Sonos ZP80 Digital Music System Bundle Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Got a Sonos set up today, it's a smooth system. It can draw on a file server without software running on some PC. It's the first system I've tried that actually works (Roku, Linksys, Netgear, blah blah blah are pretty poor). It time-syncs music across "zones" (you can group and unbroup sets of players) so it sounds smooth all over the house (tuning each volume level/EQ independently). It uses 802.11, but it's own subnet, so youi don't let it in your umbrella. One station connects to 10bT and bridges from your network to its network. I gave it it's own user name with restricted rights to my network (just the music server) just in case there are holes in its security. It also has line level input at each station, so you can stream audio back out from any remote location. Will haul in internet stations with or without subscriptions.
Disadvantages:
Won't display video/JPGs to a TV (no video output)
The PC client (for remote control, easy playlist editing) won't spit out audio (so your PC is not part of the party, which is kind of lame)
The click wheel doesn't work as well as apple's
Unknown security issues

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sonos ZP80 Digital Music System Bundle

For those looking for a simple, powerful, and stylish way to play all your favorite music, all over your house, here's the answer: The Sonos ZP80 Digital Music System Bundle, which includes everything you need to set up the system of your dreams. Make your favorite audio devices part of a wireless, multi-room digital music system with two Sonos ZonePlayers 80s (ZP80s) and a Sonos Controller. Connect your ZP80s to your home theater, stereo, PC with powered speakers, tabletop radio, and more. Then, control the music on the devices with the wireless Controller. To hear more music in more rooms, just add on.
Watch a demo of the Sonos Digital Music System.
The ZonePlayer 80 With the ZP80 you can wirelessly stream the music you have stored on your PC or Mac to your home audio equipment -- your home theater receiver, stereo system, powered speakers, and more. Just connect a ZP80 to any amplified audio device in any room, and that device is instantly and seamlessly part of your wireless music system. You can even play the same song in different rooms or different songs in different rooms.
With up to 32 ZP80s set up in your home, you can use the full-color Sonos Controller to wirelessly control all those devices from the palm of your hand. Sonos liberates the digital music that's stored on your PC, Mac or network attached storage (NAS) box and wirelessly streams it to any ZonePlayer in any room. You can access music stored on up to 16 devices on your home network, plus Internet radio, subscriptions to online audio services like Rhapsody and Audible.com, and even music coming from an external audio source, like your favorite CD player.
You can also use a ZP80 to retrofit a conventional multi-room audio system with home-run speakers or as a wireless extender to increase the wireless range of your Sonos system. No matter where or how you use the amazingly compact ZP80, the digital and analog outputs will deliver superior sound to every room. And because it's designed to minimize noise and distortion, the music you hear will sound virtually identical to the original.
The ZP80 features optical and coax digital outputs for superior audio quality, so it's ready to connect to your high-end home theater or stereo system. There's even an analog audio input for connecting a CD or MP3 player directly to the ZP80, and you can listen to that music on all the other ZonePlayers in your house.
Sonos In Depth The ZP80 is just one part of a complete Sonos Digital Music System. To make your system complete, you'll also need the Sonos Controller, which is included with this bundle. With a wireless Sonos Controller in hand, you'll have instant access to all your digital music, plus Internet radio, subscriptions to online audio services, and even music from your favorite CD or MP3 player. Use the Sonos Controller to access your entire digital music collection and Internet radio from the palm of your hand. Turn off the upstairs music while you're downstairs. Change the song in the kitchen from the den. The controller's full-color 3.5-inch screen lets you see album art, browse playlists, get detailed track info, and more. To start listening, just pick a room, pick a song, and hit play. The Controller also allows you to queue the right tunes for the right moment; you can build, edit, and save playlists right from the palm of your hand.
With Sonos ZonePlayers in the rooms of your choice, you can play the same song in different rooms, or different songs in different rooms. As mentioned, you can have up to 32 Sonos ZonePlayers throughout your house -- from the bedroom to the backyard. Connect your first ZonePlayer to your router and all the others work wirelessly. To expand, purchase more ZP80s, or choose the ZP100, which features its own built-in amplifier. Or better yet, choose both for the ultimate in multi-room music.
If you choose to extend your system with a ZP100 you can use your own speakers with it, or connect a pair of Sonos SP100 Loudspeakers, which are aesthetically and acoustically designed to look great with your Sonos Digital Music System. You can also add more Sonos Controllers to your system to give more people in your house access to your music library.
Sonos Setup You don't need to be a professional installer to set up a Sonos system, or a technical wizard to use it. Sonos was designed to work right out of the box. All you need is a high-speed Internet connection and a router to get started. Then, unpack your components, lay them out in your home, and the result will be music to your ears.
Software Sonos offers desktop software for PC and Mac that's as simple to use as the Sonos controller. Designed with a user interface to accommodate a larger screen, the Sonos Desktop Controller software for PC and Mac will guide you through both set up and music sharing. It offers all the same functionality as the Sonos Controller, but instead of being in the palm of your hand, it's all on your desktop.
Use the software to set up your system, as well as music sharing. It also helps you set up music folders on your hard drive so they can be shared across all ZonePlayers. The software provides control of your Sonos Digital Music System from your desktop, and you can use it to add and edit your choice of Internet radio stations.<
Rhapsody and Sonos Now you can hear more music, in more rooms with Sonos and Rhapsody, the #1-Rated Digital Music Service. Sonos connects directly to Rhapsody via the Web, so you don't have to download an application or even turn your PC on. Instead, all that music (millions of songs + ad-free radio) is instantly accessible from the palm of your hand-to play in any room you choose.
With the Sonos Controller you can browse the entire Rhapsody Music Guide, everything from Top Artists, Albums and Tracks to New Releases and editorial recommendations. You can even view track information and album art. And whenever a new song is released, it's in your hands and ready to play-in the bedroom, bathroom or backyard. Rhapsody features Instant, plug-and-play access to millions of songs and ad-free radio on your Sonos system
Discover new music right from your Controller-browse by genre or check out the charts, then build your own library of favorites and create custom playlists
Get album and playlist recommendations based upon the songs and artists you've chosen.
Over 100 professionally-programmed commercial-free radio stations spanning dozens of formats
Customized radio stations based on your favorite artists

