GeneralProduct type Digital player
PC interface(s) supported Hi-Speed USB
Depth 0.6 in
Width 2.4 in
Digital storage Built-in 80 GB Hard disk drive
Weight 5.5 oz
Height 4.1 in
Dimensions (W x D x H) 2.4 in x 0.6 in x 4.1 in
Color White
Included accessories Carrying case, Docking station adapter
Packaged quantity 1
Digital storage media capacity 80 GB
iPod Generation 5G
Digital storage media type Hard disk drive
Digital storage media form factor Built-in
Digital Player / RecorderDigital player supported digital audio standards AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless
Digital player response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
Digital player playback modes Playlist, Random play, One track repeat, All tracks repeat
Digital player supported bit rate 16 - 320
Digital player ID3 tags support Yes
External hard drive function Yes
Digital player additional features Variable bit-rate compatible
BatteryRechargeable battery Rechargeable
Battery Enclosure Type Integrated
Battery Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
Battery technology Lithium ion
Mfr estimated battery life 20 hour(s)
Recharge time 4 hour(s)
Battery Life Details Digital playback 20 hour(s), Slideshows with music 6 hour(s), Video playback 6.5 hour(s)
Audio SystemSound output mode Stereo
Additional features Notes, Calendar, Phone book, Hold button, Date display, Photo wallet, Built-in games, H.264 playback, Volume limiter, MPEG-4 playback, JPEG photo playback, Upgradeable firmware, USB 2.0 compatibility, Playback speed control, Rechargeable capability, Battery level indication
Manufacturer warrantyService & support type 1 year warranty
Cable(s) / Peripheral(s)Cable(s) included 1 x USB cable - External
ConnectionsConnector type 1 x Docking station, 1 x Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
Built-in DisplayAudio system built-in display LCD
Diagonal size 2.5 in
Resolution 320 x 240
Backlight display Yes
Display illumination color White
Display menu language Czech, Dutch, Greek, Danish, French, German, Korean, Polish, English, Finnish, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Japanese, Hungarian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional)
Audio FeaturesTimer Wake, Sleep, Stopwatch
Built-in clock Alarm, Timer, Digital clock
EqualizerEqualizer factory preset qty 20
Remote ControlRemote control None
HeadphonesHeadphones type Binaural Ear-bud
Sound output mode Stereo
Response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
Impedance 32 Ohm
Connectivity technology Wired
System RequirementsMin Operating system Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 or late
This is a full-fledged PVP with all the fixings and a 30GB drive, but this one measures only 4 by 3 by 0.5 inches--that's a stone's throw from Apple iPod country. Plus the iPod doesn't have a 3.5-inch screen. Though the 6.5-ouncer doesn't record audio or video out of the box (you'll need to pony up either for the $100 dock or the $70 adapter), it's still a nice deal at less than $300. Available in early September, the 404 will replace the popular Gmini 402, which is more compact but has a much smaller screen and no ability to record line-in video.
Still, the 404's main attraction is its compactness. It's comfortable in the hand and in most pockets, though it is just a tad too tall to get the ultimate MP3 player grip on it (feels like a tank next to the 5G iPod). The 404's brushed-metal casing is extremely scratch resistant, though the overall design is boxy with sharper corners than, say, the iPod or the Cowon A2. At the same price as the 5G 30GB iPod, the 404 is so much more a video and photo player.
The Archos 404 has excellent video capabilities with support for MPEG-4 ASP up to 720x480 @ 30fps, WMV9, and WM DRM; there is no support out of the box for MPEG-2 or QuickTime files, but in our experience with the 404 and the bigger 604, many DivX files worked flawlessly (Archos will have MPEG-2 and H.264 plug-ins available for $10 soon). Video playback control is precise and responsive using the newly designed array of tactile buttons on the right side (southpaws are out of luck). Some users will miss the older 402's Game Boy-style controls.
Each button is designed to be pressed in either the left or the right direction, including the special set of diagonal buttons that act as page-up/page-down keys when browsing and can skip/reverse about 30 seconds when playing content. Like with the last version, the controls work in harmony with the GUI, with context-sensitive menus and submenus appearing on the expansive screen mapped to a specific button. The overall design reminds me of a sophisticated Swedish drum machine with its meticulous buttons and motion-filled onscreen interface. These buttons, by the way, can be difficult to control blindly or in darkness; the Click Wheel and Cowon's A2 controls are better suited for thoughtless navigation.
Though no match for the 604's display, the 404's 3.5-inch TFT anti-reflective display (320x240 pixels) is durable and scratch resistant and doesn't attract fingerprints (though you can get dust and other stuff lodged between the screen and the bezel). It is an ideal size for a 4:3 screen, as the rest of the body is so small. Next to the 604's 16:9 display, the 404's looks pixelated, and you'll definitely get the screen-door effect watching videos or viewing photos; the 604's screen is much more smooth and colorful. You'll also get three lines of menu items (slightly more confusing) than the two on the 604. It's still a good display, though.
