FINIS, a company that specializes in swimming-related equipment, caused waves four years ago when it introduced its SwiMP3 waterproof player. Featuring bone-conduction technology that took advantage of water's natural ability to transmit sound, the device was unlike any player on the market.
The device has since been upgraded to the SwiMP3.1G, a sleeker version that gets rid of the original's unwieldy third piece by incorporating all the controls into the device's side panels. To test the device's seaworthiness, I enlisted the help of swimming and diving expert Matthew Rhiley from the Sierra Diving Center in Reno, Nev.
The device has since been upgraded to the SwiMP3.1G, a sleeker version that gets rid of the original's unwieldy third piece by incorporating all the controls into the device's side panels. To test the device's seaworthiness, I enlisted the help of swimming and diving expert Matthew Rhiley from the Sierra Diving Center in Reno, Nev.
Photo © Finis
PROS
Self-contained: A self-contained design means you don't have to lug around a waterproof case and earphones. It also means you don't have to stress out as much about water ruining your player. Even the USB plug is waterproof, although it's still a good idea to dry it out before connecting it to your computer.
Fast and easy loading: Loading music files into the player is quick and simple. Just plug the special USB dongle to your computer and drag-and-drop your music files to the SwiMP3 folder.
File options: In addition to the MP3 format, the SwiMP3 is also Windows Media Audio compatible. That eliminates time-consuming conversions for folks who have a ton of WMA files.
iTunes compatibility: Besides dragging songs from your music folders, you can also drag files from iTunes. The device even works with songs that are edited with the iTunes BPM Inspector shareware program. This allows you to set the beats-per-minute for your songs to better match your swimming intensity.
Battery life: The SwiMP3 features a battery life of 8 hours between charges—more than enough for several swimming sessions.
Self-contained: A self-contained design means you don't have to lug around a waterproof case and earphones. It also means you don't have to stress out as much about water ruining your player. Even the USB plug is waterproof, although it's still a good idea to dry it out before connecting it to your computer.
Fast and easy loading: Loading music files into the player is quick and simple. Just plug the special USB dongle to your computer and drag-and-drop your music files to the SwiMP3 folder.
File options: In addition to the MP3 format, the SwiMP3 is also Windows Media Audio compatible. That eliminates time-consuming conversions for folks who have a ton of WMA files.
iTunes compatibility: Besides dragging songs from your music folders, you can also drag files from iTunes. The device even works with songs that are edited with the iTunes BPM Inspector shareware program. This allows you to set the beats-per-minute for your songs to better match your swimming intensity.
Battery life: The SwiMP3 features a battery life of 8 hours between charges—more than enough for several swimming sessions.
CONS
Limited playlist options: Songs are typically downloaded into the SwiMP3 alpha-numerically. So if you want Rick James' "Super Freak" to play before "I'm Too Sexy " by Right Said Fred, you'll need to rename both songs something like "1A Super Freak" and "1B I'm Too Sexy." That could be super freaking annoying when arranging 240 songs.
Non-expandable memory: Speaking of 240 songs, that's about the maximum number of songs you can fit into the device's non-expandable 1 gigabyte memory—not bad but not spectacular either. (FINIS says it opted against expandable memory to reduce the risk of water breaches.)
No battery life display, replacement: You basically have no idea on how much juice you've got left until the low-battery indicator light starts flashing. The battery also can not be replaced. Once it ceases to hold a charge, your player dies along with it.
Shared controls: Different controls are mapped to the same buttons, which can be confusing. A tap of the arrow buttons cycles your music forward or backward. Holding the same buttons, however, also adjusts the volume. The ON/OFF button doubles as a pause button as well.
Unwanted movement: This can be an issue depending on how tight you like your strap fitted and just how strenuous your workout is. The device is fine for casual swimming or snorkeling. But if you blaze across the pool a la Michael Phelps while bobbing your head in and out of the water, then you could experience some movement. That would be especially bad if the device somehow slides down from your upper cheek to your ear.
Limited playlist options: Songs are typically downloaded into the SwiMP3 alpha-numerically. So if you want Rick James' "Super Freak" to play before "I'm Too Sexy " by Right Said Fred, you'll need to rename both songs something like "1A Super Freak" and "1B I'm Too Sexy." That could be super freaking annoying when arranging 240 songs.
Non-expandable memory: Speaking of 240 songs, that's about the maximum number of songs you can fit into the device's non-expandable 1 gigabyte memory—not bad but not spectacular either. (FINIS says it opted against expandable memory to reduce the risk of water breaches.)
No battery life display, replacement: You basically have no idea on how much juice you've got left until the low-battery indicator light starts flashing. The battery also can not be replaced. Once it ceases to hold a charge, your player dies along with it.
Shared controls: Different controls are mapped to the same buttons, which can be confusing. A tap of the arrow buttons cycles your music forward or backward. Holding the same buttons, however, also adjusts the volume. The ON/OFF button doubles as a pause button as well.
Unwanted movement: This can be an issue depending on how tight you like your strap fitted and just how strenuous your workout is. The device is fine for casual swimming or snorkeling. But if you blaze across the pool a la Michael Phelps while bobbing your head in and out of the water, then you could experience some movement. That would be especially bad if the device somehow slides down from your upper cheek to your ear.
Photo © Finis
"If the device moves over your ear canal, then it gets dramatically louder," Rhiley said. "You would actually have to rip it off because it hurts. You could make your mask strap really tight so it doesn't move. But I don't like to do that because it leaves red marks around your eyes and you end up looking like a raccoon after your swim."
Despite some of its issues, the SwiMP3 is a solid player overall that gets the job done. Folks looking for a "tweener" for land and water use are likely better off getting a regular MP3 player with a waterproof case and headset. But if you're an avid swimmer who's looking for a dedicated music player to take with you in the water, then the SwiMP3 is definitely worth a look.
Despite some of its issues, the SwiMP3 is a solid player overall that gets the job done. Folks looking for a "tweener" for land and water use are likely better off getting a regular MP3 player with a waterproof case and headset. But if you're an avid swimmer who's looking for a dedicated music player to take with you in the water, then the SwiMP3 is definitely worth a look.
