PortableMediaPlayer
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Shiro readies MK, ME, and VE portable media players
Singapore-based Shiro looks set to bust out a trio of new portable media players for those that prefer their devices slightly less soccer ball-shaped, with CNET reporting the company will introduce its MK, ME, and VE PMPs at CeBIT next month. The purple-accented Shiro VE is the top-end model of the bunch, with a 2.4-inch display, 4GB of flash memory, and a microSD slot for additional storage. A notch below that is the Shiro ME, which packs the same microSD slot and 4GB of storage but shrinks things down with a 1.8-inch screen. Rounding out the line-up, the 2GB Shiro MK opts for an SD/MMC slot instead of a microSD one and gives up a few millimeters in thickness in favor of a built-in speaker. All three models also pack a built-in FM radio and voice recording capabilities. While there's no word on price or availability for any of them just yet, if Shiro's other players are any indication, we wouldn't hold out much hope of them finding their way to our shores anytime soon.[Thanks, Choc]
Digital Cube's T-DMB-packin' Mini finally available
Digital Cube is delivering more miniaturized fun from South Korea, as the NetForce's smaller sibling -- simply dubbed Mini -- is finally available for enjoyment. This miniscule portable media player measures just 3.17- x 2.05- x 0.65-inches and weighs only three ounces, but manages to pack a potent 2.4-inch LCD, MP3 support, video playback, and the obligatory T-DMB TV tuner within its presumably cramped confines. The handheld device rocks 1/2/4GB capacities, and also doubles as an e-book reader, text / photo viewer, and a surefire conversation piece. So go on, indulge in those pocket-friendly, TV viewing PMP desires for just €165 ($209) and up.
RAmos' RM400 portable media player
Chinese manufacturer RAmos has a new portable media player for those who prefer their gadgets with a little of the Midas touch, recently announcing its RM400 player. This one boasts a 2.2-inch QVGA display, MPEG-4 and AVI video support, plain-old MP3s on the audio front, 512MB of built-in flash memory and an SD slot to add up to 2GB more. Exactly what it has to do with the official X-Men game, we're not sure, though we somehow suspect that it's not one of the "game functions" that this unit supposedly offers. No word on what it'll cost, either, but if RAmos' last PMP is any indication, it shouldn't leave too much of a dent in your wallet.[Via Anything But iPod]
Coby's 20GB PMP4320 previewed
The folks at CNET recently got a chance to look at a pre-production unit of Coby's new PMP4320 portable media player and, while they're reserving final judgment until they get their hands on a finished device, they don't seem to have been all that impressed. Specs-wise, the PMP4320 treads along the low-end of the PMP spectrum, with a glossy 4.3-inch, 320x240 TFT display, 20GB of storage, SD expansion, FM tuner, and audio/video recording capabilities -- not bad, though you may expect a bit more for the $350 list price. Unfortunately, it looks like the PMP4320 has more problems than just price, with CNET finding the interface and thumbstick control decidedly lacking and the build quality sub-par, though that could well be due to its pre-production nature. On the plus side, it is compatible with a wide range of formats and has a built-in kickstand, which wouldn't be all that notable if not for the fact that some manufacturers seem to continuously overlook it. We should have word on how the real deal stacks up soon enough, with the PMP4320 set to launch later this month.[Via Digital Media Thoughts]
KNC unveils HR-2800 do-it-all handheld
If the bevy of PMP / gaming hybrid devices hasn't exactly met your expectations (or came to fruition at all), KNC is throwing down an impressive do-it-all handheld that puts similar alternatives to shame. The HR-2800 may resemble a jazzed-up Sega Nomad at first glance, but beneath the 3.6-inch LCD is some serious potential. Housing a 400MHz CPU and a homebrew GUI to boot, the handheld plays back AVI, MPEG4, DivX, and XviD, while supporting MP3 and FLAC (audiophiles rejoice) on the musical side. Boasting a built-in file manager, portable version of "Winamp," a full-fledged picture / text viewer, and 1.3 megapixel camera, this jack-of-all-trades can even export full-motion video to your television via its video output. In case you're looking to get your retro game on, the unit apparently sports an NES / GBA emulator, and just in case the (admittedly skimpy) 1GB of internal storage isn't roomy enough, you can add the space you need via its SD slot. While the amount of goodies crammed into the HR-2800 may garner praise, the real applause goes to the price -- at just CNY999 ($127), we've got to wonder if these KNC folks aren't just skimming the market.[Via AVing]
Archos 504 PMP reviewed
