PORTABLE VIDEO PLAYERS
Archos PMA400
The PMA400 is a relatively compact Linux-based device that functions as an audio/video player, PDA, and wireless web browser. (Don't let the Linux thing throw you; the PMA400 works with either Windows or Apple computers, no problem.) The main thing is, this one device does everything you could ever want it to do, and more. You can record directly from TV, watch recorded videos, listen to music, store and view digital photos, browse the Internet, play video games, store and transfer PC data files, and on and on and on. It can even function as a personal information manager; WiFi wireless connectivity is built-in. In terms of specs, you get a 30GB hard disk and a nice 3.5'' color LCD display Battery life is 4 hours for video playback or 9.5 hours for music playback, good enough for most uses. You get both a built-in speaker and microphone, so you're set for listening and recording at will. Optional accessories include a USB-to-Ethernet cable (for connecting the PMA400 to your office network) and a USB foldable keyboard (for faster data entry). The PMA400 comes with its own docking cradle to connect to your TV; the cradle connects via either composite video or S-video, and comes with an IR blaster for controlling a cable or satellite box which means you can use the PMA400 as a TiVo-like mini-PVR to record all manner of television programming. Yeah, the price on this puppy is a tad stratospheric; it costs twice as much as a PDA and almost as much as an entry-level laptop computer. But you get so much in such a small package, it's hard to complain.
Archos Gmini 400If the PMA400 is out of your price range, consider Archos' Gmini 400 instead. This is a small and thin portable media player, designed for both audio and video playback. The 20GB hard drive stores up to 80 hours of MPEG-4 videos, and playback is sweet (if a tad small) on the 2.2'' color LCD display. The battery is good for 5 hours of video or 10 hours of music playback.
Creative Zen Portable Media PlayerThis one almost made it as a Leo's Pick; it's a pretty cool little player. You get 20GB hard drive capacity (holds up to 85 hours of video), a big 3.8'' color LCD display, built-in speakers, and easy-to-use thumbpad operation. It's good for MPEG, WMV, WMA, MP3, and JPG files; the display provides 320 x 240 resolution.
RCA Lyra 2780RCA's Lyra was one of the first portable video players on the market, and the latest version is much better than the early models. The Lyra 2780 has a 20GB hard drive and a fairly nice 3.5'' color LCD display. It can play back MPEG-4 video and WMA and MP3 audio files, and can also function as a photo vault for JPG digital photos.
Hasbro VideoNow ColorHasbro's VideoNow Color is a portable video player for kids. Movies come on mini 4.25'' DVD discs which hold up to 25 minutes of programming, and are displayed on the unit's color LCD screen. The device is small enough to fit in a six-year-old's hands, comes in a variety of attractive colors, and runs off of three AA batteries. And, for what it's worth, the VideoNow Color is a much more substantial device than Mattel's competing Juice Box and the picture's a lot better, too!
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EAN: 2147483647
Pages: 126