Price Paid:  $45.00 from Ebay

Summary:
I purchased this excellant portable CD player for it's outstanding sound quality, it's practicality, and it's value.

It has crystal clear, detailed, warm sound throughout the audio range, with well defined, tight bass, and bright highs. It has a four position parametric equalizer to adjust the sound to your taste - emphasizing the bass, or providing a more neutral sound.

It's practical because it offers NiMH rechargeable AAA batteries and an AC converter to provide power as well as to recharge the batteries. Or, you can use regualar alkaline batteries. And it has an optional external battery case which can hold two more AA batteries to double your playing time.

Of course it's got a great sounding set of headphones, and the usual anti-shock circuit.

And... it's light weight and thin, but still very durable.

You'll love this great portable CD player.

Strengths:
Excellent sound quality Panasonic is famous for. AC adapter with rechargeable batteries and supplemental battery pack. Light weight and thin.

Weaknesses:
None noted.

Similar Products Used:
Sony Walkman, and Magnavox portable CD players.

Price Paid:  $45.00 from ebay

Summary:
After a fairly extensive online search of reviews, I settled on this unit a few years ago. I was primarily concerned with sound quality and durability and this Panasonic has yet to disappoint. It was hailed by others as having superior audio and I must agree. This is a very clean and natural sounding player with great bass extension and clear midrange and crisp, clean highs. I use the Koss Portapros and cannot complain. As far as durability, I was near the pool one day and some water splashed through a towel onto the player. It was several weeks before the rewind and eq functions worked again and the external battery pack still won't power the unit. (I had absolutely no problems with it before that) It's been through some tough times, too as I've dropped it at least twice and use it 2-3 times a week at the gym and nearly everday at home. Great sound, tough cookie, (for a non-shockwave type) long playback- up to 40 hrs- and nice features including a line-out, make this a must have if you can find one. I need to find a new player with an external battery pack and am-fm.

Strengths:
Excellent audio, durability, line-out, 3-way eq., dual battery function, long battery life, great look.

Weaknesses:
Susceptible to moisture damage.