80GB Players Coming?

Toshiba has announced two new harddrives in 40GB and 80GB flavors that should pave the way for larger storage capacities while continuing to drive device size down. The 1.8" drives are the current standard formfactor for full-size MP3 players and should make their debut in Q3 2005. Toshiba is the drive supplier for Apple's iPod and iPod Photo, so it is virtually certain that Apple will be one of the first to get their hands on the new drives.

Exactly which Apple devices will get which drive is up for speculation. Our guess will be that the 40GB will go into both the iPod and iPod Photo, while the 80GB drive will only be in the iPod Photo. Also, since the new 40GB drive is smaller than the one Apple is presently using, we guess that Apple will likely rev the iPod to its fifth-generation with an even smaller package.

More bits at MacWorld and Slashdot.

Related Links:
Apple Works on 60GB iPod, Toshiba Manager Works on Resume

iPod Photo Reviews

iPod community forum iPodLounge has gotten into the pattern of doing two reviews when Apple debuts a new audio player. The first is for power users wondering how the new differs from the old, while the second is for the new users considering a first iPod purchase.

Now that the iPod Photo is the new kid on the block, here are iPodLounge's power user iPod Photo review and new user review.

More on the iRiver H10

More information on the new iRiver H10 is starting to trickle in. It's listed on iRiver Japan's website and they have lots of photos. Akhibara Geeks also have a few photos.

In terms of what the H10 can do , a couple of new points are that it PlaysForSure, supports USB charging and that the battery is removable. This info is from the folks at Mistic River who are translating this Korean first look.

Related Links:
iRiver H10 Officially Official The iRiver H10: iRiver Gets Its Mini On?

iRiver H300 Remote Available

We just noticed that the iRiver H300 remote is now available from iRiver's web store. While the older iRiver H100s included a spiffy LCD remote, the current iRiver H300s have no remote at all. Furthermore, this remote doesn't even have the LCD. But it's only $19.99, so adding one won't break the bank.

There is, however, an LCD remote for the H300s (photos here) available in Korea. As of yet, though, it is not available in the US.

DMC 8270 Review

PocketNow has written a DMC 8270 review. The 8270 is Digital Mind Corp.'s successor to the DMC 800 line of audio players. It has a laundry list of features, including Ogg music file support and digital recording to MP3. However, it is rather bulky compared to the slimmer iPod. PocketNow did seem to like it though [Via Digital Media Thoughts]:

Once I got past my astonishment of the cheap buttons, I began to like the device. The DMC 8270 is closer to a pocket organizer than any of its competitors, and convergence-like devices are popular, since they reduce the need to carry multiple devices. The price is very reasonable, the feature list is long, and the desktop software is well done. DMC is doing the right thing by bringing us products that differ from the other guy, and the DMC 8270 (without a doubt) delivers on this front.

Open an Account with CitiBank, Get an iPod Mini

CitiBank is running a promotion through the end of the year where if you open a checking account with them, they'll send you a free iPod Mini. The details are that you have to deposit at least $2500 in the new account and then pay at least 2 bills online per month for 12 months. However, CitiBank will send you the iPod Mini within 90 days after the first month. So if you've got the cash, you could have your Mini by March. [Via DAPReview]

5GB iPod Minis Coming Soon?

According to AppleInsider, "highly reliable sources" have said that Apple has just put an updated, 5GB version of the 4GB iPod Mini into production. This news, of course, isn't unexpected since just about every iPod Mini competitor already has a 5GB capacity.

There's no way the new Mini can make it out in time for the holiday season, but Apple is said to be stockpiling to meet an expected high initial demand. Apple Insider's source speculate that the new model will be announced at the upcoming MacWorld San Francisco show, along with the rumored iPod Flash.

Notably though, is word that Apple switched mini harddrive suppliers. 4GB iPod Minis use Hitatchi drives, while the upcoming Mini is said to be use a Seagate drive. [Via Mac Rumors]

iPod Shortages

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that there is a widespread iPod shortage (WSJ subscription required) across the US. How badly do people want iPods in time for Christmas?

