Price: The 64 MB MiniJam is slightly cheaper than the SoundsGood,
but when you're spending $250+ for a Springboard module, $10 is inconsequential.
For those who can't afford the higher price, the MiniJam is also available
in a cheaper 32 MB version, but you'll wish you had spent the extra money later. Do yourself a favor -- whatever you get, don't settle for less than 64 MB of data.
Size/Hardware buttons: The SoundsGood wins the form factor battle with its standard-size, while the MiniJam juts out above and behind the Visor. The MiniJam will be an issue for most carrying cases, while the SoundsGood will work with any case. Size has a significant impact on the hardware buttons, as the MiniJam's buttons are easier to get to and don't need to be pressed too hard to activate; they also have a dual function if you hold down a button for a few moments. The SoundsGood has fewer buttons, but they are the most commonly used; it also uses a more convenient Volume wheel than the two button approach of the MiniJam.
Storage: The MiniJam can hold as much as you can afford, allowing it
to expand with your needs. The MiniJam uses MultiMedia Cards (MMCs)
for storage, while the SoundsGood uses internal Flash RAM. The MiniJam
also has 2 MB of Flash RAM for storing PalmOS data.
Weight: Both modules are very light, with the MiniJam because
of its extra size weighing 75% more than the SoundsGood.
Transfer Speed: The SoundsGood blows the MiniJam away in
this department, as the SoundsGood transfered files from the desktop to
the Visor at 13.9 MB/min during testing -- almost 7 times faster.
Transferring a song took less than 20 seconds instead of two minutes as
it does with the MiniJam.
Extra
Features: The MiniJam has the ability to customize the MiniJukeBox
application through skins, so you can customize your on-screen buttons
however you like. The MiniJam can also store PalmOS data on its 2
MB of Flash RAM, and will have the ability to store data on its MMCs soon.
The SoundsGood has a neat waveform that you can display while listening
to music, making it seem more like the modern desktop players that are
available.
Multitasking: Finally I can do more than one thing at a
time on the Visor. Both the MiniJam and SoundsGood will play music
perfectly in the background while you are in another application, as all
MP3 processing is done on the module itself. I also ran PocketMark
while listening to music and neither Springboard module lowered the rating
while being used. Both modules can also play music while HotSyncing,
for the ultimate in multitasking!
Company tune: The MiniJam has a breif digitized voice saying
"InnoGear" with what sounds like a choir in the background. The SoundsGood
has an upbeat tune with a man explaining some of the SoundsGood's features
and how to contact Technical Support if you're having any problems.
Both are excellent tunes that are sure to go straight to the top of the
charts.
Accessories & Software >>
