Archos 104 First Look
Portable media player pioneer Archos is replacing their Gmini XS 100 portable audio player with a new model available in three colors – grey, black, pink - and priced at under $150. The new Archos 104 will debut in May 2006 and offers up 4GB of hard drive based storage, which makes the player capable of holding up to 2000 songs of the MP3 and WMA music file types.
March 17th, 2006
InterVideo selling video copying software for iPods, PSPs
| Owners of Sony PlayStation Portables and Apple fifth generation iPods with video playback capability might be interested in taking note of a new software offering from InterVideo which reportedly makes it easy to copy personal videos for playback on these devices. InterVideo iVideoToGo will be available for retail purchase as well as download for $29.95. |  |
InterVideo iVideoToGo, the company said, offers a three-step solution for copying non copy-protected (via CSS-encryption) DVDs and video files into PSP and iPod compatible video files that reportedly deliver flawless playback. The software program offers a simple interface, utilizing a single window for all tasks and is designed to work on Windows 2000 and XP systems.
March 15th, 2006
SanDisk Sansa e270 (6GB) Review
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SanDisk Sansa e270 (6GB) Review
The SanDisk Sansa e200 series includes the e250, e260, and e270. The 2GB, 4GB, and 6GB are a new breed of high capacity flash based MP3 player set to compete in features, as well as price, with the Samsung Z5 and iPod Nano. The Sansa e200 has a few advantages over the two, such as a brilliant 1.8” screen, video playback, expandable memory, and a user replaceable batter.
Today CNET has published a review for SanDisk Sansa e270 (6GB) and gave it an ‘Excellent’ ratting 8.0 out of 10.
The good: The SanDisk Sansa e200 series combines copious features such as subscription compatibility, an FM tuner/recorder, voice recording, and photo and video playback into a compact and durable device. We like the tactile navigation wheel, as well as the well-designed software interface. The user-removable battery and the Micro SD slot are nice touches, and the device has decent sound quality, processor performance, and battery life. Finally, the Sansa e200 is durable and attractive, and it offers a competitive price in a high-stakes world of high-capacity flash players.
The bad: The buttons surrounding the SanDisk Sansa e200’s scrollwheel can be difficult to press; the mechanical scrollwheel can tire out some thumbs; photos and video must go through conversion with bundled software; the expansion slot can be used with music only, not photos or other media or data; and recordings are made only in WAV. The scrollwheel is not as easy to use as the iPod Click Wheel. Low levels of system noise can heard through headphones at low or zero volume.
The bottom line: The SanDisk Sansa e200 series offers a boatload of features for a reasonable price, in a package that is much nicer than that of past SanDisk models. For those looking for a high-capacity, compact, skip-free MP3/WMA player, start with the e200 series. |
March 12th, 2006
Solar-powered MP3P ‘MEGA PLAYER 540′
MSI has unveiled the first solar-powered MP3 player, MEGA PLAYER 540 at CeBIT 2006.
This 4GB HDD MP3P is powered by lithium-ion battery with a separate solar charger on the exterior. So, it can be easily charged where there is sunlight.
It will be available in the market at the end of this year.
A report from IDG News Service published at PC World:
March 12th, 2006
DLO offers up new iPod nano all-in-one accessory
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Digital Lifestyle Outfitters on Wednesday announced a new accessory for the iPod nano which they say is the only accessory specific to that player you’ll ever need. The new DLO nanoTube is priced at $69.99 and available now.
The DLO nanoTube , the company said, has a combined size with the nano which is smaller than a cell phone. Features on this versatile device, which connects to the nano through the dock connector port, include wireless FM transmission of audio over a nearby radio, the ability to receive and play signals from FM radio stations, amplification of the volume through headphones by 25 percent and an integrated protective case which doubles as a desktop stand.
“The nanoTune might be the only accessory an iPod nano owner will ever need,” said Jeff Grady, CEO of DLO, in a statement. “In designing the product, we realized that protecting the nano was critical. Then, with a transmitter, FM radio and headphone amp, we were working with an end-all, be-all nano accessory.” |
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March 11th, 2006
Apple iPod Hi-Fi Review
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Apple iPod Hi-Fi Reviews
Not long after iPod Hi-Fi was released a few weeks ago in February, PC Mag posted a reviewed about it. PC Mag editor gave it a rating of ‘Very Good’ with the following comments
What they like about it
Excellent sound quality. Can run on alkaline batteries or AC power. Optical and analog audio inputs.
The cons
Menu button on remote doesn’t activate the iPod’s menu system. No video pass-through. Not available in all black.
And the bottomline
It’s no surprise that the new champ among iPod speakers/docks comes from none other than Apple. It’s versatile and loud enough for almost any listening needs, though it lacks video output.
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March 10th, 2006
Is Apple trying to take over the iPod accessory industry?
On the heels of Apple’s launch of its own iPod speaker system and leather cases, some iPod users on the forums on this site and elsewhere have questioned whether Apple might be looking to take over the iPod accessory industry, which has long been in the hands of third parties, and claim the whole market as its own. These users claim to see a pattern. First it was iPod socks and nano tubes, then the FM radio tuner, and now speakers and cases. With each passing month, Apple brings another iPod accessory to market, seemingly making it progressively more difficult for third parties to compete. All this leads to the question: is Apple really trying to claim the iPod accessory industry for itself, or is there more at work here than meets the eye?
March 7th, 2006
Samsung YP-Z5 Reviews
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Get the latest price for Samsung YP-Z5AS 4 GB Digital Audio Player Samsung YP-Z5 (4GB) Reviews
CNET Asia has posted a review for the upcoming Samsung YP-Z5 (4GB). They write ‘It’s a pretty player, though not terribly exciting by any long stretch in terms of features. But given that Samsung makes the same flash memory chips for the nano, it would be very cool if the final retail version could come with an 8GB capacity.’
Click here to watch Samsung YP-z5 videos from CNET.
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at Amazon.com
March 6th, 2006
Ten Technology offers up new Bluetooth kit for iPods and other portable devices
Ten Technology, a developer of iPod accessories, earlier this week announced a wireless headset which uses Bluetooth technology to transmit audio from Bluetooth enabled MP3 players or mobile phones. The naviPlay Bluetooth Stereo Headset, which is part of the naviPlay Bluetooth Kit for iPod, is priced at $200 and should be available now.
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The naviPlay Bluetooth Kit for iPod , said Ten Technology, includes the stereo headset as well as a Bluetooth adapter for iPods which attaches to all recent iPod models. Either via the iPod adapter or built in wireless Bluetooth in devices such as MP3 players or mobile phones, the stereo headset establishes a relationship with the device which allow music or audio to be sent wirelessly to them.
March 6th, 2006
Altec Lansing InMotion iM7 Reviews
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Get the latest price for Altec Lansing InMotion iM7 Altec Lansing inMotion iM7 Portable Audio System for 3G, 4G iPod Photo & iPod Mini Review
CNET editors’ rates Altec Lansing InMotion iM7 as ‘excellent’ and gives it 8.3 out of 10.
The good: Seamless integration with any dock-connecting iPod; eye-catching design; includes remote; charges the iPod while plugged in; works on AC power or batteries; impressive sound with thumping bass; auxiliary line-in port for use with other audio devices.
The bad: No meter display for bass, treble, or volume adjustment; a bit too bulky for ultimate portability; remote can’t navigate through menus on the iPod.
The bottom line: The Altec Lansing iM7 offers good sound quality, flexible listening options, and handy features, making it a solid choice for any iPod owner in the market for a complementary sound system.
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March 6th, 2006