Free Rhapsody 30-day trial The minute you took your new Sonos® system out of the box or updated your software to Sonos v2.0, your free 30-day Rhapsody® Trial was ready to go. Now, it's your turn to start listening to all those songs, all over your house.
Simply pick up your Sonos Controller, hit the music button and you'll see the Rhapsody Trial. Now select the Rhapsody Music Guide and browse for your favorite artists, albums, genres, and more.

Click here for more information about Sonos ZP80 Digital Music System Bundle

Read More...

Archos 7 160 GB Internet Media Tablet Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As an owner of both the new Archos 7 as well as last year's model (the 705), I wanted to provide some points of comparison between the two for anyone trying to decide whether to save some money on the older model. In general, the two are very similar -- they provide essentially the same functionality, although the new 7 includes a couple of new features (and includes for free some of the plugins that you had to pay for before with the 705).
Here's a quick rundown of the positive changes in the 7 vs the 705:
* Speed -- particularly of the web browser. The new 7 has a much faster CPU and renders web content at a much better pace (probably 3x the speed of the 705). Using the browser on the 705 was often painful except on pages that were geared to mobile devices. The 7 can handle even most complex pages without a problem. Since I use the device for browsing quite a bit, this is a HUGE plus for the 7.
* Email -- The 7 includes a native email client that supports GMail, Yahoo mail or any POP/IMAP server. It's very simple but usable. It's also free (i.e. not a plugin).
* Better screen -- The screen on the 7 definitely is crisper than that on the 705. And the colors are rendered more accurately (at least from my subjective point of view).
* Better responsiveness -- The touchscreen on the 7 is more responsive than on the 705. The increased sensitivity really helps the usability. That said, people who use other touchscreen devices (e.g. iPhone) may find that the screen is still not as sensitive/responsive as other devices.
* Size -- although the screen is the same size between the 2 units, the 7 is slightly shorter and thinner than the 705 (but not by much). The 7's glossy case does collect fingerprints rather quickly, but that's purely an aesthetic issue.
Advantages of the 705 over the 7:
* Archos dropped the mini-USB plug that was used to connect the Archos to your computer. It now uses a proprietary connector for this purpose.
* They also dropped the USB host port from that came with the 705. The 7 includes the USB host capability, but to use it you must purchase the DVR station or mini-dock add-ons. This was built-in directly in the 705 unit. This makes using the device to dump pictures from your digital camera more of a hassle as one more attachment must be carried just for this.
* They also dropped the video out connecter that was standard in the 705. Again, to use this feature with the 7 you'll need the DVR station or mini-dock.
* No stylus or case included -- I've found that using my finger generally works fine but a stylus is still better/more accurate on the screen. Luckily, the 705 came with 2 of them, so I use the spare with my 7. As for the case, you'll have to buy one from Archos to a third party if you want/need one.
Things I wish they would have improved:
* Weight -- this is one heavy device at nearly 1.5 lbs. Granted, the size makes carrying it in a pocket prohibitive, but the weight would do you in otherwise. Fine for a travel bag though and definitely much lighter than a laptop.
* Most plugins still not free -- The browser plugin and "web radio/tv" plugins are now free, but to view many online videos and items ripped from DVD, you'll need to plunk down extra $ for those plugins.
* Support for Flash 9 -- The Archos ostensibly ships with support for Flash 9, but what they don't tell you is that not all Flash 9.x versions are created equally. For example, while most clips on YouTube work, the version of Flash on the Archos does not support popular sites like Hulu. This for me is one of the largest disappointments of the Archos 7.
* No HD or 3G plugins available -- despite what the product description days, the plugins that provides HD video thru the DVR dock (or mini-dock) and which support a 3G wireless connection thru a USB dongle do not actually exist. There's also a very good chance they never will. Archos is notorious for promoting features which are never delivered. If either of these plugins is critical in your decision to purchase the Archos 7, you would be best off waiting until they are released before making the purchase.
For me, I use the 7/705 as a travel companion so I can watch videos, browse the web and store digital pictures. For web use, the 7 is a huge improvement. For videos, the better screen is a nice improvement, but for picture storage, the lack of the built-in USB host port and the need to carry the mini-dock is a bummer.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Archos 7 160 GB Internet Media Tablet

Click here for more information about Archos 7 160 GB Internet Media Tablet

Read More...

