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September 28, 2007

Posdata G100 WiMax Player

The G100 is a WiMAX enabled device that features a 4-inch LCD, a sliding gamepad and three wireless connectivity options including WiBro, WiMax, and Bluetooth.

While WiMAX is still far from readily available in the U.S., the device is ready for the service. It seems the device is destined solely for sale in the U.S. market, which is rare. We don’t normally get cool stuff exclusively for us here in America.

The device has an 800 x 480 resolution, plays MPEG 4, H.264, WMV9, and DivX video, as well asMP3, WMA, and AC3 audio. The battery is removable and replaceable and memory is via miniSD cards. The device will be marketed by iRiver and will include an additional battery. No word on pricing or availability on the device is available at this time.

Via CNET Asia

Posted by shane at 7:41 PM

Sony Walkman NW-A910 with 1seg Launched in Japan

Working from home, I don’t go many places where I need something like mobile TV, but the gadget loving geeks in Japan do. They are lucky enough to have mobile 1seg programming broadcast live and devices to pick the TV programming up.

Sony announced their newest NW-A910 for Japan that features 1seg capability and can record shows from the air to the internal memory for watching later as well. The Walkman also has a built-in FM tuner and you can even schedule the recorder for up to 10 programs.

The device is available in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB capacities and is about the size of a credit card. Power is from a rechargeable battery and file formats supported include MP3, WMA, ATRAC, PCM, and AVC. The 16GB version is a bit under $400.

Via SlipperyBrick

Posted by shane at 7:34 PM

September 27, 2007

Nickelodeon Media Player for Kids

DigitalLife has a new Nickelodeon branded PMP device that plays music and video aimed at the tween aged kids that live on Nick at Night shows.

Two models are offered, one branded with “The Naked Brothers Band” and the other with the unstoppable SpongeBob Square Pants.

The lowest cost player in the series is only $50 and can store up to 500 songs with a battery life of 10 hours. The LCD is a QVGA resolution sure to impress the kids. Inside the Nick branded case is a Fusion Digital Media Player with 1GB of storage.

Via PMPToday

Posted by shane at 8:43 PM

September 26, 2007

Stuff.co.nz Reviews the Cowon D2

Stuff.co.nz recently reviewed the Cowon D2 PMP giving it four stars. Points go to the device for the large touch screen that is used for everything from changing tracks to changing settings.

Stuff says you can change settings with your finger, but it’s easier to use the stylus to make changes. The stylus is attached to the device by an elastic cord, which is not very attractive.

You can also use the stylus to prop the D2 up for movie watching. The biggest problem with the all touch screen device according to the reviewer is that you have to stop what you are doing and look at the player to make changes. With buttons, you can learn which one does what and adjust the device while it’s in a pocket.

Via Stuff.co.uk

Posted by shane at 8:56 PM

YES Touch Screen PMP Announced in India

A new PMP was launched recently in India called the YES YMP45 otherwise known as “the complete entertainment gizmo”. The device does all the things you expect a PMP to do like play video, movies and still pictures.

The player has a 2.4-inch TFT LCD, FM tuner, voice recorder and more. Supported file formats include MP3, WMA, JPG, WAV, AVI, AAC, and OGG. Internal storage is 2GB of flash memory.

Capacity is expandable via SD cards and the device supports several languages including English. Pricing is unknown, mostly because I don’t know what they call their money in India to find an exchange rate.

Via PMPToday

Posted by shane at 8:35 PM

September 25, 2007

Pasen Player is Motion Sensitive

The Pasen Player is a PMP that wants to be a Wii. The little player integrates motion-sensing technology into the design. the only interesting feature of this player is that to change tracks, pictures or to navigate the menus you simply shake the device to the left or right.

SanDisk does something similar on their low-end Sansa Shake MP3 player. The Pasen uses a 2.8-inch QVGA display and has 2GB of internal storage space.

