SwiMP3

I just got the iRiver player with the waterproof case. The case is a bit bigger than I expected, not as tiny as the player, but the headphones are quite nice. It comes with straps for the arms, which I found too bulky or you could hang it from your neck, which is what I'll probably do and hold it onto the back strap of my swimsuit so it's not just floating there. Still have to upload songs into it, so I haven't tested it out, but I'll give updates as soon as I use it! It does look quite good and with a 1GB memory, it fits loads of songs in it -- it costs more than the SwiMP3, but I figured it's more memory for my money -- and I can use it out of the pool!

I used mine for the first time the other day (yes, it was a Christmas gift). It wasn't perfect, but it worked. My expectations were quite low so I was somewhat pleasantly surprised that I could hear the music pretty well and it did help break up the mundane task of doing 3500 un-coached yards. It was also very easy to set up and operate. Listening to ACDC, Sinatra and Springstein (to name a few) while doing a bunch of 200's was kinda fun. What was interesting was the fact that the music was more clear while underwater so it actually inspired me to do longer streamlines off the turns - I guess you can chalk up at least one technical benefit to the device. I can see using it from time to time on solo workouts but I don't expect to use it for group workouts. I know I looked like a huge dork with it on.

I've now been using the iriver mp3 with the H2OAudio case for a week (?) I think. It replaced the the DOA Finis SWIMP3 The iriver is easy to download to and has a radio as well, its nice and compact and the vulnerable parts-headset and battery are replaceable. THe sound quality with the earphones adjsuted right is great underwater and I asked folks working otu with em and there seems to eb no noise leakage. Negatives-if the case leaks the mp3 is not warrantied, since you are supposed to store the case open you need to be careful about closing it properly each time (thats the trade off for consumer servicable I guess). The earphones have to be adjusted just right-correct angle and not too deep in your ear. THey are really mini-speakers with earplugs mounted over them the earplugs direct the sound. It took some fiddling to get the earphones right and get my cap over them but now it works like a charm and severla otehr folks at the pool are ordering them. So far I've been swimming with it around my neck and tucked into my suit (female) but I want to experminet wiht mounting it to my goggles. THe case is little bit bigger than the finis until but its lighter and floats so I think it would be comfortable once I figure it out. I've used it in flip turns and swimming back and free and my friend tried it for butterfly so far its all good. ALthough ti blocks outt eh obnoxious music the pool pipes in I was able to hear the rain pouring on the roof and people talking to me. Its up to the suer how loud it is at high volumes, I imagine you wouldn't be able to hear over it. THe H2OAudio folks were very responsive to email so if you have any questions, I suggest emailing them!

Hmmm....the SwiMP3 is scheduled to arrive at my house tomorrow. I plan to swim a mile (first time!) tomorrow but I doubt it'll be here before then, let alone charged before my noontime swim. I hope it isn't DOA or doesn't break on me. I already had a finger lap counter break the first time I got into the water with it; I went back to the vendor who cheerfully replaced it with one that DOES work (I dropped it into a glass of water when I received it) and it's very helpful. Having music during my long swims will be very pleasant. Keeping my fingers crossed....I'll hang onto my warranty/return information just in case. Marian

I got my finger lap counter from swimtowin.com. It really is helpful. I am in the habit of right after a flip turn I hit it with my thumb. IT has gotten so automatic now, I don't even think about it!

Thank you so much. I'm going to give one a try as this is the third positive review I've seen. Thanks again! Steph

Originally posted by mbriones I hope it isn't DOA or doesn't break on me. I already had a finger lap counter break the first time I got into the water with it; I went back to the vendor who cheerfully replaced it with one that DOES work (I dropped it into a glass of water when I received it) and it's very helpful. Marian Best of luck w/the tunes; I'm uber jealous b/c I realllllllllly want one of those babies! :D You say you use a finger lap counter? I've been seriously thinking about buying one. Do you mind telling me where you purchased it from and how the second one is working for you these days? I always lose count of laps and am thinking this might be my saving grace. Thanks so much! Steph

Today was my first day in the water with my SwiMP3. I've got to tell you, it is so cool to be swimming down the lane to my fave tunes! My swimming friends were calling me the gadjet lady because of my lap counter and now this thing. I really like the ear plugs that they put in with it and I'm considering getting a second pair if I can for sleeping. I wear ear plugs at night (my husband snores so loudly, he wakes me up from the other room - yes I'm serious. No one believes me until they go camping with us, after wondering why his tent is 'way over there' and mine is where it is.....night falls and they certainly find out! Anyhow, the bass isn't like what you get from a conventional mp3 player; maybe I am wearing the 'bone phones' incorrectly. I noticed when I did my flip turns and was deeper into the water, the sound amplified. I asked the swimmer in the lane next to me if she could hear it, and she couldn't, so that's good. Well, my outdoor '2 years older than dirt' cat is pounding at my back door, so I'd better go feed her.... So my review of the SwiMP3 is favorable thus far! Marian

I've been following this thread with interest .... and now it looks like I need to put this on my things I NEED list!! Call me another gadget lady....

ohiowaterbaby, I agree with your observations. I think finis has a great concept but tis nto fully developed yet and there is an obvious quality problem with the ones out there, I hope they get it fixed. I love my Iriver/H2Oaudio so far and hope you do too. I am now being sent back to aqua jogging only as i continue my medical journey so i'm happy i didn't pursue finis past the first defective product!