AGPTEKU3 USB Stick Mp3 Player, 40GB Music Player Supports Replaceable AAA Battery, Recording, FM Radio, Expandable Up to 128GB

Review for the AGPTEK U3. Under the batter cover though a small opening, you can see the computer chip that is used in this device, an Actions Semiconductor ATJ331X from 2010. I was able to find the datasheet online. Datasheet mentions is supports WMA and other digital audio standards. I tested a plethora of formats but only MP3, WMA, and WAV files play. It can play CBR and VBR made with the LAME encoder, haven't yet found an mp3 which cannot. Assumes WAV files are voice recordings, as it displays the voice record symbol on the screen, not that it effects the sound in anyway. You could upload music as WAV files if you really wanted to. The screen shows the bit rate of the file being played. CD rips to WAV display as WAV 999 on the screen. The bit rate is actually 1411 but the display can only show three digits. If you are playing a variable bit rate file, it will update and change the displayed bit rate several times a second. The slow LCD display has ghosting issues, so the bit rate can be somewhat hard to read for VBR files. Still, that's a neat feature.Has a variable speed playback setting. Allowing you to playback slower or faster than normal. The audio seems to be monaural or lower quality in some way when the speed is set to anything other than normal.The display shows a small frequency band amplitude visualization, and it seems to actually update following the music instead of just being a cycling animation. Another small but neat feature.Music fades out instead of shutting off instantly when changing songs.Songs are organized by folder, and by the order in which they were uploaded to the device, NOT alphanumerically or by metadata! For example, if track 05 is uploaded to this device first, then track 01, track 05 will play first and track 01 after. This causes issues if you copy whole folders to the device as the tracks might not be copied to the device by your file manager in proper order. So, you have to copy one track to the U3 at a time, from first to last, if you want tracks to playback in the same order as they are on the album. This device also doesn't support any playlists, only folders.All in all, it's an efficient and simple portable music player with built in FM radio, a replaceable AAA battery, SD card expansion storage, and good sound quality for low impedance headphones.

I used to have an iPod touch with my entire music collection on it. I went so far as to rip all the CDs through iTunes. What if I was jonesing to hear one song and I was halfway across the planet? It died after only two years of not even daily service. Unfortunately, my car won't recognize my Android phone through the USB. Hence I have decided to ditch everything Apple and find cheaper alternatives. The AGPTEK U3 fits my needs perfectly. I wanted an MP3 player with the following features:-works well with Toyota's Entune system-expandable storage-cheapI currently have a MacBook Pro running High Sierra 10.13.6. (When it dies, not replacing it with another Apple product.) The U3 was recognized almost immediately. Files can easily be transferred through drag and drop. It came preloaded with some sample songs, but I added a few of my own to see. I turned it on and the Entune system recognized it immediately. I could use the touchscreen to browse for music with no problem. I also added a few songs to the 32 GB SD card that I inserted and found that it had no problem finding these either. So far, so good.I did try a SanDisk 64 GB flash drive before purchasing this. While Entune recognizes it, it takes a few minutes to fully recognize. The U3 eliminates that issue.I also like the fact that it runs on AAA batteries. You might get some longer life out of it than an MP3 player with a rechargeable battery.

