A PC with a large hard disk is a great repository for an MP3 collection but a PC in a back bedroom with a tinny pair of speakers isn't a great way to listen to it. A PC connected to your hi-fi is one solution but who wants a computer, monitor, keyboard and mouse in their living room? Not Slim Devices, which is why it came up with the SLIMP3.

The SLIMP3 is an MP3 player that plugs into your hi-fi but unlike other devices that have their own hard disk, CD-ROM drive and CD-ripping capability, it's just an intelligent player. Moreover, it looks more like a stylish digital clock radio than a hi-fi component, which makes finding somewhere to put it a lot easier.

There are no buttons or switches on the SLIMP3, just sockets on the back for the supplied mains adapter, network cable and phono hi-fi leads. With it plugged into the mains and a hi-fi amplifier, the SLIMP3 then needs to be connected to your computer.

It can be plugged straight into a Mac or PC's network port but if that's already used for an internet connection or network, it can be plugged into a hub instead. In either case, you'll need enough network cable to stretch from your PC to your hi-fi and if that's a room or two away, a wireless network makes more sense - we successfully used the Netgear ME101 (reviewed on page 29)to make a wireless connection.

With the SLIMP3 connected and the supplied software running on the computer that contains your MP3 collection, you're away. You browse through your MP3 collection using the supplied remote control and pertinent information is displayed on the bright green display. From this point on, the SLIMP3 works just like a CD player, with all of the music playback options you'd expect. Turn it off and the SLIMP3 displays the date and time, and there's even an alarm clock function so you can wake up to your favourite tune.

Contact: Multitask Computing 01322 380023
www.slimp3uk.com

Also Consider:
Phillips Streamium. To be reviewed.