Archos 5 500 GB Internet Tablet with Android Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I just got my new Android 5 500GB direct from Archos yesterday and its quite a beauty. I'm upgrading from my old Archos 5 250GB, so that will be my primary point of comparison. I also have the following to compare to: iPod Touch 64GB, Archos 605, Walkman X, Samsung P2, and a host of other MP3 players large and small.
Given that my iPod Touch upgrade this year was less than astounding, I pretty much figured that this upgrade for Archos would be similarly understated. Mainly I just wanted the extra hard drive so I could backup all my laptops onto my music player. I was wrong! The new Android version seems to have a whole new feel both in form factor and the new software. I had heard that Archos was having problems with the software, but they seem to have ironed most of them out as of 1.1 firmware release. I did update my firmware immediately, and the process was quite smooth.
I'm going to rate this player on my absolute scale. I will also be making notes on the value of the upgrade from my old Archos 5. Note: I mostly use this as a media center to play music and video; secondarily as a backup drive.
Let's get to it then, these are the things I love about my new Android:
1) 500GB -- totally awesome amount of disk, I can now put just about every digital file I own on the Archos.
2) Android interface -- the overall feel of the software interface has definitively improved with the integration of Android. Effects are crisper, the esthetics are cleaner, things seem to happen faster. I especially like how easy it is to access the most recently played song or video from the main screen, pops up with a little thumbnail that you tap on and voila, resumes right where you left off!
3) Apps -- with Android we now have access to some serious app selection. Of course, nobody compares to the Apple App Store, but this comes the closest.
4) Weight -- this actually feels lighter to me than my 250GB.
5) Dock/DVR -- this popped right into my old 5 DVR and started playing right away. I still think this is the best DVR/Player combination available of all the MP3 players.
6) Video/Hi Def -- of the players I have owned, this has the best, biggest, and highest resolution screen.
7) Portrait/Landscape -- Archos has borrowed the iPhone trick of rotating the display according to orientation. I guess they have an accelerometer in there now, I dunno. Still, its fun to see this feature on an Archos. Its a lot easier to navigate playlists in portrait mode.
8) Easy and regular firmware updates -- with a WiFi connection, the firmware updates are easily performed on the unit itself. That's the easiest system I've seen of all my players. One thing I've learned about Archos over the years, they will put out a steady stream of firmware updates.
9) WMV/MTP mode-- very smooth interface to Windows for either Media Monkey or Windows Media Player.
10) Dedicated volume button -- power and volume buttons have been conveniently located onto the top edge. This is actually much easier to use when it is docked on the DVR (which is where mine spends most of its life!).
11) Sound quality is quite good, sounds great through my Klipsch speakers and seems to have more oomph than my other players.
12) WiFi/Browser -- has a good browser and WiFi connection has worked well for me. I think the keyboard is better than the Touch's, although Safari is probably the slightly superior browser. The bigger screen also helps for browsing. Overall I'm inclined to give the Archos the top ranking for browsers.
13) I just discovered Twidroid, one of many apps pre-loaded, allows me to check my Twitter in a really nice format -- love it!
14) Portability -- well there's only so much portability that can be expected with a screen and hard drive this large. This new design is smoother and rounder so its a little more comfortable in a pocket. It is very easy to carry around as a handheld device, fits nicely in my hand as I stroll about the house trying out all of the Android Apps! In any case, this is not as portable as a Touch but I think its pretty good for a small computer -- which is basically what this is.
15) No extra plug ins needed (so far!). Always in the past I've laid out another $40 for additional Archos plugins to play iPod format music and other video formats. So far I haven't had to do that -- thank you Archos :)
16) Archos will stand behind their product. I've had to send in a couple of Archos units over the years and they have always been happy to either repair or replace the unit without quibbling about it, as long as its under warranty. Note: it did take two weeks to get my unit back!
17) Multi threading: now I show my engineer/geek side. This baby can do a bunch of different stuff at the same time, unlike the iPhone/Touch which can really only do one thing at a time. The Android can be doing other stuff while you are listening music. I love the little bar on the top that you can pull down and switch to any other task that is running.
