Using a Dell DJ MP3 player for field playback of bird songs. Rev A2, November, 2005© Copyright Stuart Healy www.aztrogon.com Page 24 of 25Ongoing ConcernsThe Dell DJ is a sealed unit without any visible screws and it’s even unclear to me how the unit isassembled! Unfortunately, this means that the battery is not field replaceable. The specifications state thatthe unit will play for 12 hours continuously and, so far, I haven’t even come close to discharging thebattery during a day in the field (according to the battery level display). The supplied charger rechargesthe battery from a complete discharge in 2.5 hours and I travel with the optional car charger for additionalprotection. However, I’m more worried about how long the battery will last and what happens when itfinally needs to be replaced.I also have concerns about the headphone connecter used to connect the unit to the speaker-amp (not thatit’s given me any problems). I try to leave the cord connected to the unit as much as possible so that Iminimize the wear and tear due to repeated insertions. As with the battery, if the connecter dies I can’treplace it myself.The modified speaker-amp is far from an ideal solution. On the plus side, it’s small, inexpensive and itdoes function well with plenty of volume if required. However, long term reliability is obviously an issuewith such a low end unit and I’m still on the lookout for something better. I carry a backup unit just incase. Let me know if you find a better portable speaker-amp.Desired FeaturesOne touch access to the “Now Playing” list (from anywhere in the menu system) is a highly desirablefeature. Obviously, a separate button is not going to happen but a settings option to make the “back”button” perform this function under certain conditions is feasible.A swap feature, much like the channel recall on a TV, to allow the two most recently used tracks to beinterchanged would be very useful.Some of the sub menu displays have timeouts of 5 seconds which is too short. I’d like to see the timeoutvalue made adjustable via the settings options.