I admit I was skeptical of the SwimP3 when I first heard about it.I didn't believe that a device could produce sound that I could hear through the water.Since I'm known among my friends as a swimmer, I inevitably got one as a gift last Christmas.
I have been loving the device since then!I had a rocky beginning with it because I wasn't using the (provided) earplugs.The real problem is not the volume of the device but how LOUD the pool water is rushing over your ears.You don't really notice just how loud it is until there's something to compete with it.The device comes with some ear plugs, and these are essential for good sound quality.Without earplugs you can still discern the sound, but not nearly at as high a quality as you can with.
The device works like it says -- the sound comes in directly through your skull; you can actually hear the music better underwater!The device is very small and can be worn on the back straps of any pair of goggles (it comes pre-attached to a pair).It fits behind the head at such an angle that does not cause any noticable drag in any stroke.
The goggles need to be worn rather tight for the device to be heard properly, but it's still more comfortable than those horrible Swedish goggles.The device comes with a pair of goggles that are pretty high quality.They are not as good as most other name-brand goggles, but they have lasted me through about 8 months of swimming so far.It would be easy for me to attach the device to a different pair.
For some technical aspects...
The device has a single port on it, which is sealable with a bendy rubber flap.The port resembles the kind on your computer you plug your mouse into (PS2), and appears to be well-sealed with some sort of clear epoxy.On top of that, the rubber flap snaps into place as an extra layer of water-tight protection.That single port comes with a cable that terminates on the other end as a USB plug.When this is plugged into the computer, it both allows you to transfer songs (it shows up as a portable hard-drive) and recharges the SwimP3.
The device is capable of holding 128 MB of MP3 files, which is a bit limiting, but is honestly plenty for a workout.You'd probably be fine encoding your music at 128 Kbps or even 96 -- this isn't exactly a high-fidelity device (you're not going to hear it underwater).The battery lasts a little more than two hours.I do not know if it supports VBR MP3 files.
The controls on the device are on/off, volume up/down, and track next/previous.There is no display on the device (you're supposed to wear it on the back of your head).
The workouts...
This device makes it much easier to swim long distances alone.Normally I find it hard to swim 4000 yards by myself in a pool, but workouts seem to go much faster listening to music.I had concerns that the device might be disruptive during group swim classes, but the device appears to be completely quiet to nearby listeners.I think it would be safe to use it on a swim team or during any other sort of group activity.
About me...
My background as a swimmer started with high school varsity as a short-distance freestyle sprinter.From there I spanned out into club and college intramural.I swim about 4 times per week, and this device makes the times I swim alone MUCH easier.
All in all, I would give this device 4 out of 5 stars -- extremely good for a first-generation device aimed at a tiny market.I am sure future generations will come with more space and better features (OGG support!).As it is, I would definitely recommend this to any technically-savy person who swims regularly.A very good buy!
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FINIS SwiMP3 v2 Waterproof MP3 PlayerProduct Description: Swimming is a terrific workout, but it offers one major drawback: you can't wear headphones underwater without sacrificing sound quality. Or at least that used to be the case before the debut of the Finis SwiMP3 v2 waterproof MP3 player. Unlike standard waterproof MP3 players--which transmit sound through the air or water and produce only a muffled noise when submerged--the SwiMP3 v2 relies on your bones to conduct the sound. This direct transfer of sound vibrations from the cheekbone to the inner ear produces exceptional sound clarity, so you can listen to all of your favorite tunes while working out or taking a leisurely swim. And you needn't worry about damaging your hearing, as bone conduction hearing is a safe, well-established hearing mechanism in humans. Rather, this is the first time an audio company has leveraged the technology to enhance the experience of swimmers, tri-athletes, surfers, synchronized swimmers, and anyone else involved in general water activities.
The SwiMP3 v2 attaches to your swim goggles or snorkeling mask. The SwiMP3 v2 also shines from a music standpoint, with 256 MB of memory and support for both MP3 and WMA files. Listeners have a basic selection of controls, including volume, shuffle, and resume, with an MP3 control panel built into the side panel. And when you're ready to swim, the player attaches easily to your swim goggle or snorkeling mask. Other details include a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 8 hours per charge, a built-in USB plug that inserts directly into your computer (no cable required), and a lightweight housing that weighs only 2 ounces. Designed to hold approximately 60 songs, the SwiMP3 v2 is compatible with Windows 98 SE, 2000, Me, and XP and Mac OS 9.x and 10.x.
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I bought this to help me speed up my swim training by allowing me to work my muscles more without running out of breath. It works great, and is really letting my get in better workouts. I have only two minor complaints. It should come with a nose clip, as it is nearly impossible to inhale without getting at least a little water up your nose, I suggest buying one with the snorkel. Also, the plastic of the snorkel becomes pretty soft if exposed to heat, which can cause the snorkel to bend. Make sure you don't leave the snorkel in your car on any warm day, or it will almost definitely be twisted or curved, and is very difficult to get back to its original shape.
