Peter's Reviews - MP3, Video & PMP Players

Video: The New Zune HD

nospam@example.com (Peter) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:34:24 -0700

Microsoft really has its work cut out for them trying to get their Zune to rival the popularity of the iPod Touch and iPhone! I was interested in the new Zune HD but since it has no camera and limited apps, I opted to shell out top dollar for the new iPhone which I love. It'll be some time before Microsoft has enough apps to woo people accustomed to the great iPhone apps but they're offering a lot of money for app developers to program for the Zune. Good luck Microsoft, you've got quite a challenge ahead!

Click here to visit the official Zune website

Using the iPhone To Record a Hit Song?

nospam@example.com (Peter) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:02:53 -0700

I heard there was an 4-track recorder iPhone app but I assumed that it was simple and crappy but it turns out that it was good enough for The 88 to record a song on. This video shows them in the recording process. The App is called Four Track by Sonoma WireWorks. Click on the iTunes link below to read more.

Video: The New iPhone 3Gs

nospam@example.com (Peter) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:06:43 -0700

I've been wanting an iPhone for ages and it might just be time for me to get one! This video makes it pretty hard to resist. The new model adds the last thing I was holding out for, video.

Apple Introduces New iPod Shuffle

nospam@example.com (Peter) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:30:20 -0700

Apple just released a new iPod Shuffle that adds a feature no other iPod today has, the new shuffle will actually use a voice to tell you what song is playing. This will come in handy since the Shuffle is too small for a readable display. Other changes are that you now control it from the headphones. The only downside is that this means you can't just use any pair of headphones, you need the Apple brand headphones. The only two noticeable upgrades are the ability to use multiple playlists (you can use the VoiceOver feature to select your playlists) and the bump to 4GB of capacity. The price stays at only $79.

Click here to check out the new iPod Shuffle at Amazon

Is Your Zune Frozen With the Leap Year Bug? - Here's The Easy Fix

nospam@example.com (Peter) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:14:22 -0700

A lot of people found that their Zune was frozen this morning and panicked. I'm sure those (like me) who have an iPod were gloating but for those who have a frozen Zune, don't worry, it's not a big deal. Here's the fix from the official Zune website:

Disconnect your Zune from USB and AC power sources.
Because the player is frozen, its battery will drainthis is good. Wait until the battery is empty and the screen goes black. If the battery was fully charged, this might take a couple of hours.
Wait until after noon GMT on January 1, 2009 (that's 7 a.m. Eastern or 4 a.m. Pacific time).
Connect your Zune to either a USB port on the back or your computer or to AC power using the Zune AC Adapter and let it charge.

Apple Releases New iPod Nano

nospam@example.com (Peter) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:48:33 -0700

Apple just released a new iPod Nano and while it isn't exactly a huge remake it does have some sweet new features like a new slim design, accelerometer that senses how you're holding the iPod so the display will change from portrait to landscape and the new Genius feature to find more music that's similar to your favorites. Click on the Apple store link below for more info on the new iPod.

Archos Releases Rival to iPod Touch

nospam@example.com (Peter) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 18:31:44 -0700

The new Archos 5 & 7 are pretty sweet-looking devices. They do everything that the older Archos machines did with some new features like web browsing, a touch screen and a beautiful new screen that makes my old Archos 420 look like junk (but I still love it and use it every day!). This seems like a shot at the valuable iPod Touch market but it doesn't make me not want to buy an iPod Touch it makes me want both!

While the Archos doesn't have the ease of use, iTunes or the huge fanbase of the iPod, it boasts one great advantage, the choice between a 60GB, 120GB or 250GB hard drive.

Click here to check out the new Archos 5 at Amazon

Video:"I Am Rich" - The Most Expensive iPhone App

nospam@example.com (Peter) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:14:14 -0700

Only a few people purchased the "I Am Rich" app for their iPhone before Apple yanked it from their online store. See what the fuss was about in this video. (source - Gizmodo)

iTunes Apps A Big Hit!

nospam@example.com (Peter) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:14:01 -0700

I was pretty excited to hear that Apple would finally let developers make software for their popular iPhone but I was skeptical about the amount of control they wanted with the ir iTunes distribution model. Their claim is that they'll only approve quality programs that won't compromise the phone's security. Now with a generous 70/30 profit split (developers keep 70% of the profits) Sega has already sold over 300,000 units of their Monkey Ball game! Maybe someday I'll get an iPhone, more likely an iPod Touch but until then I'll be monitoring progress with the new apps. (source - WSJ)

Must Have Accesory - The La Crosse Technology BC-900 AlphaPower Battery Charger

nospam@example.com (Peter) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:58:07 -0700

In this day and age of electronics, rechargeable batteries are a necessity. I know that I have at least 20 rechargeable AA and AAA batteries lying around and I use a cheap charger when needed. When I found the La Crosse BC-900, I knew it was a must have for getting the most life out of my batteries.

