I Review Electronics










May 28, 2008

Apple 16 GB iPod Touch

Category: MP3 Players — edgar @ 10:31 am

Apple 16 GB iPod Touch

Apple 16 GB iPod Touch Introduction
Apple describes the iPod touch as a potentially the first mainstream Wi-Fi mobile platform, running all kinds of mobile applications.

Apple 16 GB iPod Touch Design
The iPod Touch has a glossy, black face and a shiny chrome back. There are only two buttons on the Touch. The button on the face of the player which is used to call up the main menu, and the screen deactivation button which is found on the top-left edge of the case. The Touch is controlled using the touch-screen navigation menu. The 3.5-inch multitouch widescreen has a resolution of 480-by-320, with 163 pixels per inch.
size: 4.3 x 2.4 x 0.3 inches
weight: 4.2 ounces

Apple 16 GB iPod Touch Features
As long as you have an available connection and the security access then you’ve got the web in the palm of your hand. The iPod touch connects using a USB 2.0, or Wi-Fi 802.11b/g for wireless networking. On January 15, 2008, Steve Jobs announced at the Macworld 2008 event that the January software upgrade for the iPod touch would consist of five new programs: Mail, Maps, Stocks, Notes and Weather. It is a $20 upgrade or free on new devices. This makes the touch an even more functional device.

Apple 16 GB iPod Touch Performance
The home screen has a list of buttons for the available applications which include Safari, YouTube, Mail, Maps, Calendar, Contacts, Clock, Calculator, Music, Videos, Photos, and of course iTunes. Safari, Apple’s web browser, will probably see the most use. Scrolling, zooming, and other page navigation controls are handled all through finger motions. The YouTube application gives you access to most YouTube videos, allowing you to view by most popular, featured videos, bookmarked videos, or search for others. The new iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store lets you wirelessly browse, preview and buy songs and albums. The other applications are familiar programs.

What’s included in the package
iPod Touch, headphones, USB cable, dock adapter, and stand.

Conclusion
The iPod Touch features just about all the hardware components that the iPhone has, except for the cellular chip. Navigation of the music, video, and photo menus is identical on the touch and the iPhone. People who like the iPhone functions, but who do not want the two-year contract with AT&T Wireless, really love the iPod touch.


May 16, 2008

Apple 1 GB iPod shuffle

Category: MP3 Players — edgar @ 12:29 pm

Apple 1 GB iPod shuffle

Apple 1 GB iPod shuffle Introduction
For those that like their music playback simple and the device to be nearly invisible, the second-generation iPod Shuffle is perfect for you.

Apple 1 GB iPod shuffle Design
The Second Generation iPod shuffle is available in a choice of five colors. It comes in your choice of pink, green, blue, orange, and the original silver. The iPod shuffle clips right on your clothes for true portability.
Measures 1.07 x 1.62 x 0.41 inches (H x W x D)
Weighs .55 ounces

Apple 1 GB iPod shuffle Features
With the one-click wheel, you can listen to your tunes in the order you loaded them, or mix things up with shuffle mode. Click the center button to play and pause. Click the outer buttons to move back, skip forward, and adjust volume.

Apple 1 GB iPod shuffle Performance
This one gigabyte capacity device can hold approximately 240 songs in 128kbps AAC format. It’s easy to add music to your iPod shuffle. Just plug it into a USB port, open iTunes, and then just drag and drop the songs you want.

What’s included in the package
iPod shuffle, Owner’s manual, Earphones, Dock

Conclusion
Aside from the color changes, these shuffles appear identical to the original silver one. The color choice should help entice new customers, as well as tempting users of larger iPods to add a colored shuffle as their second iPod.


January 14, 2008

Zune 30GB Media Player

Category: MP3 Players — edgar @ 1:37 pm

Zune 30GB Media Player

Introduction
Rock and share with this stylish MP3 player that allows you to wirelessly share your favorite tunes, photos and video clips with nearby Zune users.

