Comments on: Freestyle Audio SoundWave Waterproof MP3 Player Review http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/05/freestyle-audio-soundwave-waterproof-mp3-player-review/ Gadget reviews and news by Julie Strietelmeier and friends since 1997 Sun, 27 May 2012 00:39:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Kevin http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/05/freestyle-audio-soundwave-waterproof-mp3-player-review/comment-page-1/#comment-132401 Kevin Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:30:51 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16111#comment-132401 Try that again (iPad auto misspells) I have to agree with most of your complaints. I think you must have gotten a refurbished device because mine did not one with songs per-loaded. In fact I think that would violate copyrights, loading and giving away thousands of copies of those songs. Maybe yours was a demo model or a return? One area where this little guy shines is underwater. You can swim laps while listening to music! A BLESSING! That’s what makes their earbuds special. The part that goes in your ear where the music comes out is fully waterproof. And the sound quality is quite good! Eventually I learned to use the controls, sort of. I purchased mine through eBay. Initially the sound stunk. It played in mono and then one ear bud when dead. I contacted the manufacturer and the man who answered (I think they may have been be a one peron operation at that time) wanted to know the name of he seller (company name) said sone thing about them "not supposed to be doing that". He took my address and mailed me TWO sets of new earbuds, both which work great and play in stereo, as they should. It sounds like the eBay seller was selling recalled merchandise as new. Anyway, very happy with Freestyle customer service. AAA+++ they fixed me up even though I suspect it wasn't really their fault. Again, this device is targeted for people who want to listen to music while IN water, maybe over their head. When I swim the body of the device is underwater the whole time, the earbuds most of the time. Been using it or a few years now. Still works great. Try that again (iPad auto misspells)

I have to agree with most of your complaints. I think you must have gotten a refurbished device because mine did not one with songs per-loaded. In fact I think that would violate copyrights, loading and giving away thousands of copies of those songs. Maybe yours was a demo model or a return?

One area where this little guy shines is underwater. You can swim laps while listening to music! A BLESSING! That’s what makes their earbuds special. The part that goes in your ear where the music comes out is fully waterproof. And the sound quality is quite good!

Eventually I learned to use the controls, sort of.

I purchased mine through eBay. Initially the sound stunk. It played in mono and then one ear bud when dead. I contacted the manufacturer and the man who answered (I think they may have been be a one peron operation at that time) wanted to know the name of he seller (company name) said sone thing about them “not supposed to be doing that”. He took my address and mailed me TWO sets of new earbuds, both which work great and play in stereo, as they should. It sounds like the eBay seller was selling recalled merchandise as new.

Anyway, very happy with Freestyle customer service. AAA+++ they fixed me up even though I suspect it wasn’t really their fault.

Again, this device is targeted for people who want to listen to music while IN water, maybe over their head. When I swim the body of the device is underwater the whole time, the earbuds most of the time. Been using it or a few years now. Still works great.

]]> By: Scott http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/05/freestyle-audio-soundwave-waterproof-mp3-player-review/comment-page-1/#comment-125758 Scott Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:53:19 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16111#comment-125758 Underwater Audio makes a completely waterproof iPod shuffle. They take a normal iPod shuffle, the really small square kind and make it waterproof. I have one I use for swimming laps and use it all the time. Underwateraudio.com. Check it out! Underwater Audio makes a completely waterproof iPod shuffle. They take a normal iPod shuffle, the really small square kind and make it waterproof. I have one I use for swimming laps and use it all the time. Underwateraudio.com. Check it out!

]]> By: Peter http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/05/freestyle-audio-soundwave-waterproof-mp3-player-review/comment-page-1/#comment-104616 Peter Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:59:14 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16111#comment-104616 Interesting fact is that this MP3 player can still be purchased on Amazon while official Freestyle Audio page is not available any more. So in case of problems, what one can do about? Interesting fact is that this MP3 player can still be purchased on Amazon while official Freestyle Audio page is not available any more. So in case of problems, what one can do about?

]]> By: John Goodrich http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/05/freestyle-audio-soundwave-waterproof-mp3-player-review/comment-page-1/#comment-101802 John Goodrich Thu, 12 May 2011 02:55:52 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16111#comment-101802 I've had my freestyle for over a year maybe two. The buttons are a pain, but if you wear it to work out like I do, it seems to work well. I'm a oldschool programmer and like copying files from disk to disk so it wasn't a problem moving music around. The user interface needs some work, the buttons should be on the side letting them use the front surface for display. So yes there are some problems but mine has served me well. I’ve had my freestyle for over a year maybe two. The buttons are a pain, but if you wear it to work out like I do, it seems to work well. I’m a oldschool programmer and like copying files from disk to disk so it wasn’t a problem moving music around. The user interface needs some work, the buttons should be on the side letting them use the front surface for display. So yes there are some problems but mine has served me well.