After checking out Archos' 404 and 604 portable media players, CNET's now finally rounded out the '04 PMP line-up with a look at the last of the lot, the 504. As with the other two, the 504 left 'em mighty impressed, with a great 4.3-inch screen, loads of storage (your choice of 40, 80, or 160GB), a wide range of accessory options, decent battery life (with a removable battery), and a sleek, easy-to-use interface. On the downside, that big screen and massive storage means the unit is quite bulky, and you'll also need to load up on those optional accessories if you want to take full advantage of this device -- namely, the extra kit needed to record audio and video. Going all out for the 160GB model will also cost you quite a premium, with a list price of $600, compared to just $350 for the 40GB and $400 for the 80GB. But still, it's a hundred and sixty freaking gigabytes -- in a PMP.[Thanks, Pogotom]
Canon's Media Storage M30 and M80 photo and video viewers
Well, this makes sense: Canon, like Epson (long) before them, just jumped into the digital storage game with their Media Storage M30 and M80 devices. Equipped with either a 1.8-inch 30GB or 80GB disk (we'll let you guess which model has which), each brings a biggie, 3.7-inch ultra-bright TFT screen with 160-degree viewing angle for image and video review -- just a hair smaller than that offered by Epson's lineup. Both of these rugged magnesium alloy units feature a USB 2.0 interface, slots for CF and SD cards, a password option to protect your media, and 1/8-inch audio jack to review sound. Supported formats include Canon RAW, MPEG, MP3, and WAV. And just to lock you in, this device uses the same battery as the Canon EOS 5D, 20D or 30D and WFT E1 Wireless File Transmitter unit. Price and availability? We'll just have to wait since Canon hasn't even gone live with the deets on their site yet.
Maxian launching 30GB, TV-recording M800 PMP
Korean manufacturer Maxian looks to be set to drop a new PMP on parts of the world other than this one with its newly-unveiled M800, though an exact launch date has yet to be announced. Like Maxian's T600, this one boasts direct video recording from a TV or other source, with a 30GB hard drive for you to fill up and a 4.3-inch WQVGA screen for you to watch it all on. If you prefer your media pre-recorded, it also supports AVI, MPEG, ASF, WMV, DAT, and VOB formats -- a much more thorough selection than some recent PMPs we've seen. While it looks like we're out of luck on this one here in North America, it seems you'll be able to snag one in Korea, Europe, China, and Hong Kong in your choice of black or white for the equivalent of $415 US.[Via DAPreview]
Epson releasing P-3000 and P-5000 photo viewers
Epson's about to let loose a couple of bumps to its line of portable photo viewers / media players, tossing the P-2000 and P-4000 to the curb in favor of the numerically-enhanced P-3000 and P-5000. Both models retain the same 40GB and 80GB hard drives of their predecessors as well as SD and CompactFlash slots (other formats'll need an adapter-- so sorry, dear xD), with each getting a slight boost in screen size to a full four inches (up from 3.8 inches). The biggest benefit, however, seems to be an increase in operating speed -- a mighty 250% faster, according to Epson. The units also continue to blur the line between photo viewers and portable media players, boasting a hefty line-up of video support (including DivX) as well as MP3 and AAC audio support. Look for these to hit stores before the end of the year for $499 and $699, respectively.
Archos 604 30GB portable media player reviewed
It appears that Archos has got this portable media player gig down pat, as the 30GB 604, unveiled as an affordable replacement for the well-received AV500, has done quite a commendable job building itself a bit of buzz. Rather than altering too much of a good thing, Archos decided to just tweak the 604, adding several meaningful extras while removing a few advanced features in order to get that price tag down to near-bargain basement levels. The folks over at CNET were able to get some face time with the new PMP, and in similar fashion to its predecessor, received an excellent rating. Although the 604 isn't the most pocket-friendly unit reviewers had seen, they felt that increasing the screen size from 4.0 to 4.3-inches (and improving its durability / performance) was well worth it. The brushed metal look must have really struck a chord as well, as this sexy sidekick was touted as being "pretty hot" in regards to its design. One feature that definitely made the review crew sweat was the nifty kickstand, something sorely absent on the AV500 (and its "main competitor," the Cowon A2). The controls and well-developed GUI left a very positive impression, and its ability to play back all types of media ranging from AVI, MPEG-4, PlaysForSure WMA and WMV, MP3, and WAV garnered even more praise. But, as expected, not everything was entirely peachy, as those looking to record video / audio right out of the box won't find the tools they need. Archos apparently made a purposeful omission and left the DVR gear as an optional accessory, just in case some folks didn't want to pony up the extra $100 for the at-home convenience. It was noted that the unit performed well when paired up with the Archos DVR Station, and the staff was more than satisfied with the 14+ hours of audio / 4 hours of video use reportedly on tap via the removable battery. If you haven't caught the drift at this point, here's the skinny: the Archos 604 is a worthy update to the respectable AV500, and if you're looking to snap up a PMP (and maybe add recording capabilities down the road), it's not a bad way at all to spend $350.
