be improved with seven separate equalizer functions: normal, rock, pop, classical, soft, jazz and double bass. The last one doesn’t deliver: bass is not just doubled, it becomes the whole music, and you can’t listen to anything else. The FM receives provides sharp radio playback and easy search through the supported 87-108 band.

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Figure 5: Music listening.