UPDATE> If you want an replaceable battery MP3 player, this is essentially your only choice. I wish that someone would bring back the Zen Nano (which is now obsolete and available only as a collector's item).> The current model Aptek is slightly different from the model I've reviewed below. Essentially, they've made the annoying user-unfriendly interface even more hostile, and are using a different processor with higher voltage requirements.> The new model appears to have been introduced about August 2023, so ignore any earlier reviews.> How can you tell if you've got the new model? 1) The new model will not talk to your computer if you have a battery installed (the old model would). 2) The old model automatically turned on when you changed batteries (the new model does not). 3) With the new model, if you click on the R/V button (to change the volume), you get a "Backend Play" screen, whatever the heck that is. It isn't explained in the manual, and doesn't google. If you want to change volume you've got to press and hold the R/V button until the volume screen comes up. The old model doesn't have a "Backend Play" screen. 4) The older model displays the original track numbers in the corresponding folders --- the new model does not display the original track numbers, but instead displays total track number, and the current (artificial) position within that track total. Both display methods have their advantages.> MAJOR PROBLEM with the new model --- I had to discard my set of (about a year old) 8 rechargeable NiMH batteries because the Aptek player would not work with them, although the same batteries had been working fine with my older Aptek player (and still do). Indeed I returned the first new-model Aptek mp3 player that I purchased to Amzn as defective. Yes, the new-model Aptek would turn on and work with the older (but freshly-charged NiMHs) for a couple of hours, but then the player randomly malfunctioned. The older model Aptek (which I still have, and use) never malfunctioned this way.UPDATE: The replacement new model from Amazon lasted 6 weeks until the display went crazy in the middle of play. I tried 3 different kind of batteries (alkalines, NiMH, lithium). I tried reformating the player. I tried loading different audiobooks. The book played for a few chapters, and then the display went crazy (and of course ceased playing) over and over. That's zero for 2 players of the new model. The 6 or 8 old model players played until the control buttons wore out -- or I decided that I really wanted a battery cover and/or a USB cap (these are usually lost within the first month).-- Read the 1 and 2 star reviews since about Aug 2023 when the new model came out --- most report the same problems I've had with the new model.-- The new model Aptek player works a little better with ordinary alkaline batteries than with NiMH batteries, but that gets expensive, if you listen to audiobooks almost all day, everyday, as I do.> What is the problem with the new model Aptek with NiMH batteries? After an hour or so of use with a freshly charged (but not new) battery: Every function RANDOMLY malfunctions, which can drive you crazy. Often if you turn it off then on, it will work, but if you try to engage a different function, that function is likely to malfunction. The navigation (among tracks, files, or folders) may fail to engage, or, when engaged, can lock up the player. The volume adjustment may fail to engage, or if it engages, turns the player off. The player may turn on to "Music" mode, but then refuse to play. The new model player will refuse to set a new bookmark when you turn it off, even with fully-charged rechargeable NiMH batteries. My older model Aptek never malfunctioned this way, with NiCd, NiMH, nor alkaline batteries.> WHAT'S the problem? In addition to many other design/quality/manufacturing defects, apparently, the processor in the new model Aptek requires a higher voltage than did the old model (i.e., it is apparently designed for non-replaceable built-in lithium batteries---like most modern electronics). New fully-charged rechargeable NiCds and NiMH batteries nominally produce 1.2 volts (actually typically 1.3 volts when new, but fall below 1 volt after a little use), while non-rechargeable alkalines nominally produce 1.5 volts when new, and until virtually the moment of death. The new model Aptek apparently will not function properly if the input is less than 1 volt. I have the same problem with my Samsung TV/DVD remote controls ---they refuse to operate for more than about an hour on brand-new fully-charged NiCds/NiMH batteries because of the lower voltage. I have photo flash units which have similar problems with rechargeable NiMH batteries.> SOLUTION -- rechargeable (AA and AAA) Lithium Ion batteries, which nominally produce 1.5 volts, nominally have a very flat curve (i.e., they produce a full 1.5volts until fully discharged, and then abruptly die), which hypothetically should be ideal. Rechargeable lithium Ion batteries are comparatively expensive, at about $6--$7 each (compared to NiMH rechargeables at about $2 each). I purchased a set of 4 lithium batteries with a charger, which have been working beautifully with the Aptek for about 4 months so far. A freshly-charged lithium plays the mp3 for more than 15--18 hours.