Zune 30GB Media Player Design
The body is minimal with no buttons on the sides, only a hold switch and an earphone jack on top and a proprietary USB/accessories port on the bottom. The 3-inch color screen features a landscape mode for video viewing. Its controls include a circular controller with five buttons arranged in a circle, a menu button to the left, a play/pause button to the right. Size: 4.4 x 2.4 x 0.58 inches. Weight: 5.6 ounces

Zune 30GB Media Player Features
A 30GB hard drive stores up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 pictures or 100 hours of video (128 Kbps).
music, video, and photo playback, an FM tuner, plus a wireless networking. Zune’s Wi-Fi communication allows limited sharing of songs, recordings, playlists and pictures with other Zunes up to 30 feet away. Images may be transferred from one Zune to another without restriction. But songs expire after three plays or three days, whichever comes first, unless purchased or downloaded from the Zune Marketplace online store.

Zune 30GB Media Player Performance
Supports MP3, WMA and ACC audio formats, displays JPEG image formats and WMV, MPEG-4 and H.264 video formats. It operates within its own software and store, Zune Marketplace, where you can choose to purchase tracks individually or buy a Zune Pass subscription to download as many songs as you want for a flat fee. It’s simple to buy music and sync it on your player. The Zune Marketplace works with the Microsoft Points program so you can purchase music online without a credit card.

Whats included in the package
Microsoft Zune, Earbuds, Soft case, USB cable, Software, Quick start guide

Conclusion
The Microsoft Zune has very good playback performance of audio, video, and photos. With its large screen it goes beyound being a simply a digital music player.

If you love electronics you should look into an online engineering degree or an online IT degree.

August 17, 2007

Machspeed Trio

Category: MP3 Players — edgar @ 2:00 pm

Machspeed Trio

Machspeed Trio Introduction
This MP3 Player delivers superior sound in a sleek new design for improved mobility and portability. Take it anywhere to listen to music, store data, and take quick voice notes.

Machspeed Trio Design
It features a backlit LED screen for viewing song information, and it has three preset animations (for welcome/goodbye) that you can choose from. It connects to PCs via a USB 2.0 connection, and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It’s powered by a single AAA battery, which provides up to 10 hours of continuous playback. It’s backed by a 90-day warranty. Dimensions: 1.25″ Height x 2.75″ Width x 0.67″ Depth.

Machspeed Trio Features
It features 7 preset equalizer tones–normal , rock, pop, classic, soft, jazz, bass–and a variety of play modes, including repeat one, repeat all, play folder, and random. With its rugged design and crystal clear Backlit-LCD display and neck strap you can carry this device everywhere.

Machspeed Trio Performance
This little MP3 player is also a USB flash drive and a digital voice recorder. This player is compatible with MP3, WMA, ASF, and WAV files, but is not compatible with protected WMA files from online stores or subscription services. The 512 MB memory will store approximately 8 hours of CD-quality MP3 tracks (encoded at 128 kbps) or 16 hours of WMA tracks (at 64 kbps).

Whats included in the package
512 MB Machspeed Trio digital audio player, earbuds, USB cable, printed operating instructions.

Conclusion
In view of its very inexpensive price, this MP3 player has great features for the money.

July 12, 2007

iPod Shuffle 2nd Gen

Category: MP3 Players — edgar @ 10:13 am

iPod Shuffle 2nd Gen

iPod Shuffle 2nd Gen Introduction
In five brilliant colors, the 1GB iPod shuffle lets you wear up to 240 songs on your sleeve, or your lapel, or your belt, or anywhere else.

iPod Shuffle 2nd Gen Design
It has the same circular button configuration, that is your interface to the music stored within. There are controls to adjust the volume, play/pause, and go backwards and forwards through tracks. The top edge of the shuffle has two small metal switches and a tiny LED. The switch on the Left toggles between shuffle-play mode and play-in-order mode. The button on the Right is the power switch, and the small LED beside it, gives you status for battery, hold, pause, etc. On the bottom you will find the 3.5mm earphone / sync / charge jack and the other side, the status LED. The shuffle has a spring loaded metal clip built into the back side of the player.
Measures 1.62 x 1.07 x 0.41 inches, and weighs 0.55 ounces.