18) Built-in kickstand, very nice feature.
19) Stylus friendly touch screen -- sometimes you just get tired of trying to type a touchscreen keyboard with fat fingers! In general, this is one of my favorite touch screens. Most of the other touch screens, including iPod/iPhone, are capacitance which means stylus won't work
20) Micro USB cable plug-in: finally a standardized USB plug and you can have it resting on its kickstand while plugged in :)
Given that the Archos tops the class in several categories, and continues to be the best 500GB 5 inch screen player available I give it about a 4.7 stars out of 5 (round to 5). There are a few things I'm less than thrilled about:
1) Update: I believe you can now format your drive in a Windows friendly format on 1.7.96 version of firmware. External hard drive EXT3 -- as I understand it, Archos changed to the EXT3 hard drive format for reasons of speed and reliability. The result for me is that I can no longer simply select hard drive MSC mode, plug the Archos into a Windows machine and expect to access the drive. You have to install an Ext3 driver such as EXT2 IFS on your Windows PC. Once I did that I was able to access the hard drive and backup files to my hearts content.
2) The playlist interface didn't get much of an upgrade and its still kind of clunky. I want to simply tap my playlist and it starts playing. Often times I have to do a couple of extra taps to get the thing playing.
3) We lost the dedicated play button and removable battery a while back -- but I still miss them both! None of my favorite touch screen players has either of these features. I'm also missing the brown metallic color and the rubbery backside.
4) Finding a case for this baby is no easy trick. You're not going to find one at the local Best Buy I'm afraid. In the past I've resorted to ordering my Archos cases from European companies like I-nique and Noreve. This is generally true of any player that is not an iPod or a Zune.
5) As always with Archos, you must remember that you are dealing with a French based company. This means that they don't always provide the best support/service/upgrades to us Americans.
6) Lets face it, Archos is always playing catch up. Some of the new features aren't fully functional yet. I do have faith that Archos will fix all the little glitches with things like GPS over the course of the next 6 months. The Apps available are currently a bit limited. I expect this will improve over the coming months.
7) Keep in mind that this is not a unit for the faint of heart. This is more for the hobbyist who wants a cutting edge experience that may take some messing around to get it just the way you want it. If you want something easy that requires minimum effort then iPods are going to be more your cup of tea.
For me this is still the best player of its class -- that class being large hard drive, big screen PMP players with other fun features. Android makes for some fun possibilities, and overall I'm impressed with this as an upgrade. Once again, if you don't mind a smaller screen and you love apps I suggest you get an iPod Touch. If what you care about most is sound quality you may want to get a Walkman X. For me those are your top 3 touch screen players, it just depends on what you care about the most.
Note: 10-23-2009; I upgraded to firmware version 1.2.03 which fixes some App, Browser, and YouTube issues. Apps do seem happier now, upgrade process was very smooth. Still happily listening to tunes for about 8 hours a day with no problems :)
Update 11-7-2009: I've been running version 1.2.15 with a host of bug fixes and the unit does seem more stable in general now. Wifi is working better and USB connection seems more reliable.
Update 11-23-2009: Upgrade to firmware v 1.3.07 -- a long list of bug fixes including a few improvements that I had hoped for to control the scanning of multimedia files/ ArcLibrary. Got an AppsLib update which seems to work more reliably. There seem to be a lot more apps available now (300 ish) in AppsLib. Just keeps getting better and better! Still is playing music day in and day out with no problems and I'm backing up 2 laptops worth of files onto my 5 IT.
Update 12-18-2009: I've been on firmware 1.4.16 for over a week now. Lots of little fixes, seems even more stable now.
Update 2-11-2010: Firmware 1.7.33 (Android Donut) upgrade. The upgrade was a bit of work, I ended up reformatting the drive and starting anew. However, power saving seems to work a lot better and I haven't seen it reset itself for quite a while now. This seems to be the most solid release yet!
Update 4-8-2010: Firmware...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: Archos 5 500 GB Internet Tablet with Android