The Zen Vision W quickly brings Creative up to speed in the blossoming world of portable video. And how could it not, with its splendid 4.3-inch wide-screen display, intuitive control set, removable battery, and CompactFlash slot? Bulkier than the aging Zen Vision, this aggressively-priced 30GB ($299.99) or 60GB ($399.99) portable video player definitely marches to its own beat, forgoing the DVR functionality that makes the Archos 04 series and Cowon A2 so special. But with more sources of compatible video content becoming available via online stores and TiVo, should we care?
The silver and black Zen Vision W makes the Vision look and feel wimpy. At 5.27 by 2.95 by 0.86 inches and 9.7 ounces, the 30GB version is much heftier than its predecessor (4.9 by 2.9 by 0.8 inches and 8.4 ounces). The 60GB W is a tad thicker and heavier. It's substantial in the hand, and while pocketable for sure, it's more of a backpack device. In other words, you don't want to be jogging with this thing, though it's extremely durable, thanks in part to the magnesium skin.
Of course the payoff is the gorgeous 4.3-inch TFT screen, which boasts a resolution of 480x272 pixels with 262K colors. Photos and video pop off the screen, and unlike the Vision's 3.7-inch 4/3 screen, it has an exceptionally wide viewing angle (however, when viewed head on, the Vision's 640x480-pixel screen is impressive). The antireflective screen is vivid and sharp, and you can adjust its brightness and choose any background image you like. Personally, I think the Archos 604's screen edges out the W's, but both are great in my book. I was also impressed with the W's ability to output video and photos to an external display at a maximum of 720x480.
The W's blue backlit controllers, exactly the same as the Vision's, are quite intuitive, and the GUI is classic Creative, simple and to the point with conveniences such as the context-driven options and a customizable main menu. A five-way controller plus Back, context menu, and playback buttons lie to the left of the screen--designed for right-handed use all the way. The buttons are tactile and actually offer resistance. Some users may not like the popping sound and sensation of the buttons.
Overall, I think the Zen Vision W is well suited for those who already have large collections of videos (and those who use TiVo To Go) and for those who take lots of photos. It's a bulky beast, but an impressive display, good video format support, a sweet price, and nice sound quality make the W a solid playback-only choice.
GeneralProduct type Digital player
PC interface(s) supported Wi-Fi, Hi-Speed USB
Depth 0.6 in
Width 2.4 in
Digital storage Built-in 30 GB Hard disk drive
Weight 5.6 oz
Height 4.4 in
Dimensions (W x D x H) 2.4 in x 0.6 in x 4.4 in
Color Black
Packaged quantity 1
Digital storage media capacity 30 GB
Digital storage media type Hard disk drive
Digital storage media form factor Built-in
Digital Player / RecorderDigital player supported digital audio standards AAC, MP3, WMA
Digital player playback modes Random play
Digital player additional features Variable bit-rate compatible
BatteryRechargeable battery Rechargeable
Battery Enclosure Type Integrated
Battery Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
Battery technology Lithium ion
Battery capacity 700 mAh
Mfr estimated battery life 14 hour(s)
Battery Life Details Video playback 4 hour(s), Music playback (wireless on) 13 hour(s), Music playback (wireless off) 14 hour(s), Pictures 4 hour(s)
Audio SystemSound output mode Stereo
Additional features WMV playback, H.264 playback, MPEG-4 playback, Built-in FM radio, JPEG photo playback, Upgradeable firmware, USB 2.0 compatibility
ConnectionsConnector type 1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
Built-in DisplayAudio system built-in display LCD
Diagonal size 3 in
Resolution 320 x 240
Remote ControlRemote control None
System RequirementsMin Operating system Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP
GeneralProduct type Radio / digital player
PC interface(s) supported Hi-Speed USB
Amplifier total output power 40 mW
Digital player signal-to-noise ratio 90 dB
Flash memory installed 4 GB Integrated
Depth 1.9 in
Width 3.9 in
Weight 3.7 oz
Height 0.7 in
Dimensions (W x D x H) 3.9 in x 1.9 in x 0.7 in
Body material Magnesium alloy, Stainless steel
Color Black
Included accessories USB cable, Headphones
Packaged quantity 1
Software type Drivers & Utilities, Samsung Media Studio
RadioTuner frequency range FM: 87.5 - 108 MHz
Radio signal-to-noise ratio 50 dB
Tuner type Digital Radio tuner
Station preset qty 30
Auto preset memory Yes
Tuner bands FM
Antenna form factor Headphone cord FM
Tuning display OLED display
Digital Player / RecorderDigital player supported digital audio standards MP3, WMA
Digital player response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
Digital player playback modes Playlist, Repeat all, Repeat shuffle, One track repeat
Digital player edit functions Erase
Digital player ID3 tags support Yes
Digital player additional features JPEG photo playback, Variable bit-rate compatible
BatteryRechargeable battery Rechargeable
Battery Enclosure Type Integrated
Battery Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
Battery technology Lithium polymer
Battery capacity 830 mAh
Mfr estimated battery life 30 hour(s)
Battery Life Details MP3 playback 30 hour(s)