iPod Shuffle 2nd Gen Features
With iTunes, listening to iPod shuffle is never the same experience twice. Connect iPod shuffle to your Mac or PC and see what musical adventures await. Use iTunes to import your CDs, shop for songs on the iTunes Store, and then sync them to your iPod Shuffle. And if you have more than 240 songs in your iTunes library, let iTunes autofill your Shuffle and get a new musical experience every time. You can count on your Shuffle to keep on rocking for up to 12 continuous hours.

iPod Shuffle 2nd Gen Performance
The first step to wearing 240 songs is downloading iTunes — free. Then drop your iPod shuffle into the included dock, plug the dock into your Mac or PC’s USB port, and sync in minutes. Specs:
1GB flash memory
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
Audio formats: MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store, M4A, M4B, M4P), Audible (formats 2, 3 and 4), WAV, and AIFF
Audio: 3.5mm stereo headphone minijack
Power: Rechargeable lithium polymer battery

Whats included in the package
Apple 1 GB Shuffle, earphones, USB dock, and quick start guide.

Conclusion
This is the end all, be all, mini DAP (digital audio player). The iPod Shuffle is the perfect size for carrying with you all the time.

Present day cars have the capability of plugging more electronic devices. From the legacy car audio systems to the present day cd player devices which can be controlled through a remote control. There are also capabilities to attach your laptop ac adapter and cell phone charger with your car. It definitely requires a far more powerful battery though. Power consumption can be an issue if you are using heavy devices like photo printer with your mobile device or laptop.

September 1, 2006

iRiver PMP 120

Category: MP3 Players — Eddie @ 12:12 am

iRiver PMP 120

Overall Rating
Design
Features
Performance

iRiver PMP 120 Introduction

The iRiver PMP 120 is a new breed of portable media player. It plays your movies, music, photos and more. Plus, integrated FM tuner, voice recorder, ultra-fast USB 2.0 file transfers and simple navigation are just a few of the features you won’t find anywhere else.

iRiver PMP 120 Design

*20 GB Hard Drive Storage capacity
*3.5″ LCD Display
*Built in Speaker/Microphone
*Includes Detachable Lithium-Ion Battery and Charger
*Integrated FM Tuner
*Unit weight : 9.8 ounces
*Dimension : 5.4 x 3.3 x 1.2 inches

iRiver PMP 120 Features

The unit is PC-compatible, of course: connect it via high-speed USB 2.0 to transfer your media files to the PMP-120 in a jiffy. You can store up to 80 hours of video (using 320 x 240 resolution at 500 kbps, AVI format) or up to 600 hours of music (using Windows Media format at 64 kbps).

iRiver PMP 120 Performance

iRiver’s PMP-120 portable media player gives you an incredible 20 GB of storage for music, digital photos and full-color, full-motion video, too. The unit sports a 3.5-inch TFT LCD and an audio input so you can load audio content directly into the player from other home or portable devices–no PC required. It plays the most popular formats MPEG 1/2/2.5 Layer3, WMA, WAV, JPG, BMP, AVI, ASF, MPG, FM radio.

What’s included in the package

Portable media player, iRiver earphones, remote control, remote battery, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a carrying case, USB 2.0 Cable, USB host cable, line-in cable, TV out cable, a user’s manual, a hand strap, an installation CD, and an AC power.

Conclusion

What is more impressive than keeping your entire home entertainment system and all of your favorite media in your pocket?

July 30, 2006

Archos AV500

Category: MP3 Players — Eddie @ 12:00 am

Archos AV500 Mobile DVR

Overall Rating
Design
Features
Performance

Archos AV500 Mobile DVR Introduction

The all-in-one handheld device, the Archos AV500 Mobile DVR, combines a portable media player, digital video recorder (bundled with a remote and Electronic Program Guide software), and personal digital assistant (PDA). Furthermore, the device supports Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GSM connectivity via an add-on port. The Archos AV500 comes in 30GB and 100GB.