I hope that the player isn’t too sensitive, else when you walk or run tracks will change willy-nilly. Rumor also has it that the device supports nearly all video and audio codecs.

Via MobileMag

Posted by shane at 7:50 PM

Toshiba Launches Gigabeat T400 PMP

Toshiba launched a slew of new notebooks and other gear today including the new Gigabeat T400 PMP. The T400 has a 2.4-inch LCD screen and a battery life of up to 16 hours for music and 5 hours for video.

Storage space is 4GB of flash memory and the MSRP is $119.99. Compatible file types include MP3, WMA, WAV and WMA lossless. The sole compatible video format is WMV up to 800 kbps at 320 x 240 resolution.

The built-in battery recharges via USB and headphones are included. Three trip colors are available on a black background including pink, blue, and orange.

Via Toshiba

Posted by shane at 7:36 PM

September 24, 2007

Chinavision PMP Plays It All

If you want a PMP that gives you lots of file format compatibility Chinavision has your fix. The new, horribly named, CVASQ-C811 PMP has built in emulator support for nearly all portable game devices.

The PMP can emulate NES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and the SEGA Mega Drive. The largish bit you see on the bottom is a controller portion that doubles as the docking station that you need for gaming. I guess if you don’t want to play games, you can leave the large controller portion at home.

The device can also play AVI, MP3, WAV, and Wma files on a 3-inch 320 x 240 LCD screen. 1Gb of internal memory is built-in and capacity can be expanded with SD cards for up to 4GB. There is no word on pricing or availability at this time.

Via Tech Digest

Posted by shane at 9:23 PM

September 21, 2007

iRiver W10 has GPS On-board

According to Trusted Reviews iRiver has a new PMP coming called the W10 that integrates a 3-inch 480 x 272 touch screen and much more.

The device is said to have WiFi capability and Skyhook GPs positioning using WiFi hotspots. VOIP capabilities along with an FM tuner, AOL XM Radio streaming and support for MP3, Ogg, Wma, Mpeg4 and WMV9 files round out the features list.

Memory is 2 GB, 4GB, or 8 GB and can be expanded via miniSD cards. There is no word currently from iRiver on availability or pricing, but this holiday season would be a safe bet.

Via Trusted Reviews

Posted by shane at 7:50 PM

September 20, 2007

Meizu M7 iPod Touch Competitor

Meizu has released some information on their M7 PMP that looks to be a possible contender to the iPod Touch. The M7 has a 2.81-inch LCD screen with a 480 x 288 resolution resulting in an odd aspect ratio of 15:9.

The screen can produce 16.6 million colors and plays H.264 movies and video. A TV out allows you watch videos on your TV set.

Capacities available will include 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB. The devices will sell for $140 to $220. Currently the date for availability and if the device will be available here in the United States is unknown.

Via Tech Digest

Posted by shane at 7:49 PM

September 19, 2007

Zune 2 to Launch in October

The original Microsoft Zune hoped to topple the iPod as the king of PMP devices, but it was unable to do so. According to ZuneScene a new Zune is set to launch in October. The image makes the players look glossy, but they will have the same doubleshot surface the original Zune used that reminded me of frosted glass with a color underneath.

The new Zune will be available in two sizes and the navigation button uses a square with rounded corners. The launch date is being pegged at October 18 and rumors point to 4GB, 8GB, and 80GB units.

ZuneScene says their source told them the new Zune's were in product validation as we speak. The Zune 2 will come in red, pink, black, and an army green color for the smaller device.

Via ZuneScene

Posted by shane at 8:39 PM

Samsung P2 8GB PMP Available at Amazon

The Samsung P2 6Gb PMP is now available to purchase at Amazon.com. the P2 has a large 3-inch 16x9 widescreen LCD with touch sensitive controls.

The device can play MP3, WMA, subscription music, MPEG4, WMV, and JPG files. Bluetooth 2.0 is built-in allowing access to wireless headphones and speakers.