]]> By: Paulette http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/05/freestyle-audio-soundwave-waterproof-mp3-player-review/comment-page-1/#comment-95927 Paulette Fri, 14 Jan 2011 22:41:09 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16111#comment-95927 My Freestyle lasted just beyond the guarantee and then totally shut off....could be the reason no one can get a hold of anyone to complain...they've went out of business due to a defective product?! My Freestyle lasted just beyond the guarantee and then totally shut off….could be the reason no one can get a hold of anyone to complain…they’ve went out of business due to a defective product?!

]]> By: George Doolittle http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/05/freestyle-audio-soundwave-waterproof-mp3-player-review/comment-page-1/#comment-89091 George Doolittle Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:44:58 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16111#comment-89091 I have been dealing with a freestyle for awhile and find it difficult to deal with as noted in the opening review. A part of the problem is probably My inexperience at loading players with music from a computer via the USB port. Is there any website,etc that will give basic instructions for the best way to load the Freestyle Waterproof MP3 player with tunes? Any pointers, etc will be appreciated. PS: The freestyle website and San diego phone number are invalid. Anyone know how to get in touch with them? Thanks I have been dealing with a freestyle for awhile and find it difficult to deal with as noted in the opening review. A part of the problem is probably My inexperience at loading players with music from a computer via the USB port. Is there any website,etc that will give basic instructions for the best way to load the Freestyle Waterproof MP3 player with tunes? Any pointers, etc will be appreciated.

PS: The freestyle website and San diego phone number are invalid. Anyone know how to get in touch with them?

Thanks

]]> By: Axel http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/05/freestyle-audio-soundwave-waterproof-mp3-player-review/comment-page-1/#comment-57981 Axel Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:16:29 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16111#comment-57981 The interface setup is a pain. The headphones that came with it were junk. The stupid piece of plastic film that gives the display 2 colors is strange. However, I used mine for 2 years working on the Colorado and San Juan Rivers and it still works. I have jumped into rivers with it on and even after I cracked the plastic case, it still worked in the water. I got my money's worth. The interface setup is a pain. The headphones that came with it were junk. The stupid piece of plastic film that gives the display 2 colors is strange. However, I used mine for 2 years working on the Colorado and San Juan Rivers and it still works. I have jumped into rivers with it on and even after I cracked the plastic case, it still worked in the water. I got my money’s worth.

]]> By: reliability guy http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/05/freestyle-audio-soundwave-waterproof-mp3-player-review/comment-page-1/#comment-46849 reliability guy Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:52:51 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16111#comment-46849 After 30 minutes of swimming test in the pool it became dead! Poor design! I can not believe some one can call device water proof with mini-jack socket for headphones! Not reliable at all! After 30 minutes of swimming test in the pool it became dead! Poor design! I can not believe some one can call device water proof with mini-jack socket for headphones! Not reliable at all!

]]> By: Katerina http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/05/freestyle-audio-soundwave-waterproof-mp3-player-review/comment-page-1/#comment-45387 Katerina Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:30:49 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16111#comment-45387 I don't know how long everyone else has owned this device, but I have just passed the one year mark - get ready for trouble. Even though the battery is fully charged once you select a song, the time changes from 3:54 to 0:00 and that will happen across the board - Format Error - my a$$. It worked well for the first 6-8 months now it is just a problem. By the way, the website is non-existant just in case you wanted to call and complain. I don’t know how long everyone else has owned this device, but I have just passed the one year mark – get ready for trouble. Even though the battery is fully charged once you select a song, the time changes from 3:54 to 0:00 and that will happen across the board – Format Error – my a$$. It worked well for the first 6-8 months now it is just a problem. By the way, the website is non-existant just in case you wanted to call and complain.

]]> By: Aaron http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/05/freestyle-audio-soundwave-waterproof-mp3-player-review/comment-page-1/#comment-45286 Aaron Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:30:55 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16111#comment-45286 I have to agree with the above comments. I'm most disappointed in the quality of the headphones. My player is not even a year old and they no longer work. The earbuds are quite painful, as well. Buttons are difficult to press, but this also keeps me from pressing buttons accidentally. I am impressed with it being waterproof without a case. I was initially satisfied with the product, but since changed my mind as my unit is not functional without headphones. I can't get a response from the company about replacing them. I've researched other headphones and they range up to $60 each!!! I have to agree with the above comments. I’m most disappointed in the quality of the headphones. My player is not even a year old and they no longer work. The earbuds are quite painful, as well. Buttons are difficult to press, but this also keeps me from pressing buttons accidentally. I am impressed with it being waterproof without a case. I was initially satisfied with the product, but since changed my mind as my unit is not functional without headphones. I can’t get a response from the company about replacing them. I’ve researched other headphones and they range up to $60 each!!!

