[suprz]

i'm thinking of getting one, anyone own one or know someone that does? looking for feedback on how the unit works. and it says it's expandable as far as memory. how is it expandable? memory sticks etc.??/ any info would be appreciated thank you

[i6s1]

It's not expandable except for overpriced propritary backpacks. It chews through batteries. It uses AA batteries so you've either got to buy new ones constantly or hassle with rechargeables. It's nice that it comes heavily discounted with a new mac. But if you're not getting a mac, don't get a Rio 600. The 64 Meg version is a little better, cause at least you're getting enough memory included.

In fact, I think they may be discontinued at the end of the month. They have a free 32 Backpack rebate on right now, until the end of August. (The rebate isn't good if you buy it with a mac.) Rebates are a hint that something is "End of life".

Not only that, Rio just came out with something they call a "One". It is similar to the Rio 600, but it can be expanded with Smartmedia cards. It's a little more reasonably priced, at $100.

So now you can get a Rio 600 for $150, and get a free 32 meg backpack, for 64 megs.

Or you can get the Rio One, for $100, and get a 64 meg Smartmedia card from Amazon for $45, and have 96 megs.

Or get 128 SM for $85, and have 160 megs.

The Rio One is better. But the AA battery thing still bugs me. I like internal Lithium batteries.

Does anyone know if the 600 will be discontinued soon?