Philips PMC7230 Portable Media Center

Remember that Tatung Portable Media Center that first turned up at Computex almost exactly a year ago? No? Don't worry about it, because it turns out that Philips is OEM'ing it. The Philips version, which is dubbed the PMC7230, comes with a 30GB hard drive (though the version we played with had only a 20GB drive), 3.5-inch display, PlaysForSure compatability, and a little kickstand on the back so you don't have to hold the thing in your hands for two hours while you're watching a movie. Should be available in September with a retail price of $349 (which is probably about fifty bucks too expensive).

Click on for some more hands-on pics.

[Brian @ Jun 14th 2006 10:14AM]

Two of those and some turkey would make a great sandwich.

[Keirmeister @ Jun 14th 2006 10:24AM]

This doesn't look that much different than the Samsung Yepp YH-999 - which was equally attractive, but hampered severely by the Microsoft PMC software (miniscule video format support).

[TeleCustom @ Jun 14th 2006 10:32AM]

where's the 60 gig hard drive?

[Josh! @ Jun 14th 2006 10:32AM]

What ever happened to neutrality? All I have noticed lately is that the editors are constantly criticizing and crap-talking many pieces of hardware/software they are posting about.

PS- Be nice to midgets. They're people too.

[Intrepid @ Jun 14th 2006 10:43AM]

"but hampered severely by the Microsoft PMC software (miniscule video format support)."
As opposed to... the iPod?
I do have to say though, the PMC interface looks wierd with the menu centered on the "bliss" background. why not just have a menu? People will still know it's windows...

[matt t @ Jun 14th 2006 11:09AM]

intrepid...
engadget always talks about how severly limited the ipods format selection is. they're most likely comparing it to the likes of the zen vision.

[OXfire @ Jun 14th 2006 11:22AM]

The D-pads look like boobies.

[Dave Zatz @ Jun 14th 2006 11:33AM]

$50 for an enlarged 3.5" screen (versus 2.5" screens on Zen Vision:M, Gigabeat S) seems reasonable. Still way too many devices - how about adding PIM functionality, cellular, and camera to the Gigabeat S. I'll gladly pay $600 for it.

[Keirmeister @ Jun 14th 2006 12:56PM]

Intrepid, by "miniscule video format support" I was also referring to the fact that other players (like those by Archos) that decided to forego the Microsoft PMC interface were able to play DiVX, etc.

[Andrew @ Jun 14th 2006 1:41PM]

I actually like this thing, but it doesn't look very portable.

[rutsy5 @ Jun 14th 2006 2:08PM]

i agree with andrew, it looks really nice, but too big to carry around in a pocket, which means you have to get a carrying case etc., setting you back yet more. I would buy this if Apple doesn't come out with a true video iPod within...a while. My broken-screen Rio Karma is hardly cutting it anymore :/ that or the Vision:M. I hope they can get a good port of RockBox for this, i don't know about this Windows stuff

[diulei @ Jun 14th 2006 4:20PM]

Not bad. I wouldn't mind taking that to the gym to watch during cardio or something. But yes - too big to carry around on a daily basis.

[LongshotX @ Jun 14th 2006 9:19PM]

You take it in the bathroom guys to watch the NBA finals. Or like if you're sitting at the kitchen table and you want to watch the game by streaming it from the tv in your room. I don't know. Just guessing.

[Mile @ Jun 14th 2006 10:40PM]

These companies are providing solutions. It's up to each one of us to find the problem it solves.

[Furiousdogs @ Jun 16th 2006 10:19PM]

How about spending a bit more time on design Philips. This player is doomed to fail.