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Aigo P8860 MID surfaces in Windows XP colors
We've seen Aigo's flagship MID from just about any angle you could imagine, but now that the P8860 has started to ship, we're starting to see it freed from its Linux trappings and dressed up in a little bit of Windows XP. Video of just such harmony (or atrocity, if that's the way you see it) is after the break.
Video: Aigo's Patriot MID released, demonstrated inside elevator
Right on schedule, Aigo's 800MHz Atom Z500-powered P8860 MID (aka, the Gigabyte M528 for the US and Europe) is hitting the mean, retail streets of Hong Kong today. With it, we've got a bit of video showing off the new pen+finger-based MIDLinux (aka, Midinux) GUI which looks far better than it did when we went hands-on with the Gigabyte back in March. All in all, this 4.8-inch MID with Bluetooth, WiFi, sliding QWERTY, 4GB SSD, microSD expansion, and GPS and HSDPA data options is looking quite righteous for that $700-ish price tag and early reports coming out of UMPC Fever. Now bust out the xylophone and get ready to play along with the video posted after the break. [Via Pocketables]
Aigo's Atom-packin' MID gets unboxed
Aigo's MID (more formally known as the MID P8860) just arrived in the anxious hands of UMPC Fever, and of course, it uploaded a number of photographs so we could all share in the joyous unboxing experience. Granted, you've already seen so many in the wild shots that you aren't apt to be surprised, but we're rather impressed with just how nicely everything was arranged inside of the subtle black box. We'd totally have to debadge it (is the Atom sticker really necessary... really?), but other than that it's not a half bad item to have residing in your rear pocket. More shots in the read link.[Via Pocketables, thanks Jenn]
Aigo's Atom-based MID gets a price, release date
Aigo hasn't been keeping many secrets about its Atom-based MID, but it has been slightly less than forthcoming with any official word of a price or release date. The company now looks to have finally gotten its act together, however, with it announcing that the handheld, now officially dubbed the MID P8860, will be going on sale in Hong Kong on August 8th for $5,228 HKD (or about $670 -- a full $100 less than the last price we heard). That'll get you an 800MHz Atom Z500 processor, along with 512MB of RAM, a 4GB SSD, built-in WiFi, Bluetooth and, perhaps most notably, GPS. We even hear you can run XP on it.[Thanks, Joe]
aigo delivers USB TV tuners for Chinese, European markets
We heard that Legend Silicon and Intel were teaming up to push HDTV dongles in China, and push they have. aigo has just announced that it has used technology from the former to build USB TV tuners for catching OTA HD signals on laptops, PCs or any other manner of devices capable of watching video. In China, it's estimated that many of the devices will be used to watch the upcoming Olympics in Beijing in glorious high-definition, while DVB-T users in Europe will have yet another choice for snagging HD on-the-run. Reportedly, the tuners will demand around $100 a pop, but there's no word on where or when they'll show up.
Aigo MID tested, ported to a real OS
The folks at UMPCFever got in some quality time with the upcoming Aigo MID (an Asia-centric version of the Gigabyte M528), which hasn't really been seen much outside of tradeshows so far. Apparently MIDLinux 2.0, which the device ships with, is running really well these days, which is encouraging given how abysmal it was earlier this year, but that didn't stop UMPCFever from swapping the OS for some Windows XP. While the Intel Atom processor seems to be beefy enough to handle what was requested of it, Intel's promised energy savings were not evident in the device, with a runtime as low as two hours. We suppose the best news is that Aigo's selling this starting at around HK $6000, about $770 US, a major improvement over the M528, but it still seems to be a far cry from the sweet spot for this type of device. Hands-on videos are after the break. [Via UMPCPortal]
Aigo's Patriot MV5920 PMP: new visual shock, worth your small taste
Are you hoping to enter a "two-nuclear detonation true high-definition era" of PMP'ing? Do you desire "really high-definition video playback" which brings a "new visual shock?" Do you want a media player with "super hard drive recorders, easily direct D1 quality" which are "worth your small taste?" If you answered "yes" to those questions, you want the Aigo Patriot MV5920 Dual-Core MP5 player! The unit features video playback at 720p (though not 720p screen resolution), can handle MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, AVI, DivX, XviD, ASF, WMV9, RM, MP3, WMA, WAV, AC3, and OGG files, and features a hard drive as large as 160GB... but that's not what you're really after, is it? What you really want is "unlimited life," right? Well, my friend "the curtain has been opened, such as what you."[Via PMP Today]
Hands-on with the Amtek U560 / Aigo UMPC
We got a chance to fondle the non-Menlow Amtek U560 / Aigo UMPC on the floor of this year's CES, and we've got the pictures to prove it. The XP-running portable had a solid build, though the mechanism for sliding the screen felt a bit janky, and the overall size is possibly more than you want, especially with all the Menlow hotness coming our way this year. Perhaps a gallery of photos might help? Yeah, we thought so.%Gallery-13479%
Hands-on with Aigo's iPhone-ripping, Menlow-based MID
We got a chance to play with the new Aigo MID that sports the Intel Menlow chip, and here's a slew of shots for you to peep. A few items of note: first, the thing is totally trying to rip the iPhone's interface -- you can't really debate that, though sitting atop its janky Linux implementation, it feels pretty third rate. On the bright side, the little guy uses a new, touchscreen-MID-centric version of Mozilla called CoolFox, which is nice to see on a handheld. Check the gallery and see for yourself.%Gallery-13089%
Aigo adds MID to its handheld empire
Nestled comfortably somewhere between its myriad PMPs and Patriot UMPC, Aigo has developed its very own mobile internet device (or MID as the kids are calling them nowadays). The device is captured on video, notably hosted on the very same YouTube account as yesterday's Lenovo MID vid. While it's hard to get a real feel for the size and depth of the unit from the video embedded below, a few things are evident: the interface is pretty familiar (more like iGo, right?), it has a slide-out keyboard ala UMPC, and it doesn't have any trouble playing those YouTube videos. Now how about some more info, eh Aigo?
