Hands-on with the Toshiba Gigabeat S Series Portable Media Center

Without a doubt one of the highlights of last night's Digital Experience press event was getting to play with the Gigabeat S Series, Toshiba's new portable video player running Microsoft's Portable Media Center software. The device itself was lighter and thinner than we expected, video looked crisp and clear on the Gigabeat S's 320 x 240 LCD screen (the photo above definitely does not do it justice), and switching between portrait and landscape modes was a snap. Of course, the big selling point, and what Toshiba and Microsoft are hoping will make the Gigabeat S a strong competitor for the new iPod with video, is its support for video subscription services like Vongo (which plans to offer a catalog of about a 1000 movies for download later this year). The Gigabeat S should be out sometime next month, retail price will be $299 for the 30GB version and $399 for the 60GB version.

[Jordan @ Jan 6th 2006 9:37AM]

Just how thin and light is it? Does it compare to the size of an older iPod or is it more inline with the iPod w/Video�s size? Either way I was getting ready to buy an iPod Video and convert my recorded Media Center TV for it but I will be checking this out first.



I cant wait to get to CES on Saturday!

[Ronald @ Jan 6th 2006 9:50AM]

Will it be able to play recorded content from Windows MCE?

[DG @ Jan 6th 2006 9:55AM]

That's actually the first DAP I've seen that I would choose over an iPod. Kudos.

[Alan @ Jan 6th 2006 10:02AM]

I'm just taking a guess but I think the gigabeat is close to the size of the video ipod... if not smaller. The Ipod uses the same perpendicular drive as the gigabeat because I beleive that Toshiba is Apple's supplier. Anyway, if it's anything like the other gigabeats this thing should kick ipod butt.

[brandon @ Jan 6th 2006 10:46AM]

The all white one posted yesterday looks much nicer than the silver.

[sracer @ Jan 6th 2006 10:50AM]

This looks like a real winner. Of course the size of the thing will be a big factor in its appeal. I'm glad that I held off buying an iPOD. The beauty of this Gigabeat is that we should be able to convert DVDs and recorded TV shows to play on this.



I currently do this on my WindowsMobile smartphone (SMT-5600), but having a separate device for media would be nice.

[Mark @ Jan 6th 2006 10:53AM]

The review at dapreview.net said it is narrower than the iPod, but slightly thicker.



My question is whether it will possible to upgrade it's codec support to support DivX. Without DivX support, I might still lean towards the ZV:M - though this certainly out sexes the ZV:M and the iPod, IMHO.

[Captain @ Jan 6th 2006 11:18AM]

SPECS!!! SPECS!!! I want to see the specs on this beauty! I am currently all set to purchase the Zen Vision:M as soon as it is released in the US. However, I might be tempted to wait for this to arrive.



The only problem is, I DON'T TRUST TOSHIBA! I used to own one of their F-series players, and I have to say that I wasn't impressed. The music quality was good but I did not like the .SAT encryption that it put on on all of my mp3 files. Also, If you wanted USB 2.0 speeds, you had to use their BS clunky software. It does have that cool factor on sight though.



But you know what? on second thought I think I'll just buy the ZVM because Creative has never let me down. It will take a slew of fantastic reviews to win me over to Toshiba again.

[Daley Wear @ Jan 6th 2006 12:29PM]

I have just experienced Windows mobile Operating Systems for the first time (Windows Mobile 5) and was well disappointed � it has more bugs in it than a flue epidemic!!



In my opinion keep with the iPod - there is a very good reason why Apple has sold millions of them world wide!!!

[James Ison @ Jan 6th 2006 1:21PM]

Remember that this is the next gen Portable Media Center. All of it's functinality will be driven by Media Player 10 (except perhaps the Tivo download stuff)



I'm really torn as well... I was all set to buy a Video iPod and use anapod explorer instead of itunes.



GRRRRRRRRRR

[Ted @ Jan 6th 2006 2:00PM]

I thought it was going to have a widescreen display. That's what the other announcement said.

[Alan @ Jan 6th 2006 5:15PM]

Well if this thing doesnt pan out I'm going to get the 2gb version of the iRiver U10 when it comes out... or I'll have to snatch one from Korea. The U10 is sweet! The dock turns that thing into a portable Alarm clock with snooze bar! Not to mention you can watch movies and download flash based games!

[Gigabeat Freak @ Jan 6th 2006 5:21PM]

Can't wait to test this baby on Saturday.



Some specs I have posted on my blog:

- 30 and 60GB version

- Freescale's i.MX31 multimedia applications processor

- Freescale's MC13783 power management chip

- 2.4" diagonal QVGA LCD screen that offers 320 x 240 resolution and more than65,536 colors (Same as the Xxx version)

- Inherentformats for video include Windows Media

- Video files plus any video files thatcan be converted by Windows Media Player 10. (As a windows user this is all I need to hear)

- Xbox 360 shows the albums and songs automatically when youconnect it and integrates playback control seamlessly inside the Xbox 360console (iPod what???)

- Backup and playback of digital photos whenon the go (Always wondered why this was not the case with older versions)

- A/V cable and output which allows for connection to most televisions for the viewing ofdownloaded movies, videos and photos. (Finally a reason to store all my favorite photos on the player)

- A built in FM tuner rounds out the consumer'sentertainment options (Nice touch)

approximately 20 hours battery life (+4hrs on current players)



more stuff over at my blog

[Brett @ Jan 6th 2006 6:03PM]

I've been interested in the Gigabeat since they originally deubuted it and it was only available in Japan. The first ones they brought to the US seemed pretty weak, the GUI isn't so hot. This thing looks really awesome though, I WANT!

[James @ Jan 6th 2006 11:21PM]

Hey, anybody have any idea if this thing will have TV or something? I read on microsoft.com that it will have TV Viewing capabilities. If you get any new info, post it up!

[Andy D @ Jan 8th 2006 10:47AM]

What are the chances of this supporting other formats besides WMV? If xvid is supported, I will definitely be buying one when it's released.

[TOM @ Jan 15th 2006 11:37AM]

All my Mp3 have been erased from my PC I have a copy on my toshiba player but I can't find a way to convert them back to MP3 format. Can anyone help me with that?



Thanks a lot Tom

[Justin @ Mar 5th 2006 9:06PM]

Does anyone one know the exact release date of the Gigabeat type S?

Justin

[Kenneth @ Apr 8th 2006 5:47AM]

I'm still not sure if I should convert to this mp3 player, everything sounds nice but then again the color supply is low; Only sitting at around 65,000+, Creaive's most recent Mp3 player released a little bit before the end of last year comes around with 260,000 - 263,000 colors and comes in the same price and size, well atleast in comparison to the gigabeat s 30gb player.

But then again, this player is so irresitable just because of it's compatablities and windows incorporation. Ahhh (>

[Rico @ Jun 25th 2006 5:53PM]

I have this, it is awesome. Clear screen, tv out, easy interface, quick trasfes, very awesome. The only problem is battery life, about 20 hours songs, but 2 1/2 for video. Also, it does NOT come with software to rip dvds (i think).

Overall, it give it a 9.25/10

Awesome, crisp screen, beutifully looking GUI, its jsut pwns.

Sure beats the PSP, i say.

I compared to Ipod, ipod is a bit harder to use, and the ipod is bigger.

Also, the screen kinda gets scratched easily.



I recomend this baby!