Tips for buying a new minicompo

Tips for buying a new minicompo

Nowadays, the minicompo has given a new face to home entertainment. The models launched in Indonesia come with a variety of features. Each manufacturer has its own special built- in features. Polytron, for example, come with a Phone Recorder which can record phone conversations. Philips come with a boombox, Panasonic with 3D sound system and power blaster, Pioneer with sound morphing and Sony with its 5.1 Dolby pro Logic stereo, which can also play DVDs.

These features may confuse some of us in deciding which minicompo to buy.

Here are some of the points we should consider when buying our minicompo. * Number and type of features: These can influence the price. We have to compare each specific feature of any brand. Nowadays, most types can play CD/VCD/DVD/S-VCD/MP-3 and have AM/FM radio with twin cassette player/recorder. Newer features include Jog Dial, which quickly turns the player to a desired track and for titling the track. See how complete the Sound Mode is, with sound characteristics such as Stadium, Concert, Classic, Jazz, etc. * Disc capacity: Maximum number of discs a player can hold. * Random play (plays tracks in random) and favorite track search, remote control included. * Price: We must consider our budget. In Indonesia (first week of November), suggested retail prices start at Rp 420,000 (Polytron GB321C), and go up to Rp 6.5 million (Sony MHC-ZX70-DVD). * Sound system: It refers to a) how strong sound pressure level or output power is (known as PMPO); b) sound purity or audio level softness (both represent also bass and treble quality); and c) what is the power consumption. * Picture quality: See how perfect it creates pictures (for VCD/DVD compo). * Design: Is it a case of "love at first sight"? Most models now have futuristic designs and colors. Check and see how easily you can operate each model. Consider also the compo's size (is it portable or slim enough?).

Once again, we have to "investigate" in searching for the ideal minicompo for our ears and eyes. It helps if you take demo discs which you can try in each model, or ask the seller to demonstrate for you. (Gatot)

Upcoming topics for IT Superhighway:

Television

on your PC? -- Nov. 13

Health and safety with cellular phone usage -- Nov. 20

Home

networking -- Nov. 27

Active

speakers -- Dec. 04