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iubi's WiFi-enabled PMP-1480 does GPS / DMB on video
It's not everyday that you can sneak a peek at the latest and greatest Korea has to offer on video, but PMPToday snagged a lengthy video of the iubi's forthcoming PMP-1480 on camera, and we're duly impressed. The "mock-up" on display looked mighty fine, and although it was a tad on the large side, it's hard to cram a 4.3-inch WVGA (yeah, that's 800 x 480) touchscreen into anything much smaller. The innards consist of a TMS320 DM6441 processor, 64MB of Flash ROM, 128MB of RAM, a 1.8-inch hard drive in the 30/40/60GB varieties, rechargeable battery pack, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, WiFi, GPS, USB, and composite / S-Video / component video outputs to boot. Aside from the impressive hardware list, this Windows CE-powered device will also play nice with just about every format imaginable, including XviD, DivX, MPEG1/2/4, AVI, WMV, JPEG, BMP, and MP3, and the optional HSDPA dongle should keep users connected when hotspots are too far away . Sadly, we Americans aren't likely to see this beauty (click on through for the vid) without going through the appropriate import channels, but Korean dwellers can look forward to throwing down a currently undisclosed amount in the May timeframe.[Thanks, Voland]
Teclast readies dashing C280 all-in-one PMP
Although Chinese DAPs have a way of knocking off the big boys and not really adding anything in the innovation department, Teclast's C280 continues to shake the stereotype by offering up a bevy of swank features combined with a design that's easy on the eyes. The natural successor to the C260, this flavor maintains the overall style and design as its less-spec'd sibling, but adds a Rockchip 2608A and Wolfson WM8750S "dual core" element, as well as touting sound quality similar to that found on the more expensive T29. Moreover, you'll find a 2.4-inch QVGA display, MP3 / WMA / AVI file support, an FM tuner, line-in recording, various games, text viewer, 2GB of internal storage, and a microSD slot for any excess media. The pocket-friendly C280 also manages a respectable battery life (around 12 hours), USB 2.0 connectivity, and should only cost you about $65 when it lands later this month.[Via DAPReview]
Quantum / AvMap's QTM 1000 Nav handheld touts DVB-H and GPS
Quantum and AvMap are teaming up to produce what they dub the "world's first" DVB-H capable Pocket TV with SAT NAV functionality, and while we've seen a touch of DVB-H in handheld devices before, it's good to see yet another creation joining the do-it-all fray. Announced at 3GSM, the Linux-based QTM 1000 Nav boasts a 4.3-inch WQVGA widescreen display, 400:1 contrast ratio, 80-degree viewing angle, DVR functionality, 128MB of Flash memory, 64MB of onboard RAM, an SD card slot, dual stereo speakers, a four-hour rechargeable battery, SiRF Star III receiver, Tele Atlas maps, and USB 2.0 connectivity. Aside from playing back DVB-H signals at 25 frames-per-second, it also allows viewing / purchasing of Pay TV channels, and it plays nice with H.264, MPEG4, AAC, MP3, JPEG / GIF / PNG, M4V, and AVI files when not tuning in to a broadcast. Unfortunately, there weren't any details regarding price or future availability, but those kicking around in Europe should give this one some serious consideration if you're looking to consolidate.
Prober P360 GPS / PMP handheld does it all
These fanciful all-in-one devices just don't seem to come Europe or North America's way very often, and unfortunately for most, Prober's P360 doesn't seem to be breaking that mold anytime soon. Packing a respectable mix of multimedia and GPS capabilities, this pocket-friendly device packs a 3.5-inch touchscreen display, 400MHz Samsung S3C2440A processor, 64MB of NAND Flash ROM, 64MB of SDRAM, WinCE 4.2 runnin' the show, a SiRF Star III chipset, and a built-in speaker to boot. Furthermore, you'll find a dual-mode map for wrapping your brain around POI locations, voice guidance, a rechargeable five-hour Li-ion battery, SD card slot, USB 1.1, wired remote / headphones, audio out, and the ability to play back WMV, WMA, and WAV files on the AV front, while handling a bevy of snapshot formats and even boasting a text viewer. Unfortunately, we've no idea how much the P360 will run folks who are lucky enough to acquire it in four to six weeks, but just know that most of the world will probably envy you.[Via NaviGadget]
PDC's Guide Dog gets real, loses parking and Bluetooth
Sure, we don't mind the impossible happening every once in awhile, but as with our favorite flavor of vaporware, if it sounds too sensational to be realistic, it (almost) always is. PDC hasn't quite pulled a no-show like the lapboard, but the firm's handheld conglomerate most certainly isn't everything it claimed it would be. NaviGadget caught up to PDC while at CES and got some first looks at the Guide Dog, which is now referred to as the PDC-668C, and while it does pack a SiRF Star III receiver, 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD, directional pad, two pre-loaded games, adjustable backlight / volume controls, PAPAGO R12 navigation software, and SD / MMC / PSd memory slots, this Windows CE 5.0-powered navigator (unsurprisingly) lacks the far-fetched parking sensor and Bluetooth capabilities it previously boasted about. Moreover, it's grown quite a bit since its puppy days, garnered a coat of glossy white, and picked up a "suggested price of around $450 to $500," but the firm is still looking for a North American distributor to get these things moving.
Artemide floor lamp rocks tunes, purifies air
Melding form and function most certainly isn't new, but Artemide's Rigel conglomerate mixed a hint of design with multifaceted charm in its three-in-one device. The floor lamp emits warm, colored light when powered up, functions as a mirror when turned off, and also features a built-in speaker system to boot. Moreover, it also touts an integrated air purifier, but whether you're actually better off without out is certainly debatable. Nevertheless, this stand-up trio of devices could definitely act as a conversation piece, but at a cost of £1,900 ($3,732), you're probably better off buying one of these and pocketing the difference.
Clifford Scout 420 navigation unit / PMP to land at CES
It looks like Directed Electronics has switched more than a CFO in the past couple weeks, as its once self-branded NAV420 conglomerate has apparently been shifted to the Clifford brand, which typically holds down the remote start / security system side of the multifaceted company. Currently, all we truly know is that the Scout 420 has received a nod as a top honoree at next week's CES, that the website is currently nothing more than a JPEG teaser, and that it bears a striking resemblance to Sony's PSP. If we're to believe that nothing except the labeling has changed, however, it will purportedly include a 20GB hard drive, built-in GPS / navigation functionality, and music / video playback; judging solely by the control layout, we have to wonder if we'll see some sort of gaming / homebrew abilities bundled in as well, as the oddball (albeit very welcome) feature is its reported ability to tune into Sirius satellite radio broadcasts while navigating your routes. Sadly, there's no word on pricing just yet, but hopefully we'll get a clearer understanding of just what this do-it-all device is about in a few days.[Via GPSLodge]