Philips GoGear 2 GB MP3/Video Player (Grey)

My first MP3 player, and it worked beautifully for nearly a decade. I sadly had to order a second one (Which finally arrived today) because I had put the first one through so much punishment that the screen was cracked, the buttons were starting to fail, the volume buttons had fallen off COMPLETELY, but amazingly it still WORKS. For what it is, it's an amazingly durable MP3 that will stand the test of time, and if you've only got a few hundred songs or less then it does its job so well you can pick one up and not need another for years to come. It's a fantastic product even today, just the right size, easy to use, and it can take some good abuse and still work without issues. If you're looking for a huge amount of space it's not the best choice, but if you're looking for something that will still be working 6-8 years from now, this one is for you.

This was my first mp3 player ever, and acquired it almost two years ago. At first I was thrilled, as it was a new type of device for me, but as time went on, I realized how many shortcomings this device has.The controls are the biggest sore-point. To play/pause, skip forward/back, turn the system off, fast-foward/rewind, etc, are all done by the same button, but you push it a different angle for each function. The play/pause/power off function is done by hitting the button dead center, put a milligram of pressure on one side or the other, and the player will assume you're trying to perform another function... same with trying to skip a song or go back to one, a little pressure wrong, and you're going to be frustrated.Trying to turn the system off the is the most aggravating experience.Not even two years of ownership, and mine is barely functional. It'll turn on and play for a minute or two, but then shuts off.The video functionality is nice, but requires proprietary video format, and you have to use the included software to (extremely slowly) convert another video to the playable format on the player. This proprietary format also produces extremely large filesizes for relatively low-resolution/framerate videos.

ConsIt has a music (Of course) video, picture, and recording feature. The video feature sadly doesn't work. You sadly can't listen to music and look at pictures at the same time. The recording feature is fine, but you need to plug it into a computer to change the name of the recording or delete them. There is a fast-forward and backwards feature, but it is hard to use because it is on the same button.ProsOn the other hand, you can easily start songs over and change them. The device is simple and small, and it won't fall out of your pocket. It was so easy to use, even a child could operate it. There is a case that you can purchase that made for it, and the case is great for exercise. I have had this MP3 forever, I love it, and I have had it for over 5 years. One time, I fell asleep with the MP3 player still on. Then I woke up and found out that it was still on and still playing music. It had been on and playing music for at least 12 hours without a recharge! With the case on it, it out lived my older brother's MP3 player, and he was using a more expensive device. It also charges up fairly quickly.OtherThis was my first MP3 player, and probably the most confusing thing about it is the buttons, but after a while the buttons are not hard to use at all (except for the fast forward/backward option). The screen falls asleep after a minute or two, but the music keeps playing, and pressing any of the buttons can easily wake the screen up.A couple days ago, it broke, but this was after 5 years of being handled by kids and over using the battery (Like the time I left it on all night.) Especially for such a low price, this was definitely worth the money I spent on it.-Rachel

Along with the other few reviewers, this Phillips GoGear 2 GB model was my first MP3 player I ever owned.I recieved this as a Christmas present six years ago.I've listened to it off and on for six years and it still works, this thing is great! The buttons might wear down or get harder to use in time, but as long as it still plays the music, be happy!I love it!