Digital Foci's Picture Porter Elite photo viewer / PMP
Hot on the heels of MediaGear's HD2GO is yet another photo viewer / PMP, but with 40GB or 80GB hard drive options, the Picture Porter Elite is more akin to Epson's P-4000 line of capcious convergence devices. Manufactured by Digital Foci, the USB 2.0-enabled PPE-360 features a 3.6-inch screen (only QVGA, though -- Epson gives you VGA on its models), line-in recording, PictBridge printing support, and video out for displaying your pics and vids on a regular TV. Supported memory card formats include Compact Flash I / II, MicroDrive, SD / MMC, and Memory Stick (xD, miniSD, and MS Duo cards work with an adapter), while the compatible file types include JPEG, TIFF, GIF, and RAW (image), MP3, WMA, AAC, and WAV (audio), and MPEG-1/4, AVI, MOV, and WMV9 (video). The Picture Porter Elite will begin shipping on the 7th, starting at $450.[Via Digital Media Thoughts]
Minox intros DMP-3 media player
Camera maker Minox is pushing beyond its usual boundaries once again with its new Volkswagen-designed DMP-3 media player, a follow-up to the DMP-2 and DMP-1 before it. As with its previous players, Minox is talking up the device's digital photo album and video playback capabilities as much as its MP3 functionality, although the smallish 2.5-inch LCD makes for less than ideal viewing conditions. On the storage tip, Minox has again opted for a paltry 128MB of internal memory, making the SD slot essential if you plan on using the device to capture VGA or QVGA video in MPEG-4. No word yet on pricing or availability, although if the previous model is any indication, it should come in somewhere around the $200 mark.
DS Fanboy vs. GBA Movie Player
Deep within the recesses of the DS Fanboy labs, the SD version of the GBA Movie Player has been enduring poking, prodding and occasional squeezing for quite some time now, up until the point where failure to post a review would be deemed by many as inappropriate and downright offensive. Doubly so considering that said labs don't actually exist. Compelled by the logo prominently emblazoned all across this site, we mainly tested the device on the Nintendo DS and the DS Lite and were pleased to find that the device performs surprisingly well. There is a caveat, however, one that should loom over your online purchase like an owl slowly circling a confused mouse, waiting for the opportune moment to swoop down and devour a furry feast. Once you look up and become aware of the bird of prey, you'll be better equipped to determine whether or not the Movie Player is worth your money. Ignoring it will only lead to disappointment which, going by this ill-conceived allegory, means you will get eaten by an owl. A big one.Essentially, the problem with the GBA Movie player isn't a problem with the GBA Movie player at all. It's that thing it plugs into. As a media playing device, the DS is a bit crap.
New Archos PMPs appear online
A trio of new PMPs from Archos have been popping up around the web courtesy of a snapshot from the Trois Suisses winter catalog, but details are still scarce as all that's known about these models comes from the little big of information we can glean from the included French description. Making matters even more confusing is the fact that the so-called 604, with its 10.9-centimeter screen and 30GB hard drive, appears to cost about $130 more than the $500 504 which has the same screen but 10GB greater capacity -- although its seemingly slimmer design may account for some of the disparity. Meanwhile, the 404 sports an identical drive to the 604, but only an 8.8-centimeter screen, and is supposedly priced at $440. Both 30GB models are said to be scheduled for a July release, while the 504 should be available in August, but we'll do our best to get specs on these before then, because we like knowing about stuff before anyone else does.[Via GenerationMP3]
Video Feature: The iRiver U10, future plans
With iRiver catching an increasing amount of attention for their U10, we took a few to shoot some footage of the device and discuss iRiver's future. Apparently its long-standing H10 series is on its way out, and they'll be heavily promoting the U10 and a line of players with a like design (such as the G10, for one -- though not in America for that specific device), some of which may also include a 1.8-inch drive based device, a larger screen, and PlaysForSure support. Stay tuned for some big announcements from iRiver "very soon."FormatQT MPEG4, 7:03, 26.8 MB[Download Here]
