Sony introduces another hot China-only PMP, the PMX-M80

Sony's China-only PMPs have always been a little more interesting than the gear we see Stateside, and the new PMX-M80 is no exception. The 4.3-inch touchscreen player packs 16GB of storage and decent codec support into a sleek white box, as well as a new mapping application that's apparently a novelty in China. Too bad this thing won't ever make it over here -- although at 2,260 yuan ($331), it probably wouldn't shake things up too much.

[Via PMP Today]

[Eric B. @ Jul 31st 2008 11:08AM]

I have a 16 GB HACKED PSP for only $160 for the system and about $140 for the memory stick for a total of $300. I can do so much more with it and it's even cheaper. What's the point of making technology that's worse than your other products?

[Adderz @ Jul 31st 2008 11:18AM]

People buy specialised devices because they are more suitable for the tasks they want.

For instance, i can play music on my laptop, but i prefer my ipod. Why? Because its smaller, has a battery battery life and all i want to do is listen to music, not go online and what have you.

The PSP has a shocking battery life, and is quite large. Therefore something like this is more suitable.

I think it looks excellent. Something like this could really take on the Touch. its about time we had a REAL ipod competitor. Sony produce quality products so this would be as good a chance as any to take on the Touch.

[OneLove @ Jul 31st 2008 11:22AM]

...Its a master plan so don't sweat the technique.

[Almighty- @ Jul 31st 2008 11:44AM]

Your fancy little PSP misses a "4.3-inch touchscreen" :(
And dont compare a console with a PMP ...

[tekdroid @ Jul 31st 2008 6:45PM]

You have a point, there is some notable PSP-identicalness.
Resolution and size of the screen, for instance.

Though they do mention something about 18bit.
The PSP's often smeary ghosting screen (with fast movement) is not the highest quality. Perhaps this is better, particularly for outdoors, one would hope.

Also the additions of the map software (GPS?), SRS audio, built-in mic, FM radio. Controls more arguably designed for avoidance of mistaken presses, unit is more compact and has a kickstand.

Battery life is VERY similar to PSP. I doubt this would be very popular, but obviously they see a market for it, particularly with the maps stuff on there for China. I also think there's a practical limit to what you can do with a games console and still have it be affordable and serve its primary function without diluting it with all this add-on stuff. There's a fine line to convergence, IMO.

[tekdroid @ Jul 31st 2008 6:54PM]

This also plays AVIs out of the box (probably possible with homebrew, I have never tried), codec support seems identical to PSP but they don't mention maximum playable resolutions. Keep in mind this will also let you expand your memory just like PSP on top of the 16GB integrated.

I wonder if the battery is removable.

[Dillon @ Jul 31st 2008 11:13AM]

I don't see how that's such a great deal. Highly overpriced for the average Chinese citizen to buy.

[Jimmy @ Jul 31st 2008 11:26AM]

Well, I would argue that it is overpriced for the average American too; however, China now has about 300 Million people that are considered middle class or better. Then when you compare that to America's total population of about 301 Million you see why China often gets these cool little devices first.

[OneLove @ Jul 31st 2008 11:42AM]

That's because your not using chinese arithmetic.

[Lowest Ranked @ Jul 31st 2008 12:05PM]

What the hell are Lucy and Snoopy up to back there?

[Pinkerton @ Jul 31st 2008 12:26PM]

I wonder where Sony got inspiration for the thing.....
http://www.gadgetspage.com/wp-content/ipod_av.gif

[Mr. B @ Jul 31st 2008 12:35PM]

A box with a screen in it, surely an Apple innovation.

[HOOPER @ Jul 31st 2008 1:03PM]

Dude, the one on the right kicks the iPod's @$$ as far as looks go.

[Steffen Jobbs @ Jul 31st 2008 1:32PM]

Good thing for Sony, they're not trying to sell it over here. They're already losing money on their products. I doubt if it would be wise for them to try to move into iPod Touch territory.

[Deluxe @ Jul 31st 2008 8:20PM]

God I wish Engadget had a similar Ban Hammer like Kotaku..

[daliminator2000 @ Jul 31st 2008 2:24PM]

I'm a bit confused about why Sony, a Japanese company, is making products to sell exclusively in China. It seems... wrong, somehow.

[tekdroid @ Jul 31st 2008 6:30PM]

if seeking profit is wrong, I don't wanna be right.

[Err0r @ Aug 1st 2008 12:51AM]

Sorry, but this isn't from Sony.

Just an OEM player with a Sony logo. Samsung logos are popular on OEM players too here in China.

Nilay Nilay...

[j.d.ripper @ Aug 1st 2008 4:16AM]

I saw the older model to this in China last year. It only had 4 GB of storage, but too an SD card.
What attracted me to it was its support for DivX and clear sharp screen, but it was around $220

I ended up getting something very similar from JXO which also included Nintendo emulation and a 2MP camera for $80.

Sony is going for a niche market here. The new Chinese yuppy crowd. With the economy, there are a lot of younger people will a lot of cash.