The spotty availability of the iPod has created a booming aftermarket for the devices on eBay Inc.'s auction site, where a pink iPod mini earlier this week fetched $380, or more than $130 above the music player's suggested retail price. In April eBay created an iPod category on its site in response to active trading of the gadgets among its users. In its first month, there were 3,000 iPod-related listings, according to an eBay spokesman. Now there are about 18,000 listings in the category.

iRiver H10 Officially Official

Today iRiver officially announced its newest harddrive-based MP3 player, the H10. As expected, the H10 has a 5GB capacity, a 1.5" color LCD for viewing photos, an FM radio, digital audio recording and a reported 12 hour battery life.

Like the Creative Zen Touch, the H10 has a vertical touch pad for navigation, which is itself a straightened out version of the iPod's circular touch pad. Four color choices will be available: "deep red, midnight blue, neo silver and slate gray".

As for size, the H10 is 3.8"x2.15"x0.6" which is a little larger than the iPod mini at 3.6" x 2.0" x 0.5".

More photos of the H10 and its debut party are here.

The H10 will be available in South Korea on the 22nd for 363,000 won, which is about US$344, nearly $100 more than the iPod Mini and other comparable mini players.

Related Links:
The iRiver H10: iRiver Gets Its Mini On?

Sony NW-HD3 Review

Head-Fi user Mavis has posted a Sony NW-HD3 review, Sony's latest MP3 player and the first to natively support MP3 music files. In a word, ouch [Via DAPReview]:

[I]f there was a way I could return this thing, I'd do it in a second, and I'd use the money to buy an amp for my iPod - I like the size of the HD3 and I'm looking forward to the good battery life, but there are so many little things which I find EXTREMELY annoying, I'd rather have the iPod with its anemic bass at this point.

Related Links:
Sony NW-HD3: Sony Finally Gets on the MP3 Bandwagon
Sony Acknowledges Existence of MP3 Format
A Rough Week for Sony
Sony Debuts Another New Network Walkman

Price Guide

Here is the PlayerBlog Price Guide: Holiday Edition to go along with our mini player and full size player buyers guides.

Also, we've culled some devices from the list and added the new 20GB Archos XS200. This week we say goodbye to the Creative Zen Xtra, Creative MuVo² and the Cowon iAUDIO M3L.

Full Size MP3 Player Holiday Buying Guide

Welcome to the second part of our MP3 player guide. The first edition dealt with mini sized MP3 players and this one will address the full size players. Of course "full size" is a little misleading since most of the players listed here are only the size of a deck of cards. But you have to classify them somehow. As was the case in the first guide, we'll only talk about the newest models from the most popular vendors.

What differentiates the full size players from their mini bethren is not limited to size. All have at least a 20GB capacity (and most have 40GB choices as well) and a lower cost in terms of dollars per GBs. In general, a full size player is a safer bet giftwise. Also, we feel that 20GB is plenty of space. So unless your budget allows it and someone has a really extensive music collection, stick to the less expensive choices.

Apple 4G iPod
The Apple iPod is the overwhelming market leader in MP3 players and is the safest choice for a gift. By the way, the "4G" in the description refers to the 4th-generation iPod that Apple is currently selling. The 4G is better and smaller than previous generations, so stick to the new 4G models and leave the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generations alone. Unless you want to pony up an additional $50 for the black U2 iPod, white is the color. Pretty and thin, the 4G 20GB iPod is only 4.1"x2.4"x0.57" and 5.6oz and retails for $299. Two models are available, with 20GB and 40GB capacities. Also available is the new color iPod Photo, but the 40GB model retails for a pricey $499. A popular iPod community forum is iPodLounge.