> Note that you need a matching lithium battery charger to recharge rechargeable lithium batteries. A set of 4 rechargeable lithium batteries with the same brand lithium battery charger should cost you about $25--$28 on Amz.> Lithium-ion batteries do NOT fix the many other various design/quality/manufacturing defects. If you buy a defective Aptek player, return it to Amz so that there is a record that the item was defective, maybe Aptek will get the message and fix the new model.> Fortunately, I had a couple of old-model aptek mp3 players in my electronics drawer, which had been retired because the control buttons had become "sticky" (you'd press "on" and nothing would happen, or you'd press forward > and the track would go backward instead of forward, etc.). Fortunately, these can sometimes be restored to function: Spray just a little WD40 (NOT ANY other type of oil or lubricant), into the control "flower" wipe off the excess. Repeat 3-5 times. WD40 is excellent for removing any type of grease, glue, or goo from anything without leaving a residue --- apparently including goo from human skin oil.> The new Aptek mp3 players are a good source of replacement battery covers and mp3 caps for the old model Aptek players--- but in my experience the players themselves are terminally defective and unusable. However, this episode of struggling has taught me the usefulness of replaceable AAA lithium batteries --- my old model Apteks (and my TV remote controls, etc.) work MUCH better with the lithium AAAs.-----------ORIGINAL REVIEW: Some comments may not apply to the new model----------------IN SHORT> I have owned about three dozen MP3 players, of at least 6 different brands/models, over the past 20 years, including about a dozen Aptek mp3 players. This is the best replaceable-battery (1 AAA) MP3 player I've owned since the Zen Nano (which was discontinued a decade, or two, ago).> If you prefer a player with a built-in non-removable rechargeable lithium battery, you may prefer AGPtEK R2 8GB Clip MP3 Player Digital Music Player for Jogging Running Gym(Supports up to 64GB), BlackPROS> Plays most audio formats. That's great for me since I still have many audiobooks that I ripped to unprotected wma format --- even though Aptek claims that their mp3 players are not wma compatible.> The player also functions as an FM radio and as a recorder – but I have not tried those functions.> If you turn it off and on, it resumes where you stopped---so it is great for audiobooks.> You may load folders containing subfolders, and the tracks will play in the correct order (that is, in the alphanumeric order the subfolders are in the folder). So, you can load multi-folder audiobooks into the AGPTEK, or several audiobooks, or group your (sub-) folders of music into folders. With most other inexpensive MP3 players you have to load the lowest level folders one-folder-at-a time to get them to play in the desired order.> The AGPTEK operates logically, and briskly, with relatively few button pushes – partly because "music" is the default at power-on.> No unnecessary buttons (such as "lock" or "repeat") to push by accident.> The ability to use up to a 32G micro-SD cards (purchased separately) is useful---albeit, the operation of the SD card memory is poorly integrated and interferes with use, as described below. With a 32G micro-SD, you have a total of 40G storage, but not additive – that is, the storage is nominally divided into two different "drives" or "discs".> Buttons are flat enough and stiff enough that you can't push a button by accident.> Packaged in a nice little cardboard box, which makes it particularly suitable as a wrapped gift.NAVIGATION between the internal and micro-SD card memory> If you plug the player into your computer, the internal memory and micro-SD card memory (if installed) appear as 2 different "drives" (for example, "Removable Disc (B:)" and "Removable Disc (C:)". In this hypothetical case, "C:" would be the micro-SD card, and "B:" would be the internal 8G of memory. In Windows, "autoplay" will open as usual asking you if you want to "open folder to view files" (and other options), twice (one for each of the "discs"), one window covering the other identical window. The internal memory window opens first, so it is completely covered by the SD card window. You can drag the top autoplay window over so that you can see both. You can avoid this simply by not installing an SD card.> You can "drag and drop" music, etc. into either of the nominal "disc".> In "music" mode you can press "M" (menu) and then select either "local" (the internal memory), or "card" (the micro-SD card memory – if installed). After selecting "local" or "card" you can select individual folders. After selecting a folder, you can select individual tracks.