Philips GoGear Spark gets reviewed: a diamond in the rough

In the world of low-end DAPs, it's incredibly tough to find anything worth its salt. Believe it or not, Philips' GoGear Spark is a so-called "diamond in the rough," with reviewers at CNET noting that the respectable feature set and skimpy price tag ($49 for 2GB; $59 for 4GB) made it a good bet for those scouting a simplistic player for the gym. Specs wise, the 1.5-inch OLED display and "squeezable edges" make for a unique package, and unlike most bite-sized DAPs, navigating this one proved to be doable, if not enjoyable. We're personally a bit more upset by its limited format support (MP3 and WMA only) than these critics, but again, this probably isn't going to be your primary / only music player. Finally, the stellar sound quality and impressive 27 hour battery life really put the cherry on top, with the Spark netting a 3.5 out of 5 star rating.

[RioRyan Posted Feb 7th 2009 9:30AM]

This device just proves how overpriced the shuffles are. Double the space for the same price and more than twice the battery life with a screen!

[fokka Posted Feb 8th 2009 9:00PM]

right, at apples you always pay extra for design, sleekness and simplicity although the hardware itself isnt much more expensive than the obligatory chinese plastic ripoff.

[LAY Posted Feb 7th 2009 9:37AM]

Nice player. Questionable choice of music.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2009 10:11AM]

Sort of reminds me of my old Karma

[CJ Posted Feb 7th 2009 10:27AM]

This is what the suffle should have always been.

Perfect for when you're exercising.

[allislost Posted Feb 7th 2009 10:37AM]

Can this aren't as it won't is?

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2009 10:54AM]

?

[OzMan Posted Feb 7th 2009 11:18AM]

Exactly!

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2009 12:20PM]

I'm going to go with... Yes!

[Mile Posted Feb 7th 2009 2:30PM]

Only on Mondays - it says so right in the article!

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 8th 2009 8:01AM]

I really need a new dealer...

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2009 10:37AM]

$10 for 2gb more is an amazing deal.

[babya Posted Feb 7th 2009 10:47AM]

This should be part of a Engadget giveaway.
I've seen these for about AUD$69- might be worth buying, if you are into Philips GoGear DAP's and aren't interested in what Apple offers.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2009 11:23AM]

Why would you grab this over the iriver clix? Those can be had now for $60-80 for the 2gb version, and it just about blows this little guy away in features, and is comparable in battery life.

Or what about the iriver s10?
http://www.pocketables.net/2006/11/review_iriver_s.html

I dig this philips player and i think they did a nice job, but it's a little late to the party.

[XXLGadget Posted Feb 7th 2009 11:42AM]

I'd still go with the Sansa Clip.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2009 10:29PM]

same here spuntyb.
i would also prefer the iriver but not s10. I would prefer clix 2 -

http://www.techreviews4u.com/2009/01/08/irivers-clix-2-now-less-than-100/

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 8th 2009 2:38PM]

Looks nice.

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