Other features include a FM tuner, text viewer, alarm clock, world clock, and calendar. Pricing for the Samsung P2 is $249.99 and ships free.

Via Amazon

Posted by shane at 8:31 PM

September 18, 2007

CNET Reviews iPod Classic 160GB

CNET recently reviewed the new iPod classic 160GB PMP along with every other new iPod device. The iPod classic comes with either q 160 GB HDD or an 80 GB HDD.

The device look similar to the gen 5 iPod video, but it slimmer and has more of a last generation iPod Nano look to it. CNET rated the iPod Classic 8 out of 10 for an excellent rating.

Good points were slimmer design, tougher, better graphics user interface. Bad points were the proprietary video out adapter, no improvement in audio quality, and requiring the latest version of iTunes. The bottom line was that few PMP devices could match the iPod Classic.

Via CNET

Posted by shane at 8:50 PM

September 17, 2007

iPod Touch and Nano Both Have LCD Woes

Apple doesn’t have the best track record with quality on new product launches and it seems the iPod Touch is feeling the strain. Several iPod Touch users are reporting serious issues with black levels on the Touch screen.

In many instances when scenes are dark the black colors bleed onto surrounding colors and the black levels themselves are so poor that the scene if virtually unwatchable. iPod Touch owners are seeing this issue on video, images and album art.

Some owners of the iPod Nano are reporting that their LCD screens aren’t aligned correctly. Some new Nano’s have a left tilt to the display making them not align with the case of the Nano correctly. There is no word at this time from Apple on what will be done to solve these issues.

Via DailyTech

Posted by shane at 8:48 PM

September 14, 2007

iPod Touch Bluetooth Mystery Deepens

After an image of the iPod Touch showed up on the Apple Store with what looked to be a Bluetooth logo next to the battery life indicator, rumors began making their rounds that the Touch actually had Bluetooth. I happened across the FTC report on the Touch, and it made no mention of Bluetooth capability.

The Apple store still shows the Touch to ship by the 28th of September, however Engadget has some shots from a guy name Dave of his new iPod Touch, which made it out without the operating system installed. How he got one early I’m not sure.

However, the iPod Touch was in a testing mode when received that showed Bluetooth with a big “X” on it. This makes some think perhaps the Bluetooth is there again, and simply not activated. Engadget has a shot from another iPod Touch owner showing Bluetooth without the “X” on it. Who knows what’s going on here, but it’s not beyond apple to sell a device and charge extra for a software patch later to enable features. Can anyone say wireless N on the MacBook.

Via Engadget

Posted by shane at 6:52 PM

New iPod Nano clone Surfaces after Barely 2 Weeks

I guess even when Apple misses the mark in design as many feel they did with the new iPod Nano; other manufacturers still run to copy Apple. Witness the Chinese clone of the new Nano.

The clone is just as unattractive to me as the real thing. The interesting part isn’t that these guys cloned the iPod Nano, but that they did it in about two weeks. Maybe they started working early from those leaked shots of the Nano.

No word on the price or specifications of the clone, but honestly does it really matter. Who really wants to buy a no name clone of an iPod anyway?

Via PMPToday

Posted by shane at 6:45 PM

September 13, 2007

PC Magazine Reviews iPod Touch

The first review of the iPod Touch is out and it appears to be from the guys at PC Magazine. According to the Apple Store, the iPod touch isn’t due to ship until September 28 2007. PC Mag says that the pros are the WiFi access that allows you to buy music, multi-touch display, YouTube content and the thinness of the device.

Cons are that you can’t purchase video via WiFi, the earbuds suck and you can't turn off the Starbucks feature. The bottom line according to Pc Mag is that the iPod Touch is simply the best iPod ever and they gave it an excellent rating of five stars (dots).

If you have a $100 credit from your iPhone burning a hole in your pocket, this may be the best use for it on the Apple Store. Make a note that PC Mag doesn’t mention the rumored Bluetooth feature.