Archos AV500 Mobile DVR Design

The new slick Archos AV 500 portable media player has a vibrant 4-inch color screen that looks great in contrast to its brushed metal case.

Archos AV500 Mobile DVR Features

A personal media player, ideal for playing video, audio and photos on the move; using as a portable hard drive; recording TV programs; outputting video to a TV.

Archos AV500 Mobile DVR Performance

*Up to 15 hours of battery life for music and up to 4.5 hours for video playback on the built-in LCD
*Record television programs, movies and home videos and watch them on 4-inch LCD whenever, wherever
*Plays and stores up to 400 hours of video, 250 movies, 55,000 songs or 1,000,000 photos
*Compatible with MP3, WMA, WAV, protected WMA, MPEG-4, WMV and protected Windows Media Video
*Supports the Mophun mobile gaming platform; USB 2.0 port for fast file transfers

Whats included in the package

AV 500, USB 2.0 cable, USB host adapter, AC adapter & charger, stereo headphones, protective case, user guide, TV Pod, remote control (with batteries), audio/video cables (SCART in and SCART out for European version).

Conclusion

A unique mobile Digital Video Recorder offering direct TV recording and the best of video, photo and music on the go on a 4″ color screen.

July 12, 2006

Sandisk Sansa M250

Category: MP3 Players — Eddie @ 12:16 am

Sandisk Sansa M250 2GB MP3 Player

Overall Rating
Design
Features
Performance

Sandisk Sansa M250 2GB Introduction

With Sandisk’s Sansa M250, you can make your music go mobile! The Sansa m250 MP3 player from SanDisk supplies 2GB of storage, providing plenty of room for your favorite music files. An FM tuner with 20 presets presents an additional audio option; repeat, random, and continuous playback modes let you customize the beats for up to 19 hours on one battery charge.

Sandisk Sansa M250 2GB Design

The compact yet robust industrial design offers an easy-to-use interface with an indigo-backlit LCD screen showing the song’s vital information. The main menu includes Play Music, FM Radio, Recorder, and Settings, and overall navigation is logical and easy, thanks in part to the big controller buttons. When compared to other mp3 players, the design seems bulky and looks weird.

Sandisk Sansa M250 2GB Features

In addition to playing both MP3 and WMA audio files, the Sandisk Sansa M250 also sports an FM radio and digital voice recorder. It supports Microsoft Windows Media Player 10 and features PlaysForSure support for portable music downloads and subscription services such as Rhapsody To Go, Napster To Go and Yahoo! Music Unlimited. It’s powered by one single AAA battery, which will provide up to 19 hours of battery life.

Sandisk Sansa M250 2GB Performance

SanDisk’s Sansa m200 Series MP3 players are a perfect example of what Sandisk offers. The flash-memory-based models are available in sizes ranging from 512 MB to 4 GB, with reasonable prices. These players include FM radios, built-in microphones for voice recording, indigo blue backlit displays, and carrying cases. The 2 GB Sansa m250 will hold approximately 32 hours of CD-quality MP3 tracks (encoded at 128kps) or 64 hours of WMA tracks (at 64kbps).

Whats included in the package

Sansa 2 GB MB player, carrying case with armband, stereo headphones, AAA alkaline battery, USB 2.0 travel cable, CD-ROM with drivers and online user guide, printed Quick Start guide.

Conclusion

The SanDisk Sansa m250 provides a nice package of features at a low price. A sophisticated music library sorting lets you browse the music in your player by artist, album, song title, genre, year, playlist, and other useful criteria. With 5 equalizer types, you can optimize your sound for your favorite style of music. You can also use the built-in microphone and voice recording function to capture interviews, classes, and short voice notes to yourself.

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