Most chargers do a dumb charge and top off your current batteries but the BC-900 can give you stats for each battery so you can tell if one goes bad or isn't charging well. Not only that but it can discharge and recharge your batteries in order to give them the longest life possible.

Features:

Works with all NiCd and NiMH AA and AAA Rechargeable Batteries
LCD shows capacity for each battery when charging is complete
Charges AA & AAA rechargeable batteries simultaneously
Will not charge defective batteries
Select different charging current for each channel
Automatically switches to trickle charge when charging is complete to ensure maximum battery capacity
Automatically defaults to 200mA charge (the optimal setting for prolonging battery life)
Overheat detection to protect over-charging
7 Easy to Use Function Keys
Charge Mode (charging current)
Discharge Mode (discharging current)
Refresh Mode (time elapsed)
Test Mode (accumulated capacity)

The La Crosse BC-900 is available at Amazon for only $39.95

MP3 Player That Works As A Cassette

nospam@example.com (Peter) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:33:59 -0700

Even though most people have CD players and satellite radios in their cars there are still a ton of people who still have old-school cassette players. If you're one of the last cassette player owners, this new MP3 player is for you. Not only does it work as a stand-alone MP3 player but you can slide it into any cassette player and play your MP3s that are stored on a standard SD card. You can pick up the Stand Alone or Car Cassette MP3 Player from ThinkGeek for only $39.99. (source - DJ Strongboy)

Specifications:

No internal memory - you must supply a memory card
External memory: compatible with SD/MMC card (max. 2GB)
Earphone jack: 3.5mm
USB 2.0
System: compatible with Windows 2000/XP
Battery: built-in 450mAh lithium battery
Recharge battery via USB cable
Use like a normal cassette in a car cassette player or cassette player
Use as a stand alone MP3 Player
Repeat playback mode
7 button interface
Dimension: 2.5" x 4" x .45"

Stainless Steel 8GB Video Watch PMP

nospam@example.com (Peter) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:58:45 -0700

When I saw this video watch on sale at ThinkGeek, I wanted one. It has 8GB of storage for music and video and it fits on your wrist (very Dick Tracy). The only thing I didn't like is that I'm not crazy about having something this big on my wrist, especially at the gym but for only $129, it's great for when you're out and about and don't want the added bulk of an iPod clipped to your body.

Features:

Display: 1.8 Inch TFT LCD
Video Format: MTV
Conversion formats: AVI, MP4, WMV, ASF, MPG, MPEG, DAT, RM, MOV
Video Resolution: 160x128
FPS (Frames per Second): 20
Music Format: MP3, WMA, WAV
Bit rate: 32~320Kbps
Built In Watch with Digital Time Display
24 Hour Style Time
Time/ Date/ Day Display
Built in MIC
Record Format: WAV
Built In Speaker
Languages: English, Chinese, Portuguese, French, Korean, Spanish, Japanese, German, Italian, Polish
USB 2.0
System: Windows 98/SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista
Power Source: Built-in Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
Dimensions: Watch Face- 45x55x13mm (LxWxD)

Apple Considering "All You Can Eat" Subscription Model

nospam@example.com (Peter) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:23:28 -0700

If Apple offered let's say a $20 per month subscription based service where you could download all the music you wanted, would you bite? I would. That's one of the rumors that's been floating around and there's speculation that it could actually happen.

Belkin Releases A Mini Surge Protector With USB Charger

nospam@example.com (Peter) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:21:08 -0700

Belkin just released a great new product, the Mini Surge Protector With USB Charger. This is a great device for people who travel and want to charge their iPods, phones or other USB gadgets. All of my laptop's USB ports are usually filled so this device will definitely find a place in my travel bag.

The list price is $24.99 but expect to find it for less when it hits stores any day now.

Click here to read more at Belkin.com

Video: Turn Your iPhone Into A Drum Machine

nospam@example.com (Peter) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:47:44 -0700

The Moo-Cow-Music Drummer software allows you to play one of several drum kits and even create your own kits. You can play along with the music on your iPhone and even load your own samples! Sure if voids your warranty if you hack your iPhone but isn't it worth it to have this cool drum machine app? Nope, but almost...

Click here to learn more about the Moo-Cow-Music Drummer software