Panasonic SL-SX450 Portable CD / MP3 Player

I don't have a CD player on my car and IPOD is way too expensive for me, so I have been using a coby mp3-cd player for the past 3 years. My old mp3 player keeps on skipping and have difficulty at loading (fails to load 40% of time). It finally gets to the point that I decided to buy a new one. I spent a really long time reading reviews for different models and finally decided to buy Panasonic SL-SX450 Portable CD / MP3 Player. So far I am really happy with it.Pros:1) Anit-skipping actually works. So far it only skipped once for the past 2 months. That's really good compare to my old one which skips almost everyday.2) Loading is fast. It never has any problem reading my multi-session mp3 cd's. However, there is this one time when I added new files to the cd and reorganize my file directory on the CD, there is this weird sound playing at the background for all the old tracks. It has no problem playing the new tracks, but it makes weird noises when it plays the old one. Other than that everything is great. Just don't re-organize your file directory.3) Auto-reload is great. It actually knows where it stops last time and picks it up. This way you don't have to start from the beginning again. This also works after you put in new files to the CD (just don't re-organize the file directory).Cons:1) My old one has mp3 tags which I can use to search for song title and this one doesn't have mp3 tags. But, it doesn't really matter to me since I am really organize. In addition,the display of song title is pretty useless for me since I won't be able to see it when I am driving.2) Fast Forward button is only one track at the time. So you have to press like 70+ times to get to the 8th album. In addition, if you press too quickly it can't detect it, which is really annoy when you try to get to your song quickly.3) It's really ugly.

Seeing that the Sony D-EJ001 CD Walkman was a couple of bucks cheaper than this one and that Amazon was advertising it at a greatly "reduced" price (misleading), I selected it over this Panasonic competitor. Big mistake. I was almost relieved when it failed to read discs because then I had an excuse to exchange it for the Panasonic SL-SX450. The Sony model had tiny, practically inaccessible, plastic buttons on the underside, an all but unusable "lock" button, and a tiny read-out window that wasn't visible from the top.This Panasonic model, like the Sony, is also manufactured in China and is a real "lightweight" (both of the previous generations of players were made in Japan). But it's unfailing in reading my disks, does so with reassuring clarity, and accommodates all my needs. The controls are of a generous, finger-friendly size and the read-out window is large and clearly visible when viewed from above the machine. The pause control is more practical than the Sony's, and I love the feature that allows you to resume play of a disc where you left off providing the cover hasn't been opened. Finally, the extra life you'll get from two AA alkalines is a significant technological advance. This machine just keeps going!The only other consideration might be the headphones. The Sony's ear buds with attached clips are cosmetically "cool" but tinny-sounding compared to the Panasonic's. Regardless, even a non-horticulturalist could tell you that buds are no good without a plant.[Since writing the above, I see that the item, introduced barely six months ago, has been removed by Amazon and perhaps by the manufacturer. Unfortunate, since I had planned to purchase another as a gift and have found no comparable unit at a comparable price. After two months' use, the only problem I've noticed with the player is the flimsy door to the battery compartment--sometimes requiring use of a screwdriver or similar pointed device to open (though rarely necessary due to the minimal drain on the batteries) and extra care in closing (unless it's completely "snapped" shut, the machine won't read discs). With any luck, Panasonic will address this flaw and reissue the product.]

I hunted everywhere for a portable CD player. Did not know that I was such a dinosaur looking for one! LOL!This one works really great and I am very glad it has the resume play feature. I walk on my treadmill while listening to continuing education CDs. Perfect way to knock out both requirements!Recommend the seller!I knocked off one star only because the batteries were hard to load and I am hoping that won't be a recurring problem. Would buy again nevertheless!

I ordered this product because I have already owned one just like it. But, the problem I have with my old one continues on this new one. When I put a cd in, it says NO DISC and I cannot play many cd on this item. What is wrong with it? Since buying it I have a very sick husband and have not taken the time to do anything about it. Thanks

Wonderful player! The only improvement would be if the sound would go higher, as when I travel in an airplane, it is not quite as loud over the airplane noises as I would be like it to be.

Both MP3 and CDs capability reduces the need for separate players. Only negative is battery consumption.

If this had had a back-lit display, it would be perfect for me. But, I have trouble operating it in the dark.

stopped working after only a few plays