Aigo rolls out Patriot P882 PMP
Aigo's certainly no stranger to nondescript PMPs, and it now looks to found room for one more in its increasingly crowded lineup, with its new Patriot P882 offer plenty of the usual features in a package that's sure to stand out. Unfortunately, this one stands out for all the wrong reasons, as it apparently measures over an inch thick. On the upside, you will get a fairly hefty 80GB of storage, along with a "high-resolution" 4.3-inch touchscreen, A/V in and out ports, and a 2300 mAH battery that promises four hours of continuous video playback or 16 hours of music, not to mention support for just about every file format one could want. If for some reason you're interest is still piqued, the device's price will most certainly have you looking elsewhere, with it setting you back 3,999 yuan (or about $540).[Via PMP Today]
Aigo's MV5910 PMP gets Winnie the Pooh makeover
In case you haven't noticed, Disney has been finding its way into a plethora of handhelds and portable media players of late, and it looks like the firm has accomplished yet another takeover on Aigo's latest. This Winnie the Pooh-themed device sports an oh-so-cute exterior, 3.5-inch LCD, an image viewer, AV output, an SD expansion slot, up to 16 hours of battery life, 2GB of internal storage, and support for a variety of files including VOB, RM / RMVB, AVI, ASF, MPEG, and DAT (VCD). Unfortunately, it seems the kid-friendly MV5910 most certainly packs a premium, as the pricetag on this adorable piece sits at CNY1,699, or just over $224. Click on for another shot -- you know daddy's favorite girl will end up with one anyway.[Via PMPToday, thanks Brian B.]
Aigo's 2GB F965R PMP support Real Audio, MP5
Aigo's latest PMP smells like more hype that substance, but regardless, this 2GB player certainly has the look. Internally, you'll find a 600MHz processor, a 2.8-inch panel, Class-D digital amplifier, and support for a wide array of formats including Real Audio, JPEG, BMP, GIF, MP3, "MP5," WMA, FLAC, and APE. Additionally, it's equipped with an SD / MMC expansion slot for loading up excess media, and while we don't exactly envision this one escaping China anytime soon, those in the neighborhood can grab one for CNY999 ($132).[Via PlayerBites]
Engadget China meets Aigo's first UMPC: The Patriot
Engadget China has just gotten its hands on an old friend of ours, a UMPC based on Intel's McCaslin MID spec. Recently we've seen this same design on the Amtek U560, but this version bears the Aigo badge proudly. Of course, since this (the company's first foray into the UMPC market) is based on the 2007 archetype, the Patriot has some of those bulky, Hummer-esque design qualities that don't hold up to the newer, sleeker, and smaller Menlow-based models (which Intel is heading towards for 2008), but under that jumbo exterior there's an 800MHz, Vista-ready heart of gold. Honestly, we do question the choice of putting function buttons smack-dab in the center of QWERTY keyboard, but hey -- no one is perfect -- judge for yourself in Engadget China's hands on gallery.