Via PC Mag

Posted by shane at 7:26 PM

September 12, 2007

Crave gives You 5 resons to Not Buy a New iPod

If that $100 iPhone credit at the Apple Store is burning a hole in your pocket and the new iPods are looking appealing to you, Crave has a list of the top 5 reasons to not but one.

Things like iTunes 7.4 being required, which is all fine and good so long as the application will run on your computer. No more video output makes the list with Apple forcing you to buy a dock or cable from them to make it work.

Most video accessories won’t work with the new iPod Nano or classic. Waiting for the iPod Touch seems to be a big reason not to buy the Nano or classic. The biggest reason not to buy an iPod according to Crave is the Archos 605 WiFi.

Via Crave

Posted by shane at 8:01 PM

Atree UM10 digital Dictionary PMP

The Atree UM10 PMP is technically a digital dictionary, but it packs in so many other features that it qualifies as a full PMP. It streams live TV, has FM radio, a voice recorder, and plays videos.

It can also synchronize with Outlook for email, read e-books and has a QWERTY keyboard for entering data. You can get one of these things for yourself for right at $400.

The device even has the ability to play flash games and has PDA functionality. Throw a phone in there and you would have a serious smart phone.

Via CrunchGear

Posted by shane at 7:52 PM

September 11, 2007

CNET Reviews New iPod Nano

CNET has their review of the Apple iPod Nano 3rd generation up and they rated it an 8.0 out of 10. That equates into an excellent raking in CNET’s scale. The bad parts about the new Nano according to CNET is the wider body, smaller scroll wheel and lack of video output along with average audio quality.

The good point noted were the bright display, good video playback; thin all metal body, above average battery life and the user interface. The screen is scored with plastic that won’t wear as well as the glass screen on the iPhone and iPod Touch.

I’m with CNET, I don’t like the looks of the fat Nano, and I would prefer a longer thinner looking PMP. However, I guess the trade off to gaining the ability to play video is that the device had to be wider.

Via CNET

Posted by shane at 9:20 PM

September 10, 2007

SanDisk Announces Sansa View

At CES this year SanDisk showed off the Sansa View, which at the time was much different than the product SanDisk launched today. The Sansa View now looks more like the other Sansa players, and less like a PDA.

The View has a big 2.4” TFT screen with a 320 x 240 screen resolution. You can get the player with 16GB of flash storage for $199.99 or with 8GB of flash storage for $149.99. The player is compatible with Windows XP or Vista and memory can be expanded via microSD/SDHC cards.

A built-in mic allows for voice recording and the player has a built-in digital FM tuner as well. There are spots for 20 FM presets to make getting to your favorite stations easier. The View is compatible with most subscription and download music services like Rhapsody, Napster, eMusic and more.

Via SanDisk

Posted by shane at 9:08 PM

September 7, 2007

Epson's Latest PMP is called the P-3000

I had no idea that Epson was a player in the PMP market. Epson has released the P-3000, which is an update to their P-2000 PMP. The P-2000 is more like a digital photo storage device than a traditional PMP.

The P-3000 has a 40GB hard drive for viewing pictures and storing photo files in RAW, DNG and JPEG formats. The P-5000 big brother to the P-3000 sports a larger 80GB HDD.

The LCD Screen is 4-inches and can produce 16.7 million colors in a 640 x 480 screen resolutions. The device can play MPEG 1, 2, and4 video along with AVC, WMV 9, Motion JPEG and DivX. Built-in SD and CF card slots allow downloading and viewing of images directly to the P-3000. The rub with this thing is the price, at over $700 it’s certainly no bargain.

Via Reg Hardware

Posted by shane at 8:35 PM

iRiver B20 Looks Sweet

If you aren’t an iPod fan and the Zen or Sansa line just doesn’t cut it for you, you might want to consider the iRiver B20. This player fits nicely between the new iPod nano and the iPod classic in size.