More on the Apple iPod:
iPodLounge New User Review
iPodLounge Power User Review
Gadgeteer 4G iPod Review
Zen Touch vs. 4G iPod
Another Zen Touch vs. 4G iPod Matchup

Creative Zen Touch:
The Creative Zen Touch is the latest in Creative's long line of audio players. Available in a 20GB model only (for now at least, since a new 40GB choice is only available in Japan). A little beefier than the 20GB iPod at 4.1"x2.7"x0.86" and 7oz, the Zen Touch retails for $50 less at $249. The Creative community forum is Nomadness.

More on the Creative Zen Touch:
Globe and Mail Creative Zen Touch Review
Tom's Hardware Creative Zen Touch Review
Pocket Lint Creative Zen Touch Review
Zen Touch vs. 4G iPod
Another Zen Touch vs. 4G iPod Matchup
First Big Creative Zen Touch Review

Dell DJ:
The Dell DJ is a more budget-conscious choice, retailing for $249 for a 20GB capacity. Like its mini cousin, the Dell Pocket DJ, it's no beauty queen. Also on the chunky side, the Dell DJ is 4.0"x2.5"x0.74" and 6.8oz. The Dell DJ commnity forum is Dell DJ Site.

More on the Dell DJ:
AnandTech Dell DJ Review
CNet Dell DJ Review

iRiver H120 and H320:
For iRiver we're listing two choices, the H120 and H320 which both have a 20GB capacity. Actually there are four choices here since both come in 40GB models as well (the H140 and H340, respectively). The only significant difference between the H120 and H320 is that the H320 has a color screen. In any event, prices for H320 are so close to the older H120 that if you go with an iRiver, get the color model. A bit bigger than the iPod, the H320 is 4.1"x2.4"x0.75" and 6.2oz. A popular iRiver community site is Mistic River.

More on the iRiver H120 and H320:
Mistic River Review
PC Magazine Review
Gutter Vomit Review
IT Writing Review
CNet Review

Rio Karma:
The Rio Karma is the old-timer of the group. Most of the players listed here were first released in the past year, except for the Karma. An updated Karma 2 has long been rumored, but it's not going to make it in time for the holiday season. But don't let its age fool you because the Karma is still a good choice and with street prices nearing $200, an excellent bargain for a 20GB player. A little more square than the others, the Karma measure up at 3.0"x2.7"x1.1" and 5.5 oz. The Rio community forum is Riovolution.

More on the Rio Karma:
Trusted Reviews
Extreme MHz

Creative Zen Micro Review

More Creative Zen Micro reviews! Here is HardwareZone's take [Via DAPReview]:

By comparing the list of functions the Zen Micro offers over its competitors, it is apparent that Creative has done its homework by assessing products from its competitors and besting them in areas that are of significant importance to a consumer. Longer battery life, replaceable battery, ease of use, lightweight, large storage and top notch audio quality are always on the mind of a consumer.

Before we round up our review of the Zen Micro, we must remind our readers that the player is not without its weaknesses. A couple of gripes we have with the product includes the less than impressive reception of the built-in FM radio and the constant battery drain even when the product was left untouched. Whatever the reasons for the power draw, be it for operational purposes or other reasons, the drain was a tad too much for our liking. Still, if we were to look at the product as a portable mini jukebox audio solution, the Zen Micro is seriously one tough product to beat. Only by comparing the list of functions found in the Zen Micro with other similar products by its competing peers, would you truly appreciate the fine job Creative has done with the Zen Micro. Add to it the superlative audio performance, the Zen Micro is quite simply a champ when one talks about frills to price ratio. At the end of the day, we really want to credit the thinking body behind the Zen Micro and we feel the product truly deserves our coveted 4.5-stars award.

Archos Gmini XS200 Review

A second Archos Gmini XS200 review popped up today, this time from CNet. They give it a 7.7/10:

The good: 20GB of storage for a 5GB price; blazing file transfers; excellent on-device playlist creation; includes bookmark/resume feature.

