2. Some Gotchas

A nice simple interface means intuitive use.

The U10 also offers the unusual option to display text, and with it the option to rotate the screen 90 degrees and use it in portrait mode, rather than the far more usual landscape mode. This, added to its other features, makes the U10 more useful and enjoyable than the growing number of other devices that would be considered its competition.

One gotcha is that the U10 requires the user to convert videos for playback. Video playback on the U10 is handled much like that of the iPod or PSP, with MPEG-4 the only format supported. Fortunately, thanks to the ubiquity of players making use of this format exclusively, converters are freely available and Google video even offers downloads of files already converted.

While the idea of conversion might be enough to put some users off, it's important to remember that unless you plan on deleting converted files, this process won't need to be repeated all too often. It's a surprisingly simple point, but one it helps to keep in mind.

On the subject of connection to a PC, the U10 doesn't sport a user friendly direct-to-USB connection, but instead requires the use of a proprietary USB cable. This is nothing to get upset over, but is certainly far less convenient than it could be. This USB connector also serves to charge the player, something I was more than pleased to see.

The dock may be sold separately, but offers a remote, charger and adds retro feel; a must-have.