ARCHOS, award-winning for its constant technology innovation, now introduces its new ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet. This product combines all the multimedia know-how that ARCHOS is famous for, with the ANDROID operating system. It offers you an uncompromised Internet, Media and TV experience in a customizable interface. In perpetual evolution with the continuous arrival of new applications, you can personalize your ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet to perfectly reflect your tastes and needs.


HD Multimedia
Brilliant 5-inch Touchscreen The ARCHOS 5 features an 800 pixel-wide 5-inch touchscreen, an ultra thin design, and an accelerometer for portrait or landscape viewing. Whether enjoying media yourself or sharing with friends, it delivers outstanding image quality.
HD Video Formats Don't compromise--the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet is able to handle the widest range of video formats, even at HD 720p resolution (H.264 HD, MPEG-4 HD, and WMV HD5).
Your Music Everywhere Enjoy more music formats directly on your device (MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, AAC+, FLAC and OGG Vorbis). In addition, the unique ARCHOS music browsing system allows you to create your playlists without using a PC. Who needs a tuner? Just plug your ARCHOS 5 into amplified speakers and you're all set.
Experience Your Photos Browse through your photos with a simple flick of your finger or play a slideshow with music and transition effects. The high resolution screen is great for zooming in on details.
Take It All With a 500 GB Hard Drive, you won't waste time choosing what files to bring along--take your entire media library with you.

Internet
Fast & Convenient Web Surfing The ARCHOS 5 lets you easily surf the Web. With a Wi-Fi connection (802.11 b/g/n) and the new OMAP3440 processor running at 800 MHz, you get quick and responsive Internet browsing just like on a laptop, without the endless waits for page loads. Enjoy the Web in full width thanks to the 800 pixel wide screen, with no need to zoom in or out.
3.5 G Mobile Phone Connection If you own a standard mobile phone equipped with 3.5 G & Bluetooth technology, simply pair it up to your ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet via Bluetooth. This will give you easy access to Internet directly on your device anytime and anywhere.
Web TV and Web Radio In less than 3 clicks, you can access nearly 1,000 Web TV channels, over 10,000 Web radio stations, and 100,000 podcasts. There's no downloading wait time. Radio and TV start streaming directly from a worldwide list of traditional and independent radio and TV stations.
Media Club The Media Club remains the easiest way to get video and music content on the go. With an even richer library with new partners and some of the biggest industry names, you'll discover a large library of movies, documentaries, music albums, and games. Buy or rent your entertainment in a couple of clicks and start watching it on your ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet.