The bad: Not recognized by popular desktop music managers; no voice recorder or FM tuner; so-so battery life; uncomfortable earbuds.

Related Links:
Archos Gmini XS200 Review

Hacking iPod Graphics

This week's how-to column over at Engadget shows you how to easily change the graphics on the iPod. Don't like the "Do Not Disconnect" image? Drop in Hello Kitty or baby photos instead.

The iPod Wizard software that they use should allow you change images on 3G and 4G iPods, iPod Minis and even iPod Photos (yay color!).

Rio Carbon Headphone Static Problem Fixed

DAPReview wins a gold star for community service with the news that Rio has fixed a static noise problem that they were first to identify. If you use headphones with the Carbon that have a metal edge on the plug, the flaw in the Carbon can cause static noise.

Rio has announced that they've fixed the problem and that Carbons shipped after 11/16 should be free of the issue. If you're having static problems with an older Carbon, call Rio and they will send you a headphone extender that will isolate the headphone plug from the body of the Carbon.

Related Links:
Rio Carbon Static Problem Discovered

The iRiver H10: iRiver Gets Its Mini On?

iRiver community site Mistic River has gotten its hands on pics of new iRiver products coming in 2005. The most interesting one is shown below, which is supposed to be the iRiver H10. Possibly its the prize that iRiver will be giving away soon.

The details that Mistic River gathered are that the H10 will have a 5GB capacity, a 1.5" color LCD, touch-sensitive navigation (a la the Creative Zen Touch) and an FM radio. If iRiver can bring the price on the H10 around the iPod Mini's $250, they may give Apple and Creative a run for their money.

Related Links:
iRiver Gets Its Mini On?

Archos Gmini XS200 Review

Trusted Reviews has posted a new Archos Gmini XS200 review. Until recently Archos had been known as the low cost, low quality manufacturer of bulk MP3 players, but the XS200 may be changing some perceptions. The 20GB XS200 is one of the smallest full-size players at 2.9"x2.3"x0.7" and retails for only $249. Trusted Reviews gave it a 9/10:

It's impossible not to like the Archos Gmini XS 200. Despite it's slightly clumsy navigation and lack of carry case and docking cradle, this is a fantastic little digital audio player at a truly amazing price. For the cost of a 4GB Apple iPod Mini, you can buy a 20GB player that's about the same size, the same weight and plays back WMA as well as MP3. Ultimately, the Gmini XS 200 is in no way perfect, but when you combine the size, weight, capacity and price, it's impossible not to recommend this little Archos.

Mini MP3 Player Holiday Buying Guide

If you're considering getting a new MP3 player for yourself or for someone else this holiday season, PlayerBlog is here to help. We've compiled a brief buying guide to help you make an educated choice. Of course, there's no one-size-fits-all advice we can offer, but these guides are a good starting place.

By way of introduction, we're only considering the newest devices from the most popular vendors. Any choice on the list should insure a quality product, ongoing service and support and an active user community. To keep the list manageable, we're not going to consider older models and less popular devices.

For this first guide we'll take a look at the mini-size audio players that have emerged as a popular choice over the last year or so. All 4 of these are variations on the same theme: a very small package that has a lower capacity than a full-size audio player, stylish looks and a higher price tag. A mini player is best suited to the person who values style or has a smaller music collection that will fit on the player.

Apple iPod Mini
The Apple iPod Mini was the first mini player and is far and away the most popular. Not suprisingly it is one of the more expensive choices, retailing for $250 and with a street price that rarely gets much under retail. Unlike the other 3 players which have a 5GB capacity, the iPod Mini only has a 4GB capacity. Like most Apple products, the iPod Mini wins high style points and comes in a choice of 5 colors. The iPod Mini measures up at only 3.6" x 2.0" x 0.5" and weighs 3.6oz. One popular iPod community forum is iPodLounge

More on the iPod Mini:
Creative Zen Micro vs. iPod Mini
DesignTechnica Reviews the iPod Mini
iPod Mini Review at Gear
CNet iPod Mini Review

Creative Zen Touch Micro
The Creative Touch Zen Micro is one of the newer devices with a 5GB capacity, a few color choices and a retail price of $249. Dimensions are a slim 3.3"x2.0"x0.7" and it weighs 3.8oz. The Creative community forum is Nomadness.

