iOps Z5 "Music Vitamin" digital audio player

We first scoped out iOps' diminuitive Z3 digital audio player a couple of months ago, now they're hitting us with the Z5 "Music Vitamin," which appears to be the same size but comes in even more colors.  Also, like the Z3, it comes with either 512MB or 1GB of storage, has MP3 / WMA / OGG support, and a USB 2.0 interface.  The big difference between the two, apart from the new colors, is the addition of a 65,000 color OLED display (compared to 4K on the Z3) — that is, if you can even notice the difference on a screen the size of a postage stamp.

[TLoganK @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Hmm, now these look really similar to another play, but I can't quite figure out which one...

[Joe @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

cost?

[TLoganK @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Hmm, now these look really similar to another play, but I can't quite figure out which one...

[TC @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

The directional stick looks a bit cheap, but full marks for OGG support (Miles better than AAC IMO) and OLED screen. Just one more want - SD card support please! 1Gb doesn't quite cut it for my music collection.

[js @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Let the lawsuits begin!!! *cough* iPod mini *cough*

[Kevin @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

TLoganK, the Samsung YP-T7 series?

[Nick @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

TC...That is in no way a ripoff of the iPod mini. All it has is a screen and what appears to be a joystick type interface which has been seen on other players but never an iPod. Apple has no grounds for suing unless they somehow managed to patent the color white.

Nick

[Daniel @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Actually, I think TC is right. Whether or not there is a valid case, I'm sure Apple will make a legal stink about this one.

[Daniel @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

oooppss...
I made the same mistake Nick did. I meant "I think js is right"

[Daniel @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Actually, I think TC is right. Whether or not there is a valid case, I'm sure Apple will make a legal stink about this one.

[rob @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Actually, I think this DAP takes a lot of design cues from the iPod mini:

- colours and finish are very similar
- shape, particularly rounded edges
- screen and controller placement
- controller shape

It's not a bad looking little DAP, but I believe that it was obviously inspired by the iPod mini And whether or not you agree, it has nothing to do with patents, but trademark.

[purple_marker @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

very easy. just put both at a distance. and ask anyone pedestrian. They will say that is a smaller version of the mini.

[amin @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

People won't buy this because they don't want to look as if they are carrying an imitation ipod.

[the_pwnerer @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Did the mini ipod get pregnant?

[Vern @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Did anyone else see the feature to play videos, such as MPEG4, WMV, AVI, DIVX? I know its a small screen, but when you taking everything with you,I guess I wouldn't mind watching a show while im going to work in new york.

[Kim Laughton @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

So this is what the shuffle should have been?

[Wardo @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Hmmm, another "similair looking" player.

[NekoTsukimi @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

That's so cute! I want one! But it'd prolly cost me so much... Darn it.

When I saw it first without reading the text, I thought it was some newfangled iPod mini. But I think it looks pretty cool.

[IK @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Those look KICKASS.

I like the Green one and the Blue one.

A perfect mate for an Ipod Mini.

[conc3pt @ Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

$200. I think for a 1 gig and OLED screen thats a bargin.