I had a 1GB dolphin MP3 that I'm trying to return due to a faulty battery and just got my swimp3 last month. The comparison is simple, the dolphin has better sound when it works since it has a supposedly watertight seal in the ear canal and you hear true sound.... again when it works. The problem is that it worked perfectly about 30% and worked on one speaker about 60% and went out completely 10%. I ended up alternating 3 pair of earphones. The Swimp3 is definately more reliable and the techonology is easier but the music distortion can be annoying. I would stay away from music with heavy rock instumentals, it gets too garbled up. Go with lighter music with clear lines, for example today I heard some country blues guitar and it sounded great. The problem is that If you put in any serious pool time, once you hear music while you swim you become an addict! You will try anything and pay any price to keep the high!
Had high hopes for these, but had to return them. Do not get them if you are planning on using them for spoken word (podcasts, books on tape etc). The sound is excellent until you breathe, and then the bubbles cut out the sound. They are great for music with a beat, especially with words you already know.
I am a triathlete and use the swimp3 for my swim workouts in the pool. It is great to have music while doing drills and laps for 1 to 2 hours by yourself. The sound is surprisingly clear. There are a few things that can be improved upon however...they are a little on the bulky side, the power button does not always cooperate and the clips that attached to the goggles are a little difficult to get on and off and will eventually break off from the wear and tear of doing so. But overall, If you like to workout with music the swimp3 is a good choice and it is easy to load your mp3 music to the device. Swim on!
My son swims 4 hours a day and thinks it is great. Easy to hear the coach when your head is out of the water. Good sound in the water. Charge holds for almost a week
Finally an escape to your own private world of harmonic aquatic erotic fantasy of lap swimming without the worry of water getting into your ears---works great with your personal ear plugs and goggles.
This is the answer to many unasked request of an MP3 player. It gives you quality sound without messing with earplugs and a compact package without messing with cords etc. It fits well on your goggles or even your scuba mask. It is easy to load tunes on it and plays them in order or on "shuffle". It makes that blue line go by a lot faster. Charges well. I cannot think of a single downside to this if you are looking for something to do while you are swimming laps..ad infinitum!! I have used other players and although they still provide music, the other players have a huge fiddle factor. This is easy!! Get one if you want music with your laps!