Audio SystemSound output mode Stereo
Signal-to-noise ratio 90 dB
Additional features JPEG photo playback
Cable(s) / Peripheral(s)Cable(s) included 1 x USB cable -
ConnectionsConnector type 1 x Headphones, 1 x USB
Built-in DisplayAudio system built-in display OLED
Diagonal size 1.71 in
Display menu language Dutch, French, German, Korean, Polish, English, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Japanese, Hungarian, Portuguese, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional)
Features Screen saver
PowerPower Supply / Device None
Audio FeaturesAmplifier output channel qty 2
Timer Standby
Built-in clock Digital clock
CD SystemCD system type None
Speaker SystemSpeaker(s) 2 x Right/left channel speaker Built-in
Speaker system nominal (RMS) output power 750 mW
Speaker system response bandwidth 400 - 20000 Hz
Speaker system input impedance 8 Ohm
EqualizerEqualizer type Graphic
Equalizer factory preset qty 5
Remote ControlRemote control None
HeadphonesHeadphones type Binaural
Sound output mode Stereo
Impedance 8 Ohm
System RequirementsPeripheral / Interface devices CD-ROM, USB port
Min Operating system Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP
Min processor speed 300 MHz
Battery / PowerPower device type None
GeneralProduct type Digital player / voice recorder / radio
PC interface(s) supported Hi-Speed USB
Flash memory installed 2 GB Integrated
Depth 0.6 in
Width 1.3 in
Digital storage None
Weight 0.1 lbs
Height 3.1 in
Dimensions (W x D x H) 1.3 in x 0.6 in x 3.1 in
Voice recording capable Yes
Included accessories USB cable
Packaged quantity 1
Digital storage media type None
RadioTuner type Digital Radio tuner
Station preset qty 20
Tuner bands FM
Digital Player / RecorderDigital player supported digital audio standards MP3, WAV, WMA, Protected WMA (DRM)
Digital player additional features PC Connection via USB
BatteryRechargeable battery Rechargeable
Battery included qty 1
Battery 1 x Rechargeable
Audio SystemSound output mode Stereo
Additional features Voice recording, FM radio recording capability
Cable(s) / Peripheral(s)Cable(s) included 1 x USB 2.0 cable - External
ConnectionsConnector type 1 x USB 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
Slot(s) provided 1 x MicroSD
Slot(s) Required None
Built-in DisplayAudio system built-in display LCD
Backlight display Yes
CD SystemDigital audio standards supported MP3, WMA, WAV, WMA DRM
Remote ControlRemote control None
MicrophoneMicrophone type Built-in
System RequirementsPeripheral / Interface devices CD-ROM, USB port
Min Operating system Microsoft Windows XP
GeneralProduct type Digital player
PC interface(s) supported USB
Flash memory installed 8 GB Integrated
Depth 0.3 in
Width 1.6 in
Digital storage None
Weight 1.4 oz
Height 3.5 in
Dimensions (W x D x H) 1.6 in x 0.3 in x 3.5 in
Body material Anodized aluminum
Color Red
Included accessories Docking station adapter
Packaged quantity 1
iPod Generation 2G
Digital storage media type None
Digital Player / RecorderDigital player supported digital audio standards AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless
Digital player response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
Digital player playback modes Repeat all, Random play, One track repeat
Digital player supported bit rate 16 - 320
Digital player ID3 tags support Yes
External hard drive function Yes
Digital player additional features Variable bit-rate compatible
BatteryBattery required qty Lithium ion
Rechargeable battery Rechargeable
Battery Enclosure Type Integrated
Battery Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
Battery technology Lithium ion
Mfr estimated battery life 24 hour(s)
Recharge time 3 hour(s)
Battery Life Details Digital playback 24 hour(s), Slideshows with music 5 hour(s)
Carrying CaseCase type None
Video Playback FeaturesStill image format JPEG
Audio SystemSound output mode Stereo
Additional features Calendar, Date display, Built-in games, Volume limiter, JPEG photo playback, Upgradeable firmware, USB 2.0 compatibility
Manufacturer warrantyService & support type 1 year warranty
Cable(s) / Peripheral(s)Cable(s) included 1 x USB cable - External
ConnectionsConnector type 1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x Docking station
Built-in DisplayAudio system built-in display LCD
Diagonal size 1.5 in
Backlight display Yes
Display menu language Czech, Dutch, Greek, Danish, French, German, Korean, Polish, English, Finnish, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Japanese, Hungarian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional)
PowerPower Supply / Device None
Audio FeaturesAmplifier response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
Timer Wake, Sleep, Stopwatch
Built-in clock Alarm, Timer, Digital clock
CD SystemPlayback modes Repeat all, Random play, One track repeat
Digital audio standards supported AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless
ID3 tag support Yes
EqualizerEqualizer type Built-in
Equalizer factory preset qty 20
Remote ControlRemote control None
HeadphonesHeadphones type Binaural Ear-bud
Sound output mode Stereo
Response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
Impedance 32 Ohm
Connectivity technology Wired
System RequirementsPeripheral / Interface devices USB port
Min Operating system Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 or later
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