Features: Appears to be clone of the Casio XG-3. Top (clamshell) disc loading. Uses one AA battery or AA-shaped NiMH rechargeable battery (included) Backlit in-line remote. Unit has all controls on remote, main body has only "hold" button and "open" slider. Two level Bass Boost. Battery save feature (the 10 sec. buffer is switchable to autoPS (auto power save, or buffer off) or PS off (buffer on)). Includes headphones (standard style, not ear buds seen in Best Buy ads), drawstring bag, and AC adapter for playback and in-unit battery charging.

Variants: Unit has been rebadged and sold by several others, including Goodmans (UK) who sold it at two different times, each with different model numbers(!) (the GMD16RB and MD100).

Mis-features: No recharging while playing, no "mono" indicator on display (but plays mono discs fine), 3 (!) hours on an LR6 (AA) battery, 5 on the NiCad battery (?!).

Links: Apparently imported (and manufactured?) by Venturer Electronics 725 Dennison Street, Ontario L3R 1B8 Canada. Unit appeared in a Best Buy advertising flyer. Best Buy sells the MDP1 for $79 (for a brief period of time in November 2000, the unit was available for $49 with free shipping!).

User comments: Upon listening, it sounds great, plays great, and is pretty good all-around. My only gripe is that is has pretty short battery life. For anyone who is just getting into the MD hobby, or a budget-minded pro who wants a travel companion, this is the unit to get! If anyone would like to contact me, I can be reached at [email protected]. -Dave Cruz

Reviews:

User Manual: MDP-1