THE GOOD Bright and gorgeous 2.2-inch color LCD screen; direct-to-player CD ripping with included docking cradle; compatible with subscription services such as Napster To Go; eye-catching and customizable wallpaper and screen themes; available in a variety of capacities; programmable hot key.
THE BAD Cradle requires separate AC connection; counterintuitive controls and confusing menus; multiple software applications needed, including the frustrating bundled Gigabeat Room software; no belt clip or in-line remote-control pad included; no FM tuner; no voice or line-in recording; no USB 2.0 support for Windows Media Player 10.0 or Napster.
THE BOTTOM LINE Toshiba adds some useful technology and features not found on the iPod, but too many unnecessary limitations, sloppy software, and counterintuitive ergonomics add up to a wasted opportunity.
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