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Interface & Features
Now, the GUI on this player is loaded with menus and features. So
many, that I can't possibly show you all. It is the first product of
its kind I've reviewed that has so many options, that it is hard to go over
each and every one. While this is indeed good, I can honestly
say the GUI itself requires quite a learning curve in order for you to get
the hang of it and use the player properly. After playing with it for
some time now, it is one of those few products that will actually require
you to refer to the manual for assistance at times. This is the first time I
can say that they actually went overboard with the interface. I will do my best to provide you pictures and info on at
least its main features.
The
main menu consists of browsing by artists, album or genre. You will
also find a playlist, folder, bookmark, recycle bin, photo, demo music and
setup menu.
There are no sub-menus like the new Vision:M features so browsing
through a large collection of music can be slow. Like the
Philips GoGear I reviewed here some time ago, the touch pad is responds
differently based on touch and will at least allow fast scrolling depending
on touch.
I'll get right down to the only and most disappointing issue with this
player. Unfortunately, it lacks one very important
feature...on-the-fly playlist support. There is a playlist menu but
you'll have to create your playlists on your computer first then transfer
them to the player. I find it quite hard to believe they neglected to
include such a useful feature considering all the GUI has to offer.
You can, however, bookmark songs for playback later. There is also a
Recycle Bin, allowing you to delete files directly from the player.
The
Toshiba Gigabeat F40 has picture viewing support and images look very nice
on its vivid LCD. I was actually impressed with the quality. You
can create slideshows and even set a particular image as your wallpaper.
Also, the Toshiba will allow you to switch to landscape view and use the
player this way for both pictures and music playback.
The
Setup Menu is loaded with options and I can't possibly show you all.
However, you can see mostly all options on the above screenshots and I will
at least cover a few in detail.
The "A" button on the player can be set to any
of the options shown on the screenshot above. A nice feature that will
help you access a certain menu or function with ease. Considering this
player fails to support on-the-fly playlist, setting this button to open the
bookmark menu is ideal and I see most using it this way.
Play modes include play all, play album and
repeat and random playback options. Intro will allow you to sample any
of your tracks for a user specified 10 or 60 seconds.
The Equalizer has a load of presets available.
In fact, this is the most advanced I've seen on a DAP. You also have
the ability to customize bass and treble to your own liking. Overall,
a nice job here with the EQ.
Wallpapers & Screen Themes
Unlike the Vision:M, GoGear and a select few
other popular players, the Toshiba Gigabeat F40 not only allows you to
change the GUI look via wallpapers, but also has many screen themes to
choose from.
There are quite a few wallpapers to choose
from, including a tacky beach-like theme. Personally, I think the one
used in this this review looks best.
There are also a variety of animated screen
themes, including japan-like flashing balls, speakers, and spectrum.
Also, you have numerous other options, such as displaying large or small
pics of your album art.
Overall, this is the most feature-packed GUI I've seen on a product of it's
kind. For those not used to navigating through these, it'll take you
some time to get the hang of it.
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