> When not plugged into your computer, you can navigate among the folders by using the "M" button. When you've found the folder/track you want, you have to press and hold the center button to turn off the player in order to save your selection.CHANGING BATTERIES> The mp3 player will automatic set a bookmark when you change a battery – but it will not set a bookmark the old battery is producing less than about 1 volt. So, when the APTEK stops because the battery is nearly exhausted, it usually fails to set a bookmark, and there is no way to manually set a bookmark. So, if you want to set a bookmark, change the battery as soon as you notice that it is low.CONS> IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE BY TOUCH -- For various reasons (some detailed below), a far-sighted person would be unable to operate the player -- not even to change the volume --- without putting on reading glasses. You can't even pause to briefly speak to someone and then resume play without looking at the display (sometimes you can guess at the click or click-wait-click, or even click-wait-wait-click-wait-click sequence necessary to simply start the player, but half the time you'll guess wrong). I could operate my old Zen Nano, and many of my previous MP3 players by touch.> No way to attach a lanyard, etc.> If you don't have any files installed in the internal memory, the AGPTEK will just report that no files are installed and shut down without allowing you to access the menu -- to access the memory on your SD card or perform any other function (such as recording or listening to the radio. So, you still must have at least a dummy audiofile installed in the internal memory.> My smallish man-fingers are much too big to push the buttons selectively or one-at-a-time. I too-easily push "forward a track" (or "back-") instead of "pause" (or "off"). I attached a small self-stick pad (such as those used under objects to prevent scratching tables) to the on/off/play/pause button to raise it, which solved the problem for me.> The micro-SD card can "spring" out of the slot and get lost if you drop the player. So, it is a good idea to place a small piece of tape over the micro-SD slot (and card) – even if the slot is empty (to keep the contacts clean).> ONLY ONE BOOKMARK -- If you switch between "local" and "card" memory (or even navigate to another folder within local or card memory) you loose your place (bookmark). For example, if I'm listening to my audiobook (in local memory), and pause to listen to music (in my card memory), when I go back to my audiobook, it will resume at the very beginning of the book. Very annoying.> Oddly volume "louder" and "softer" work differently from each other. This is one of those “safety features” which does not accomplish its goal, and is more of an annoyance. After pressing "R/V", you have to "click" the > button increase to increase one level (for example from "20" to "21") at a time. If you press and hold the > button down, nothing happens. After pressing "R/V", you "click" the < button to decrease the volume one step, or press and hold it to quickly lower the volume many steps.> Both the USB cover and the battery cover are removable, and therefore are losable. I have several old "naked" AGPTEK players in my electronics drawer with no USB nor battery covers, which are otherwise still usable.> The display “goes to sleep” if you haven’t pushed a button for the past 30 seconds. You have to click the on/off button once to wake up the display, and then a second time to either pause or resume. It took me a little while to get used to “click, pause, click” to pause play or (with the player paused) “click, pause, click” to resume play. However, if you’ve “resumed play” within the last 30 seconds, and someone talks to you, so you need to pause play, a “click, pause, click” has no net effect (instead the player resumes and immediately pauses). If you've paused for more than about 1 min, you must "click, pause 5 seconds, click" to resume play. These “miscommunications” between the user and the player happen more often than you’d think, and are annoying. After more than 10 years using about 6 or 7 Aptek players, I am still constantly frustrated that I cannot even pause (or resume play) or adjust the volume of the Aptek by touch.> I find it annoying that < (click back) doesn't take you to the beginning of the current track, instead it takes you to the beginning of the previous track.> I find it very annoying that you can't << (click and hold, "rewind") farther back than the current track. If you want to hear the last few words of the previous track, you have to go to the beginning of the previous track and fast forward -- which can be annoying if the track is, say, 15 minutes long.> Unlike the Zen Nano (and many other MP3 players I've owned), the << ("rewind") and >> (fast forward) do not accelerate the longer you hold the button. So, it takes a long time to rewind or fast forward in a long track. And pressing and holding "rewind", will not take you back farther than the beginning of the current track.> Since < (back) and << (rewind) (as well as > and >>) share the same button, you can't move back or forward through many tracks quickly. I sometimes fall asleep listening to an audiobook, and need to go back, say, an hour or two -- which may require pressing the < (back) button dozens of times for audiobooks with numerous short tracks.