Storage capacities include 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB and you can play back several music and video formats like MP3, WMA, ASF, MPEG 4, and WMV.

The battery is rechargeable via USB and good for 22 hours of music playback and about 6 hours of video playback. The LCD screen is a 2.2-inch 320 x 240 QVGA TFT LCD. The player is compatible with Windows 2000, XP and Vista.

Via ShinyShiny

Posted by shane at 8:22 PM

September 6, 2007

Apple Begging to get Sued Over iPod Touch?

With Apple launching the iPod Touch yesterday and HTC owning the trade mark for their phone, but somewhat similar device the HTC Touch, could apple be begging for as law suit?

If you recall Apple was taken to court over the iPhone name since iPhone was trademarked by Cisco already. That didn’t stop Apple then, so it won’t stop them now that the Touch name was already in use.

Nonetheless I am sure HTC lawyers are probably drawing up legal papers right now. From what DailyTech has posted, Apple owns no trademarks on the Touch moniker.

Via DailyTech

Posted by shane at 8:14 PM

Apple Cuts Price of iPhone by $200 and Drops 4GB Model

Yesterday with the announcements of the new iPod line, apple also announced changes to the iPhone as well. The change amounted to dropping the 4GB version and cutting the price on the 8Gb version to $399.

This move has sent many iPhone customers that waited in lines for hours or even days to pay full price only two months ago into fits of anger. Some are even calling for apple to provide refunds to those who paid regular price.

Personally I think this is the exact reason you wait a few months after a product launches. Apple doesn’t owe anyone anything, except perhaps for those who purchased an iPhone in the last few weeks. Rumors are also circulating that when the iPhone launches in Europe that it will have 3G and 16GB of storage.

Via Apple

Posted by shane at 8:05 PM

September 5, 2007

iPhone - GSM= iPod Touch

What do you get when you take an iPhone and cut all the phone stuff out and cram in 8GB more flash storage? The iPod Touch is what you get. The case and interface looks identical to the iPhone.

The Touch has WiFi and Safari so you can surf the web. The WiFi connectivity goes along with the new WiFi iTunes music store and you can access the iTunes music store for free in Starbucks, assuming you can put up with the weird staff they tend to hire.

The screen is 3.5” and the battery is good for 22 hours of music and up to five hours of video. The 16GB version will sell for $399 (the same price as the 8GB iPhone now sells for) and an 8GB version will sell for $299.

Via I4U

Posted by shane at 7:53 PM

New iPod Nano Announced Today

Last week an image was leaked online claiming to be spy shots of the unreleased new iPod Nano. The two original sites to post the image were quickly asked to remove the shot, which in my mind said that the image was legit. Turns out it was in fact an accurate photo of the new Nano.

The shot you see here is from the Apple presentation itself, the thing is still ugly if you ask me. One geek put the new Nano like this, “seeing the new Nano is like seeing a friend you haven’t been around in a while, and realizing he got fat.” Still looks like a Zune to me as well, guess Apple can’t always nail the design of a product.

The new Nano has a 2” QVGA LCD screen and includes games and a new user interface. The Nano is scheduled to be in the store this weekend with a 4GB version going for $149 and the 8GB version going for $199.

Via I4U

Posted by shane at 7:43 PM

September 4, 2007

Archos 105 PMP Launches

Archos has some very nice PMPs on the market right now with the 405. To grab some of the lower end crowd wanting a cheaper, smaller device Archos has launched the 105. the device looks very nanoish but keeps the video playback ability.

The screen is a 1.8” 160 x 128 pixel screen and WMV is the only codec supported. Music formats supported are MP3, WMA, and WAV and Archos claims a battery life of 18 hours.

The player measures in at a pocketable 85mm x 45mm x 7mm and only weighs 50g. the price for the 105 is about $131. Jpeg photos can be displayed as well.

Via TrustedReviews

Posted by shane at 9:33 PM