hey I'm new to the riocar. Is the rio car the same thing as the empeg?..I seen it on sale at their site. I was planning to purchase one. Other than the 60gb holding more songs than the 30gb, is it able to hold more programs and equalizing, if I get the 60gb? Please reply back. So would it better to buy the bigger HD in terms as function? I would seriously like to buy one before they run out of stock.

The 60GB version offers only more storage of mp3's. You won't get any more functionality from the larger drive size.

You may not think you need more than 30GB of space, but you will, trust me

Rio Car player is also known as empeg MkIIa. It differs from MkII (the last 'proper' empeg) only in having 4MB of RAM more (16MB vs. 12MB) and some *very* minor internal hardware cleanups.

More disk space brings you more music (or other storage) capacity, nothing more. What did you mean by 'more equalizing'?

Is the one that SonicBlue have on the site for sale the newest model? And is it worth it to pay the extra $100 for the 60gb instead of the 30gb. Will I need that much space. As in terms of "equalizing"..am I able to download programs to help me adjust the soundquality of the music?

There is a parametric equalizer built into the empeg. Most folks consider it to be top-of-the-line.

Given that 30GB hard drives go for at least $130, you could take it out and sell it somewhere (this board would be a not unlikely place) for a minor profit. Or you could just go with the 30GB. Depends on how much music you have. I personally wish I'd gotten a larger unit.

Please have a look at the FAQ, which hopefully will convince you to grab one before they're all gone.

Remember that you can upgrade the hard disks yourself if you're brave.

I would buy the 60GB (if you can afford it) - well actually I did. I bought 60GB units
and can sleep at night not worrying about disk space. I use VBR at 100%
oversampling to achieve excellent sound (even playing on my home
stereo). We have over 400CDs - I have ripped over 200 so far and am
running around 16GB. So I don't have to worry about space. You will
not be able to upgrade to the 60GB later for anywhere close to $100.

Also when I ordered from SB, I selected the overnight shipping ($30) -
that way I get quick confirmation of the unit shipping - and I get my
new toy asap.

Now I am a regular on Half.com for more CDs!

Best regards,
Bob

3 RioCars (60GB) + 3 Tuners + RioCar 10GB backup

well, you can come close to $100. A 30gig IBM travelstar will cost your about $130. I had bought a 30 when they were still listed in stock and the 60s were listed as out of stock. Looking back, maybe I shoulda tried for a 60. Still somewhat tempted to try and return/exchange for a 60. Not sure I trust them though. Wish I could just buy a 60 and start a collection