More on the Creative Zen Touch Micro:
Four Creative Zen Micro Reviews
PC Magazine Creative Zen Micro Review
MonsterNet Creative Zen Micro Review
Creative Zen Micro vs. iPod Mini
Trusted Reviews Creative Zen Micro Review

Dell Pocket DJ
The Dell Pocket DJ probably won't win any style awards, but it does have one strong selling point in addition to its 5GB capacity. And that point would be price. The Dell Pocket DJ is currently only $199. Usually a lower price translate into a bigger size, but the Pocket DJ at 3.5"x2.1"x0.5" is almost the same size as the iPod Mini. The Dell Dj community forum is Dell DJ Site.

More on the Dell Pocket DJ:
CNet Dell DJ Review

Rio Carbon
The Rio Carbon does win a few style points with its rounded, chrome-like appeareance. Sporting a 5GB capacity, it also retails for $249. A little shorter and a little wider and deeper than the iPod Mini, the Rio Carbon is 3.3"x2.5"x0.6" and weighs 3.2oz. The Rio community forum is Riovolution.

More on the Rio Carbon:
TopicPoint Rio Carbon Review
DAPReview Rio Carbon Review
CNet Rio Carbon Review
GearLive Rio Carbon Review

More iPod Flash Speculation

After yesterday's imagined mockup of the iPod Flash, here are two more takes on the would-be Apple audio player. First up are comments by Dan Torres of Rio in BusinessWeek magazine [Via Gizmodo]:

Q: What will happen to the market if Apple comes out with a flash-memory-based player?
A: I think there will be a combination of things. It will be interesting to see how they change their position in coming into that market. Will they go after sports, which is one of our targets? It will be an interesting addition to the market. Apple will call attention to the importance of flash. Just a year ago they had said flash is passé.

Second is the striking, what-if mockup by Isamu Sanada shown above. More discussion on Sanada's take at Cult of Mac.[Via Shiny Plastic]

Rio Carbon Review

Jason over at TopicPoint has written a Rio Carbon review. We have a winner:

The Rio Carbon is a nearly perfect MP3 player. The great user interface, excellent feature set, outstanding battery life, and compact size make for a fantastic package. If you don't use voice recording and don't mind the lack of an FM radio and recorder, this unit will make you very happy.

Related Links:
Rio Carbon Review
Rio Carbon Review

Creative Zen Micro Review

Yet another Creative Zen Micro review (the more the merrier), this time from Trusted Reviews. However, there's no tie between the Micro and the Mini here:

Forget the iPod Mini, the Zen Micro is the new "must have" MP3 player. It beats the Apple in terms of features and functionality and even saves you a bit of cash. Here at the TrustedReviews offices, a few of us will definitely be writing to Santa and hoping we find a Zen Micro in our stocking at Christmas.

iPod Year in Review

The Editor-in-Chief of iPodLounge has written up his thoughts on Apple's 2004 in their iPod Year in Review 2004:

With that, we have come full circle: Apple entered the year with critics, and so it leaves the year with critics - the crucial difference being that there are now far fewer than before, and around four million new iPod owners, besides. Having defied expectations with the iPod mini and vaulted the iPod to new sales heights, partnerships and functionality with the 4G iPod, U2 iPod and iPod photo, Apple has clearly had a spectacular year, one far better than any of the doubters would have imagined.

Beware, this article is NSFAOIPH (Not Safe For Apple Or iPod Haters). You've been warned.

