On January 2004, Freecom announced a new product in the digital media players line. One of these products, the Freecom Beatman Flash Recorder 128 arrived recently in our labs for review. We had already reviewed the Freecom BeatMan 8cm mp3 player in the past, and the results were quite good.

Sizing in at 52.6 x 56.7 x 17.5 mm and with a weight of 44 g, there is always room for the Beatman Flash. This super-compact, silver player provides more than 4 hours* of pure listening pleasure, is shock-resistant and can play either MP3 or WMA files. The in-ear headphones from Sennheiser also supplied with the player guarantee a rich sound quality.

The four-line multi-line graphic display with background lighting provides a complete ID3-tag display with information on the album, song and artist, and all information from the digital equalizer. New music files can easily be copied to the player with the included Digital Audio Manager software and the USB cable supplied. The Beatman Flash can also be used as a dictation device, allowing more than 30 hours of voice recording.

Let's start with a detailed features and specifications list:

- Features & Specifications

Storage capacity	128MB built-in flash memory (models with 256 & 512 MB also available)
Supported Bitrates	MP3: 8 ~ 320Kbps & VBR (Variable Bit Rate) WMA: 32Kbps ~ 192Kbps
MP3 Sampling Frequency	16/22.05/24/32/44.1/48KHz
Voice Recording Time	Over 16 hours (Based on 128 MB memory and 16kbps encoding)
Line in recording time	Over 2 hours (Based on 128 MB memory and 128kbps encoding)
Additional features	Multi 4-Line Graphic Display with EL Backlight ID3 tag support FM radio with custom presets Digital Sound Equalizer (normal/classic/pop/rock/live) Function keys: Play/Pause/Power Off, Previous, Next,Volume Up/Down, Mode/Navigation, Rec (voice)/A-B loop, Hold Firmware upgradeable, Memory not expandeable Silence Detection level (selects the silence levels between tracks to record)
Power requirements	1x AAA battery (1.5V).Freecom recommends Duracell batteries for optimal performance. Ni-MH rechargeable battery and charger are optionally available.
Operation Time	MP3/WMA: over 7 hours / FM: over 16 hours
Line in Connection	3.5 mm Mini Jack connector
PC Connection	USB (can also be connected to USB 2.0 port)
System Requirements	PC, Intel Pentium 133MHz or higher, 32MB RAM, 40MB free hard drive space, CD-ROM drive, Windows98SE / ME / 2000 / XP, available USB port
Physical Specifications	Dimensions: 57 x 64.6 x 12.6 mm / 2.2 x 2.5 x 0.5 inch - Weight: 41 gr / 1.4 ounce (without battery)
Environmental specifications	Storage: temp. -20° C to 60° C / Hum. 10% to 90% RH non-condensing Operating: temp. 0° C to 45° C / Hum. 10% to 80% RH non-condensing
Headphone Output	8mW, Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz, Signal to Noise ratio: > 60 dB (without filter), Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.1%
Headphone Specification	Type: Sennheiser MX 300 Frequency response: 18-20000Hz Impedance: 32 Ω Max. SPL: 116dB (at 1kHz, 0.5Vrms) Cable length: approx. 1m.
Remote Specification	Play/Pause/Next/Stop/Speed Control/Previous/Hold/Volume
Package Includes	Freecom Beatman Flash Recorder (128 MB or 256 MB) Wired clip-on remote control Audio line-in record cable Sennheiser in-ear headphones Neckstrap, Carrying Pouch, Luxury cloth, Carrying case with belt clip USB connection cable CD with Digital Audio Manager software (English) and manual in 7 languages (GB/D/F/NL/E/I/TR) 1x Duracell AAA-size battery Quick Install Guide,Warranty card
Service & Support	2 years limited warranty