Frontier Labs L1 20GB MP3 Player / Jukebox

We all benefit from the average underdog's attempts to thwart the domination of the big guy. If the underdog can compete almost toe-to-toe with the big dog, then typically we see lower prices and more innovation. One big dog that many of us would like to see more companies compete toe-to-toe with is Apple with its exceedingly popular iPod. And one underdog trying to make you take notice of it is Frontier Labs with its new 20GB L1 'jukebox' MP3 player.

While the L1 may not be an iPod-killer in the eyes of many, it is definitely worthy of your consideration. The 20GB L1 is in the same price range (~$300) as the 15GB iPod and $100 cheaper than the 20GB iPod. To borrow from Frontier Labs' own ornery marketing, that's just "Lucking Fovely," isn't it?

I can't directly compare the L1 to an iPod since I've never used an iPod, but I'll let you know if it's worth your green or not. Read on to see what's to like and not to like about Frontier Labs' L1.

Here's a description about the L1 from Frontier's web site:

"The L1 is our brand new one here at FRONTIER LABS. With 20GB 1.8" hard drive you can fit the best part of your music collection plus that of your best mate on this player and you can also store all other digital files on it.

It's the ideal accessory to a busy lifestyle providing you with top-quality MP3 and WMA play back, an FM radio, voice/direct line-in recording, as well as built-in games, clock, calender and memo function. All this in one slinky, black and silver alloy metal player just 1.5cm thick.

The L1 has USB2.0 allowing a super-speedy transfer between computer and player, so you can start listening to your favourite tracks and creating your personal playlists straight away. The player has no-nonsense controls, a user-friendly interface and a whopping 4.5cm² backlit display.

The L1 is our biggest yet, offering you a massive 20GB for the ultimate in fantastic lovely entertainment. You will Love (this) One."

Features

• Plays MP3, WMA, WAV and other emerging formats
• Voice recording, FM live recording and direct line-in recording
• Ultra fast USB 2.0 file transfer
• Backlight, large-scale dot matrix display (160x160 dots)
• User-upgradeable firmware
• Easy to use file navigation with multi-language menu selection (English, German, Chinese, French, Spanish and Korean)
• Playlists support
• 16MB anti-shock buffer
• Rechargeable through either AC/DC adapter or USB cable
• FM tuner including 10 preset channels.
• Five preset EQ and 1 custom EQ
• Built in games (snake, tetris, sokoban & othello)
• Calendar, clock & memo support

Specifications

DISTORTION RATE: 0.05%
SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO: 90dB
MAXIMUM HEADPHONE OUTPUT: 50mW
FREQUENCY RANGE: 20Hz to 20KHz
AVERAGE PLAY TIME: (1400 mAH Li battery)... 8 hours
USB TRANSFER RATE: approximately 480 MBPS (Max)
LCD: 37 x 37 mm, 160 X 160 STN dot matrix
DIMENSIONS: 3 7/8" (98mm) X 2 1/2" (65mm) X 7/8" (22mm)
WEIGHT: 6.7 oz (190 grams)
MEMORY: 20GB

Package Contents

• L1 20GB MP3 Player
• Stylish high-quality stereo earphone with neck band
• CD-ROM (Music Match Jukebox and Drivers)
• Instruction Manual
• Carrying Pouch
• Line-In Cable
• USB Cable
• A/C Adapter

Well, isn't that playful!? Or Pucking Flayful maybe? Hmmm....

Sorry for the blur... the box wouldn't hold still ;)

Love, Work, Play ... One Love (L1)

Open up the bucking fox ... okay, I'll stop (I weally rill)

Some of the stuff you get

Other, more exciting stuff you also get

Frontier throws everything in that you need to start putting songs on your L1 and to start listening. In my opinion, the line-in cable and carrying pouch are nice little touches. I was happily surprised to see them included. The Instruction Manual is written in four different languages and is pretty well written for the most part (some parts aren't 100% accurate).