Philips Consumer Products ACT200 MP3 Digital Audio Player (64 MB)

1. The headphones while designed to stay out of the way with a cord that goes down your backside and around to the mp3 player on your arm is a little awkward. Specifically the two earpieces are attached to one another via a plastic arm, which can dislodge if you are doing excercises where you lean your head back.

2. Software setup was not a breeze. It took me a few attempts where my computer rebooted in the middle of accessing the unit for no apparant reason.

3. the headphone connector to the unit is a bit sensitve. I have to wiggle the connector on mine when i attach to the mp3 player to get full stereo sound. Another pair of headphones would probably solve the problem, but it would have been nice to have this work with no problem.

Having said all of this, i am happy with this thing. The only improvement i would make would be a pair of wireless earpieces, but i guess i will have to wait a couple of years before those appear on the market.


Truly for the active and on the go.   November 22, 2003
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

The bad first: Complaints about the instructions is valid. Instructions are cryptic at best. But if you know anything about computers, you'll be fine. If you don't, this is what you do: install the Nike psa software to format the internal hard drive. You only need to format your drive when it has to be erased and reset. If you have Windows XP, it will auto-detect the psa when you plug it in the USB port. Just stick the CD in when prompted. WARNING: Windows XP will tell you the software isn't qualified. Just accept and continue. Then install the Music Match software to download music to your psa. Once the Music Match software is installed, you can read on-line instructions on how to use it. What else? The headphones do suck. But you can probably afford to buy a better pair with the $200-$300 you save by NOT buying the iPod.

The good: If you run, if you're physically active, if you go to the gym, this is the best. It's not bulky. In fact it's pretty ergonomic. I saw some guy trying to lift weights with a rectangular iPod hanging in a pouch from his triceps. It looked dorky. By contrast I had someone tell me the psa looked "sexy." Nice, eh? That's why you go to the gym, right? I got caught in a rainstorm with this thing. No problem. It's not waterproof, but the design will keep it intact so long as you don't dive into a puddle of water.

You choose: The equalizer is limited. But if you've been running for 30 minutes in 80 degree heat, you're not thinking Bang and Olufsen here, ya know? Batteries aren't rechargeable. One AAA will last you about a week if you're really active. That kinda sucks when your battery peters out halfway through your run in the middle of nowhere.

All in all, I'm in love with my little psa. But do yourself a favor and get the 128 MB player instead. The 64 MB IS NOT upgradeable, and you'll want the 2 hours that 128 MB will give you.


up & "running" in 5 minutes   April 9, 2003
Marcel (Pittsburgh, PA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

the reviews above made me worry - but as a sucker for "small electronics" and a runner I could not resist the nike-philips psa64 (psa[64 ???).
My experience was different from the reviews; I plugged the device in my PC (running XP) - loaded the CD&drivers; even ignored the recommended reboot - using Microsoft's Media Player 9 I could load a mix of MP3 and WMA-files and I was off in literally a couple of minutes. Easy!

I am not impressed by the instructions (no suggestion on what is required and what is mandatory - see WMP use) and the software install (not certified my MS and why ask to reboot if not needed?) - hence 4 stars, not 5...