Intel's Ultra Mobile strategy gets official
We already knew of Intel's 2007 "McCaslin" ultra mobile platform strategy after peeping their pre-show slides: professional UMPCs paired with consumer-oriented, Linux-based MIDs. Still, it's always good to get the official word even if it means that Intel must travel all the way to their IDF in Beijing to make it so. As the strategy goes, before 2007 is up we'll see product from Aigo, Asus, Fujitsu, Haier, HTC, and Samsung all based on the Intel A100 and A110 processors -- essentially underclocked Pentium M cores operating at 3W and certainly besting the UMPC underpinnings we saw in 2006. In the first half of 2008 then, Intel tells us to expect their "Menlow" platform of ultra mobile devices. Pumping Intel's 45-nm dual-core "Silverthorn" processor and "Poulsbo" chipset for longer battery life in smaller handheld devices. But if you're chomping at the bit for Intel's vision of the ultra mobile future, well, you'll be waiting around until well after 2008, boy. Intel doesn't expect to break into magical sub-0.5W territory until the naughts are up. Until then, you'll have to deal with mysterious slabs like the new Fujitsu pictured above. Update: UMPC Portal just pointed out something very interesting: Intel says that HTC's Shift UMPC is based on their A100/A110 processors. However, the engineering sample we pawed was running a 1.2GHz VIA proc. Looks like Intel scored themselves a major coup over HTC's Taiwanese neighbors.[Via Impress]
Aigo's F989 / MP-E817 PMPs are eying your kids
Let's face it, portable media players are no long reserved for the adults out there, as even Aigo has caved to the kiddos' pressures and produced its own duo of youngster-centric PMPs. Following in the footsteps of Disney and Toy Quest (among others), the F989 rocks a kid-friendly design, handheld gaming system motif, a 2.4-inch QVGA screen, SD card slot, 1.3-megapixel camera, FM radio, microphone, an e-book reader, photo browser, built-in clock / calendar / stopwatch, calculator, and ten pre-loaded games to boot. Of course, it will also play back SFW / AVI files at 30fps, which should be just fine for those converted Spongebob episodes. The MP-E917 (pictured after the break) boasts a slightly sleeker interface, shares the same color monitor and video playback functionality, comes in 1GB / 2GB editions, and includes a miniSD slot for future expansion. No word just yet on pricing or availability, but we're sure your highly intelligent offspring will let you know the minute they find out.[Via PMPToday]
Import game releases for the week of 03/04/07
It's a new week and another chance for me to let our readers know about the tasty import game releases of the week (tastes like ramen noodles). Every week we showcase new import games for you to play in your PSP (PSP plays imports without any modding). Let me start by saying that honestly it's a pretty light release list this week, but after last week, any game releases is a feat. No real in depth previews to do on the games this week, as it's a week of budget re-releases. If you haven't bought these games yet and are interested, this week sees "Best" versions of Princess Crown, AI Go, AI Mah-Jong, AI Shogi and Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner. Princess Crown is made by the same company that's making the much talked about upcoming PS2 RPG Odin Sphere, so there may be more people interested in importing it now. That's it for this week! Next week we have some actual new import games to showcase, so we'll see you then.
Aigo E235 hard drive-based PMP plays VOB, gets reviewed
While Aigo's no stranger to the DAP / PMP universe, the firm typically focuses on flash-based players, but as with its 50-hour A215, F209 wristwatch, and Linux-based units, the E235 sports something that differentiates it from the host of other alternatives. Boasting a 3.5-inch LCD screen, 320 x 240 resolution, black enclosure, and a rather simplified "joystick-based" control mechanism, the E235 comes in 40GB, 60GB, 80GB, 100GB, 120GB, and 160GB flavors, all designed to hold quite a vast library of music and media files. The standout feature here, however, is its native ability to play VOB files, which should probably send notorious DVD rippers into fits of elation, but before we all get too excited, it was noted that content laced in Macrovision may not play back at all, and unoptimized (read: not downsized) files may not display properly on the monitor. Regardless, the device handles AVI, DAT, and MPEG files with ease, and also plays nice with MP3, WMA, and WAV on the audio front. Additionally, you'll find an FM tuner for when your own library gets stale, and while the paltry 2.5 hours of battery life proved less than impressive, reviewers suggested that the sheer ability to playback VOB could be a fair tradeoff to many. Overall, the unit ran about par for the course, with nothing in particular garnering major criticism, and if you're a diehard VOB lover in need of a PMP / PVP, Aigo's got you covered.[Thanks, Oracle]
Aigo's Patriot MP-F986 digital audio player
Chinese manufacturer Aigo has let loose a new digital audio player in its home country, the Patriot MP-F986. Weighing in at just 1.5 ounces in a pocketable 2.6 x 1.85 x 0.6-inch form, this one's available in both 512MB and 1GB varieties -- each packing a 160 x 128 OLED screen for some pint-sized AVI viewing -- and supports MP3, WMA, and OGG files on audio front; you're also getting voice recording and an FM radio for good measure, because, you know, to be an iPod killa you gotta load up on the bells and whistles. Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be any word on pricing just yet, though we wouldn't recommend holding your breath for the F986 to show up on this side of the Pacific.[Via I4U News]
Aigo's A215 touts 50 hour battery life
There are those of us who want a portable music / media player that does it all, and lasts an unnecessarily long time on a single charge, but since that probably ain't happening anytime soon (without costing a small fortune), Aigo figured it might as well go all-out in one particular department for those who don't mind reaping the longevous benefits associated with simplicity. While the A215 can't play video clips, only sports a three-line LCD display, lacks an FM tuner, and can't be recharged through a USB port, this minuscule audio player does manage to outlast those feature-ridden competitors by pumping out the jams for 50 solid hours. The design here seems decent enough, and we're genuinely relieved that it doesn't borrow from the styling cues found on their MP3-playing (and opposite-gender-deterring) wristwatch. A notable limitation is the inability to play back any formats other than your basic MP3 and WMA files, though it apparently will play nice with WMA-DRM. Curiously enough, the spec sheet claims that legendary "50 hour" figure only applies when tapping your foot to MP3 files; if your collection happens to be in WMA, you can "only" count on 35 hours, for whatever reason. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a pocketable way to carry a few tunes around, and don't mind its sheer inability to do anything over and above play them back for an erroneously long time, the 2GB A215 can maximize the utility of that spare AA battery for £69.99 ($132).[Via MobileMag]