Features
For music playback, you get one option: alphabetical (or numerical) order. Any special ordering you want will have to be done in the Dolphin DAP's open window on the computer -- appending numbers, for example.
On the plus side, the player is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, and you're not limited to drag-and-drop transferring. We found that Windows Media Player worked a treat in filling up the device. Just click "shuffle to device" and voila! -- you've got a gig's worth of random tracks. Note that the player only supports MP3 and unprotected WMA.
The Dolphin DAP offers a few notable extras, both in the box and optional. Of note in the package are two rubberised rings, which on first glance look like nothing more than odd accoutrements. However, these orange pieces in fact are quite useful, allowing you to attach the player to a pair of goggles.
Also, as mentioned earlier, Nu Technology includes waterproof earbuds, which also have clips for fastening the cables to goggles. For surfers and other water frolickers, there's an optional armband. A sport pack -- which includes a hard plastic case (with lanyard), standard earbuds, a headphone splitter/adaptor and a thermometer attachment -- is also available.
Performance
It's tough to get good sound quality with a waterproof MP3 player, due to the fact that unless the unit uses bone conduction to relay sound, as with the Finis SwiMP3, you're probably going to get some water in your ears while swimming laps or getting pounded by waves. The Dolphin DAP attempts to solve this with graduated, earplug-like earbuds but we found that the seal wasn't complete and some water could get in.
Even above the water, the waterproof earbuds gave a slightly muffled quality to music. It sounded OK but certainly not stellar. However, if you decide to swap in some quality earbuds for out-of-water use, the DAP is quite capable of providing good sounding audio. The rated battery life of eight hours should be sufficient for most water play, though it's not great in the scheme of MP3 players.
Conclusion
The 1GB Dolphin DAP is far from perfect with the main concern being the
security of the earbuds during vigorous water activity but with its
reasonable £56 price tag, it's a step in the right direction for
waterproof MP3 players.
Additional editing by Shannon Doubleday
Android App 
RSS Feeds 
iPhone App 
Newsletters
User reviews1
Add your review
mrallankey 3 April 2009
Good: Nothing at all
Bad: Headphones, Design
Comment: This is a review of the Dolphin Mp3, not the above supplier.
I bought the dolphin mp3 with high expectations, and I was highly disappointed. I have enough flaws that I can list them.
1. The player is not compatible with Windows Vista. After receiving the item I was excited and wanted to start using it. However when I came to charge it I found that it was not compatible with Vista. There were no patches available to remedy this.
2. The player is only compatible with certain files, I think WMA and Mp3.
3. When I finally got to the pool I found that the left earphone would not work if it got the slightest bit wet. I spent a few sessions listening to it though one headphone before deciding to send it back. However when I sent the headphones back they got 'lost' in the post. Therefore I could not get a refund.
3. Headphone design is cheap and tacky. The design of the headphone is horrible. There are no ear clips so in order for the speakers to remain in your ear, you have to keep your head incredibly still, the designer obviously forgot that humans cannot breathe underwater. The sound quality is also below par.
4. The headphone jack is not universal. After my headphones were lost in the post I decided to seek out a new pair however then I remembered the jack size on the Dolphin is unique therefore I would have to buy a pair of Dolphin specific headphones. Therefore I would have to pay nearly £20 for a new pair. I think you would agree what a complete rip off!
The underwater Mp3 player is a relatively easy and simple concept to get right, however Dolphin have exceeded in getting it wrong. The product itself looks cheap and I doubt any testing was done prior to its release to the market.
I wish there was a detailed review that prevented me from buying this item. It would have saved me £50. So to prevent anyone suffering the same misfortune, here is my review in a short clear sentence: This is a poor product, avoid it at all cost, it is not worth the risk.
See all user reviews