]]> By: Deirdre http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/05/freestyle-audio-soundwave-waterproof-mp3-player-review/comment-page-1/#comment-42931 Deirdre Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:22:38 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16111#comment-42931 I hated your review. It's a freaking waterproof device. TALK about how it held up in the water. Did you even use it in the water? I have the swimman version of the shuffle. Its buttons are also difficult to press, probably because of what it takes to keep the water out of the device. Your review was not AT ALL helpful. Thank you for wasting my time. FAIL!!!!!! I hated your review. It’s a freaking waterproof device. TALK about how it held up in the water. Did you even use it in the water? I have the swimman version of the shuffle. Its buttons are also difficult to press, probably because of what it takes to keep the water out of the device. Your review was not AT ALL helpful. Thank you for wasting my time. FAIL!!!!!!

]]> By: Ross Houser http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/05/freestyle-audio-soundwave-waterproof-mp3-player-review/comment-page-1/#comment-37383 Ross Houser Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:08:21 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16111#comment-37383 I couldn't agree with you more on your findings about the Freestyle Mp3 player...it just really is an inferior product...I do give them credit for having an Mp3 player that does not require a case though! Another note...if your looking for a product that has proven to be reliable and millions have purchased them around the world...then you could go with the Swimman, I personally have one myself and they have managed to waterproof the Ipod Shuffle. The Swimman is waterproofed from inside so like the Freestyle there is no case. I couldn’t agree with you more on your findings about the Freestyle Mp3 player…it just really is an inferior product…I do give them credit for having an Mp3 player that does not require a case though!
Another note…if your looking for a product that has proven to be reliable and millions have purchased them around the world…then you could go with the Swimman, I personally have one myself and they have managed to waterproof the Ipod Shuffle. The Swimman is waterproofed from inside so like the Freestyle there is no case.

]]> By: Claire Strodtbeck http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/05/freestyle-audio-soundwave-waterproof-mp3-player-review/comment-page-1/#comment-36982 Claire Strodtbeck Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:09:11 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16111#comment-36982 @Dan - good call on the Swimman! I read about those awhile back - that's probably your best bet out of anything, because you can use it with pretty much anything. I love how lightweight the second-gen shuffle is (although I do wish it had a display). If that company waterproofed the Sansa Clip, that'd be perfect. @Dan – good call on the Swimman! I read about those awhile back – that’s probably your best bet out of anything, because you can use it with pretty much anything. I love how lightweight the second-gen shuffle is (although I do wish it had a display). If that company waterproofed the Sansa Clip, that’d be perfect.

]]> By: Andy Chen http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/05/freestyle-audio-soundwave-waterproof-mp3-player-review/comment-page-1/#comment-36973 Andy Chen Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:37:44 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16111#comment-36973 Goes to show how a good user interface can make or break something! Well done Claire. Goes to show how a good user interface can make or break something! Well done Claire.

]]> By: Dan http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/06/05/freestyle-audio-soundwave-waterproof-mp3-player-review/comment-page-1/#comment-36965 Dan Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:14:02 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=16111#comment-36965 Claire's review is so right! I tried the Freestyle Waterproof MP3 Player and found it to be a real pain. First, the controls are hard to use and navigate and the LCD screen is all but impossible to use in the sun. I got it so that I could listen to music while I swim, so easy viewing and button control is important. I also have to mention that the earbuds are very uncomfortable (actually painful) and the sound quality is so not there. I sent it back a while back and picked up a Swimman Waterproof iPod Shuffle and Headset ( see it at www.swimman.com ) . It is the bomb! Works great, just like a Shuffle, but is totally waterproof! Headset sound is great and earbuds are really, really comfortable. U got to try it! Claire’s review is so right! I tried the Freestyle Waterproof MP3 Player and found it to be a real pain. First, the controls are hard to use and navigate and the LCD screen is all but impossible to use in the sun. I got it so that I could listen to music while I swim, so easy viewing and button control is important. I also have to mention that the earbuds are very uncomfortable (actually painful) and the sound quality is so not there. I sent it back a while back and picked up a Swimman Waterproof iPod Shuffle and Headset ( see it at http://www.swimman.com ) . It is the bomb! Works great, just like a Shuffle, but is totally waterproof! Headset sound is great and earbuds are really, really comfortable. U got to try it!

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