NOMAD Jukebox

Look Ma, Six Gigs!

That's right, those crazy kids at Creative decided that releasing two new NOMAD MP3 players wasn't enough. In the words of Creative, there is a market out there for "MP3 audio and technology enthusiasts seeking a portable multi-format audio player/recorder with massive storage capacity." And that market thanks Creative for making the NOMAD Jukebox.

NOMAD Jukebox

Two outputs, one line-in, USB, and power

Needs lots of juice

The NOMAD Jukebox has 6GB of storage built-in thanks to a 2.5 inch notebook hard drive. The Jukebox is shaped like a portable CD player; when you first see it, you're tempted to look for a non-existent CD eject button. The unit weighs in at just under a pound, 14 ounces with four AA batteries. The batteries only support 3-6 hours of continuous playback depending on battery type, but the Jukebox does come with an AC adapter. Like the NOMAD II and NOMAD II MG, the Jukebox uses a USB interface for PC connectivity.

Headphone jack and volume control

Button lock (for when you're on the move)

Features

The Jukebox also features an onboard digital signal processor (DSP) and has support for 4 channel surround sound. You will be able to download new DSP algorithms, security features, and playlist generators from www.nomadworld.com. The unit also has a five minute shock protection buffer. The Jukebox will be available this spring with a sub-$600 retail price.

The back

Size: 5" x 5" x 1.5"
Weight: 14 oz
Memory 8MB DRAM buffer
Capacity: 6GB Hard Drive
Battery Life (Playtime): 6 hours with 4 x NiMH rechargeable
Playback Formats: MP3; WMA; WAV
Signal to noise: better than 90db
Frequency Response: 20Hz~20,000Hz
Harmonic Distortion: < 0.1%
Operating System: Upgradable via Internet
Line Input: 1/8" stereo minijack
Line outputs: 2 x 1/8" stereo minijack for Front and Rear Speakers
Headphone Out: 1/8" stereo minijack, 100mW
LCD Display: 132 x 64 back-lit display
Data connector: USB
Power: Wall wart providing 9~15V DC

Future Support

Creative plans on adding several more Jukebox features and options. One feature will allow you to use the Jukebox as an external hard drive. You'll be limited by the speed of the USB port, but having 6GB of portable disk space could come in handy. And yes, Creative also plans on making a jukebox car power adapter. "Um… no officer, that isn't a radar detector. I swear. Want to hear some rap music I downloaded from the internet? It's NWA -good stuff."