Computer Column-3

While Apple's iPod so far is the undisputed champion in the MP3 player arena, it still requires a computer to use it. In fact, just about every portable MP3 player out there requires some kind of computer hookup so that you can download music into to the attached player. The computer also lets you organize your tunes and perform other necessary housekeeping functions that allow you to control, maintain and organize everything else.

The player's sole purpose is to, well, play the MP3 files without having to lug around the computer. But now there's a new player in town that doesn't require a computer at all, and I say it's about time.

MusicGremlin just launched their Gremlin MG-1000 that fits in the palm of your hand. It sports a 2-inch, high-quality color screen along with a rounded square control pad with a button at its center. You navigate through a series of hierarchical menus by pressing the up, down, left or right part of the square pad and select via the middle button. It's very intuitive. In fact, most of the music selection process, playlists and the like are pretty much standard.

Adjusting the volume, setting features, seeing displayed cover art, selection by channels organized by artist, genre, mood, and status bars that indicate levels and durations should hold no surprises to anyone who has used most any typical MP3 player or an iPod. But that's where the similarities end. Because there's a whole other world waiting outside for this little player.

The big difference is that your music is downloaded over the air via any standard WiFi connection. The number of available WiFi enabled areas in public venues is gigantic and that doesn't include commercial HotSpots you find in places like Starbucks. You can download well over 2 million songs from many of the top recording labels and artists and the number is growing fast.

To get music, MusicGremlin offers two payment methods. The first is the a-la-carte iTunes model where you pay 99 cents a song. The other is the All You Can Eat Napster-like subscription model where you pay a $15 a month. Under that plan, you can download as many songs as you like. You also have full access to the service on up to three computers. With either plan, you can browse the MusicGremlin Direct music service and sample whatever you want. You can even choose to order the actual CD. Make your selections and when you have an Internet connection, the MusicGremlin automatically places your order and downloads your music. And of course, it's now in your player so the music goes where you go. No longer need you be tethered to a computer.

A typical song takes around a minute to download but you can listen to it even as it's being captured so there's really a feeling of instant gratification when you pick something new. Another very hot feature is the ability to detect other MusicGremlins on the network so you can see what others are playing. Of course you can adjust different levels of privacy so you can prevent your playlist from being sampled or just allow your specified MusicGremlin buddies into your little playlist world no matter where in the world they may happen to be at any given moment.

MusicGremlin has plans to add new features and abilities but they've got you covered there as well. When a newer operating system becomes available, your MusicGremlin will automatically detect the newer system, download it and restart. Presto, you have a newer, improved MusicGremlin.

Currently the MG-1000 comes with 8 gigabytes of memory, which is enough to store around 1,000 songs.

Of course you CAN use a computer with the MusicGremlin and have your PC send the music it downloads wirelessly or via USB to the MusicGremlin. But then again, you can also just buy an iPod.