player

iRiver seeks no frills

iRiver is replacing its T10 MP3 player with the T50 and the T60, both of which look a bit odd, in keeping with the whole T series. Available in spring 2007, the T50 and the T60 will have 1, 2, or 4GB of flash memory, a 1-inch color CSTN screen, an FM tuner, and a voice recorder. The main controller is a little joystick (click wheels are for newbies anyway, right?), and you'll be able to play back MP3s and WMAs as well as OGG and ASF files, but not video. These players are for the disposable-battery-loving crowd, and … Read more

iRiver keeps on Clix-ing

The original iRiver Clix was a design success if not a commercial one, but the new Clix2 looks to do well in both respects. It's got the same clickable-screen faceplate, but the device is much thinner and a bit longer than its predecessor, and the 2.2-inch QVGA screen sports new AMOLED technology (oy, how the acronyms do grow) for extra brightness.

You'll be able to view video (now at 30 frames per second in MPEG-4 and WMV9 formats), photos, and album art; audio support will include WMA, MP3, OGG, and Audible formats. It will come in 2, … Read more

iRiver's Jack-of-all-trades PMP

iRiver is showing off a few new products at CES, but the coolest among them is the W10, a Wi-Fi-capable portable media player with a 3-inch 480 x 272-pixel touch-screen LCD. In addition to 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of internal flash memory, this hottie will sport a Mini SD slot for expandable storage. It runs on Windows CE and supports plenty of different audio and video formats (MPEG-4 SP, WMV9, MP3, WMA, AAC, and H.264).

But the niftiest features are the Wi-Fi positioning finder, thanks to a partnership with SkyHook Wireless, and VoIP capability for using the device to … Read more

Windows SideShow companion devices: Dell and others

OK, so it's not made by Dell, but the tip about the portable SideShow companion device turned out to be true. And it even looks kind of similar to the iRiver Clix, which is how I pictured it originally. In fact, though, the companion device is really thin, and it actually looks almost exactly like the Meizu Mini Player. (Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get my hands on an image of the companion device, so that's the Mini Player you see at right.) The gadget I saw on the show floor at CES 2007 is made … Read more

Toshiba preps three portable DVD players

They lack the sizzle of Philips' new portable DVD players, which include iPod docks and displays that swivel 180 degrees. But Toshiba's new line of "premium" portable DVD players offer larger screen sizes, an updated design and, the company claims, longer battery life.

The top-of-the-line SD-P2900 has a 10.2-inch wide-screen LCD screen, four-in-one (SD, MMC, MS, and xD) memory card slot and component-video output. Battery life is rated at six hours. The SD-P2900 will be available in March for $300.

The midrange SD-P1900 has a 9-inch wide-screen LCD screen with a new black acrylic top, dual … Read more

Zune accessories gone wild

Would you believe that the Girls Gone Wild trailer is a mere 25 yards from CNET's CES 2007 edit trailer?

I'd include some pictures to prove it, but then we might start confusing this trade show with the Adult Entertainment Expo (warning: link leads to adult content). No, instead I have for you several Microsoft Zune Accessory Packs, handy multidevice packages meant to help you make the most out of your Zune in various environments. First, there's the Car Pack, a $79.99 kit that includes an FM Transmitter with AutoSeek and a car charger. Next, we … Read more

iPod speaker goes swimming

Can't live without your iPod, even when you're taking a dip in the pool or grabbing a quick shower? The EGO Waterproof Sound Case is a waterproof iPod speaker system that's made of the same shatterproof polycarbonate that goes into bulletproof glass. It protects your iPod from water, and it even passes the "will it float?" test. Specs include a pair of neodymium speakers, a waterproof membrane for the iPod Click Wheel, and 30-hour battery life (with four AA alkaline batteries). Throw in wrist and shoulder straps and an adjustable stand, and you've got … Read more

Shure's new 'buds

Shure dropped some new sound-isolating earphones, dubbed the SE line, onto the masses. The company redesigned its popular E series and gave the models spiffy new looks as well as new, more confusing names. The SE210 ($149.99), the SE310 ($249.99), the SE420 ($349.99), and the SE530 ($449.99) all offer far better sound than those garbage earbuds that came with your MP3 player.

The SE210 and SE310 are both single-driver models and come with deluxe fit kits that include sets of replaceable tips, so you get that all-important ear canal seal (and so you don't gross … Read more

Sennheiser cancels the noise

Sennheiser is clearly gunning for number one with its latest noise-canceling headphones. The PXC-450 is a set of full-size closed-back cans that make use of Sennheiser's brand-new NoiseGard 2.0 technology to make mincemeat out of ambient noise. But unlike a certain other brand (ahem, Bose), these will still work when the battery is drained. Another nice touch is a "TalkThrough" button on the right earcup, which lets you hear what's going on around you without removing the headphones. There are also volume and on/off buttons right on the headphones, and the detachable cable is … Read more

Meet the Polaroid swinger MP3/PMPs

Having made a new rep for itself with surprisingly decent portable DVD players, Polaroid is now venturing into MP3 and portable media players. In 2007, the company formerly known for its instant cameras will release three MP3 and portable media players (none of which handle AAC audio files), including one with a 4.3-inch wide touch-screen and two with Wi-Fi.

The first player, the MPA-20011 (due it March, $99.99 list price) is a 1GB model that can be expanded to up to 4GB with a micro SD card. The 20011 is slightly bigger than a Nano but sports a … Read more