Forbes: Creative vs. Apple

Forbes magazine has more on Creative's bid to wrest a significant piece of market share from the dominator, Apple:

Calling it an uphill fight is something of an understatement. In the three years since the iPod's launch, it has become the world's player of choice. But before the iPod made MP3 players fashionable, Creative was one of the upstart companies that made them popular among the early adopter set.

Related Links:
Creative Declares War on Apple

Creative Zen Micro vs. iPod Mini

On the heels of his Creative Zen Micro review, Jon at MonsterNet now has a head-to-head review of the Creative Zen Micro vs. the Apple iPod Mini. Conclusion? A tie, sort of:

In conclusion, the Apple iPod wins for the very reason that it is an iPod. We love it for the winning design, proven by the sales of iPods, and the "cool" factor. The Zen Micro, while seeming like an imitation, has several extra features over the iPod Mini. Personnally, it would be very hard to choose between the iPod Mini and the Zen Micro. But, being the geek that I am, I think I would go for the Zen Micro.

Apple iPod Mini 4GB: 9 out of 10
Creative Zen Micro 5GB: 9 out of 10

Related Links:
Creative Zen Micro Review
Four Creative Zen Micro Reviews

Apple iPod Flash Details?

TheMacMind says that it has the scoop on the rumored-to-be-coming iPod Flash. The image above is just a mockup. But according to their tipster the iPod Flash will measure only 2.5"x1.5"0.5" (which is smaller than the business card shown) and have NO LCD. The only controls will be track forward and back, volume up and down and play/pause.

The only price information is that the 256MB version will retail for only $99. Also according to their source, the iPod Flash will be officially announced at MacWorld San Francisco.

MP3 Player Skins

If you're in to this sort of thing, SkinIt is now offering MP3 player skins for just about every popular audio player on the market. There are dozens of style choices for the vinyl skins and they run $9.95 each.

Currently SkinIt supports Apple/HP, iRiver, Archos, Creative, Dell, Rio/Digital Networks, Samsung/Napster, RCA and Nike devices.

And if skinning you're MP3 player isn't enough, you can even skin your TiVo and its remote.

3 Books for the iPod

Slashdot has posted reviews of 3 iPod books: The iPod Fan Book, Hacking iPod + iTunes and iPod & iTunes Hacks.

Thus far most of the Slashdot commentary seems to revolve around why a device so easy to use needs books that teach you how to use it. We tend to agree.

Clarion iPods Your Cap

Car stereo maker Clarion (or as they prefer to be known, "aftermarket automobile entertainment system manufacturer" Clarion) will debut an iPod/car integration system at the upcoming CES 2005 show in Las Vegas. The Clarion VRX755VD will have a 7" LCD monitor that can be used to display track, artist and playlist information from your iPod. It will also play DVDs.

This sounds pretty cool, but the price might be pretty steep. There's no pricing yet on the VRX755VD, but the linked article says that DVD systems for cars usually run $1800 to $2000. Ouch. [Via Gizmodo]

iTunes Music Store Goes North

Apple has opened yet another branch of its iTunes Music Store with the launch of its Canadian site. Their breathless press release features words like "revolutionary", "pioneering" and "legendary" throughout, so don't bother reading it or you'll have to wash your eyes out with soap. We just wanted you to know that iTunes Canada opened.

Tunes are 0.99CDN (about 0.84USD). As tempting as it sounds, we're not sure if you can buy tunes from the US from the Candadian store.

Creative Zen Micro Review

After the quartet of Zen Micro reviews we posted last week, Jon let us know about his Creative Zen Micro review over at MonsterNet:

Creative has tried extremely hard to come up with a digital audio player with the "it" factor. And in fact, much of the problems I've found were more the result of the excessive hype surrounding the product, rather than the product itself. Otherwise, the decision between buying a Zen Micro or an iPod Mini will more likely be based on personal preferences. This is because the two products are so similar in features, with the Zen Micro boasting an additional 1GB of space, as well as FM tuner/recording and voice recording.

Related Links:
Four Creative Zen Micro Reviews