RAmos RM150 plays XviD on the cheap

While the myriad of Chinese PMPs tend to share a few similarities, namely being cheap (in more ways than one), the RAmos RM150 does a decent job of making a name for itself by touting native XviD support and sporting a swank PDA-like design. RAmos offers both 512MB and 1GB flavors, and the pocket-size device rocks a 2.2-inch TFT screen which displays your ever-growing collection of XviD and AVI files with ease. While you won't fit too many of those clips on such skimpy amounts of storage, you can carry quite a few MP3s and WMA files along, and there's always the FM tuner should you need some fresh material on the go. While there's no word on battery life, we wouldn't expect too much more from the RM150 -- after all, this unit is already a big step forward from the company's gaudy gold offering of last year. If you don't mind the limited storage capacity (and the complete lack of expansion options), the 512MB version can be had for 399 CNY ($50), while 1GB will run you just 499 CNY ($63).

[TIMMAH! @ Aug 21st 2006 1:05PM]

Wow this would be perfect for toddler travel. Just put on a bunch of SpongeBob and we're good to go! Anyone know where to order it from?

[SLiKone @ Aug 21st 2006 2:08PM]

It's too bad this thing doesn't have any expansion, I'd import one in a heartbeat at that price

[CT @ Aug 21st 2006 2:54PM]

It looks like the maker claims 8 hours of battery life. Not bad for 63 bucks. if anyone can figure out how to order one to the US, post a link.

[JD @ Aug 21st 2006 2:55PM]

@ $63, just buy a handfull of them and toss em in a sack to carry around with you if you need more than 1gb :)

[JD @ Aug 22nd 2006 11:44AM]

Max, I just went to the source site, and it says the prices will be 399 yuan and 499 yuan. This converts to 49.96 USD 62.48 USD.

[kevin @ Aug 22nd 2006 11:47AM]

I can confirm the price is even lower on some online store in China. The 1Gb version goes for 445CNY. I'll ask my friend to buy one for me.

[gmbowen @ Oct 3rd 2006 10:11PM]

I just bought a 1G one on ebay for $30US (plus $30 postage from HK).....I'll post comments about screen, navigation, battery, etc. here when I get it and use it a little.

[gmbowen @ Oct 15th 2006 5:08PM]

Okay, I received the RM150 from Hong Kong (ordered through ebay) in 9 days after payment. Darned good. (Cost of unit & mailing was ~$58US). As far as I can tell it does NOT play xvid files raw....nothing I've downloaded would play w/o conversion (to another AVI format) (an english converter is findable by googling RM150 aviconverter Ramos). The unit arrives with chinese characters active. You need to go to the bottom of the first screen (setup), then the 5th item, then the first item, and then you'll see "English" as the 3rd item. After that things work pretty well. Overall??? Two thumbs up. Video is clean and sharp (even in middle conversion quality), audio is good, fm reception is acceptable, text viewer is good, photos are good. The screen is AS good if not better than my gmini 400. Lack of a bookmarking feature (in audio/video) is a bit annoying, but fast forward is pretty darned good. Bookmarking in text reader is useful for long texts. Battery life seems pretty good. Audio has personal equalizer (and 7 presets or so). Recorder is okay (a bit muddy). External speaker (believe it or not) allows you to watch video in a quiet room w/o headphones. The "game" is a tetris variation (probably the weakest part). "Standard" USB connector (one of the small ones) so no "proprietary" probs. Overall very, very much worth the money compared to other cheapie MP3/Video players I've tried. The ebay guy has an english version of the manual he'll email you too.

[Suresh @ Nov 2nd 2006 2:09AM]

Hi I just got RM100, but i could not use the CD provided as it is full of chineese and tried with XP/Win 2K prof but still says OS is not compatible. I downloaded the aviconverter 2.0.2 from site but whatever avi/xvid format i convert it is not wrking. can you help me in the following:
1. the avi converter does not have the 220*176 option, any other format needs to be selected or not?
2. which os the files support etc.
Suresh

[mokster @ Nov 14th 2006 12:20AM]

hey i got the RM100, and the installer CD that comes with the product doesn't work!! can't seem to find the english version of the AVconvertor u mentioned on google. care to help me out? thanks a bunch!