GPS
Full-Featured GPS Whether you are walking or driving, you will always find your destination with the on-board GPS. The GPS includes voice assistance, points of interest, fast multiple-route calculations, and car/pedestrian/adventure modes based on the latest maps from Tele Atlas with 3D landmarks.
You can go to your account at anytime on the ARCHOS website and purchase the available maps or cities.
3D Photo-Realistic City Navigation Find your way around cities in 3D Photo Realistic mode. With multi-angle views and four zoom levels, you'll be able to recognize places as if you had taken your own photos from the sky. This is ideal when walking and visiting large cities in the US (available Q1 2010).
Free 7-Day Trial Try the GPS for 7 days free of charge.

TV
HD TV-Out With the Optional DVR Station or HDMI Mini Dock Turn your TV into a real web-connected multimedia platform. Enjoy all the ARCHOS functions on the big screen of your living room. Watch your movies in HD (720p), listen to your music, share your high resolution pictures, play games or surf the Web.
Record your favorite programs with the Optional DVR Station With the optional DVR Station, you have the perfect match for your ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet at home. Record TV shows and movies in one step using with the included remote control. Then you can enjoy your recording at home on your wide-screen TV or in the palm of your hand when you are out.

Applications

Ready to go with pre-installed applications Enjoy a selection of fun and practical applications for daily use right out of the box:
eBuddy IM: for instant messaging The multi-platform instant messaging application. Chat from one place to all your friends on the various platforms. Supports MSN, Yahoo, Gtalk, Facebook, ICQ, MySpace and AIM (AOL)
DroidIn: for connecting to LinkedIn Connect to your LinkedIn account to exchange information, ideas and opportunities. Stay informed about your contacts and industry. Find the people & knowledge you need to achieve your goals. Control your career online.
Twitroid: for instant micro-blogging Twitroid is the industry-standard Twitter client for the Android platform. Easily access the famous free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables you to send and read tweets, publish short URLs and pictures.
Deezer: for music streaming Enjoy 35 free web radio stations and the SmartRadio directly on your ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet.
Dailymotion: for viewing and sharing videos Browse videos by searching tags, channels or user-created groups.
QuickPedia: for access to Wikipedia Access to the free web-based and collaborative encyclopedia.
ThinkFree Mobile: for viewing Office documents This application allows you to view, edit and create Microsoft Office 97/2000/XP/2003/2007 Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF documents. You will get a free update before year-end allowing you to also edit and create documents.
E-mail & contacts Stay in contact by using the full integrated Email and contacts applications.
Moov: toggles easily between your apps Moov wraps up your search needs all in one place, so you can quickly toggle between the product's contacts, Google, Wikipedia and the remaining Applications on your product.
CraigsPhone: for access to online classified advertisements CraigsPhone is a centralized network of online communities, featuring free online classified advertisements � with sections devoted to jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, gigs, r�sum�s, and discussion forums.
High Paying Jobs: for access to a list of jobs (US & Canada only) Browse through jobs lists directly on the Product. Search over 2 million jobs from all the leading jobsites.

Add-ons
DVR Station This accessory allows you to record TV, play video back to your TV and charge your ARCHOS. Recording your favorite programs has never been so easy. You can also surf the Web or stream web video to your TV while comfortably laid back on your couch using the included remote control as a keyboard and mouse pointer.
DVR Snap-on Use our DVR Snap-on to record from almost any audio or video analog source when you are on the move.
Mini Dock Transfer your files directly from USB keys, digital cameras, or other portable media players. Quickly charge your ARCHOS with the included charger/adapter. Play video out to your TV with video output in high quality S-Video or standard quality composite.
HDMI Mini Dock Optimize TV playback with HDMI output quality. Transfer your files directly from USB keys, digital cameras, or other portable media players from the standard USB port. Quickly charge your ARCHOS with the included charger/adapter.
Battery Dock Transfer your files directly from USB sticks, digital cameras, or other portable media players. Quickly charge your ARCHOS with the included charger/adapter and get extended playback with the built-in backup battery. Play video out to your TV with video output in high quality S-Video or standard quality composite.

What's in the Box ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet, headphones, Standard USB cable, DVR Station adapter, Quick Start Guide (QSG), legal and safety notice.

Click here for more information about Archos 5 500 GB Internet Tablet with Android

Read More...

Yamaha MCX-2000 MusicCAST Digital Audio Server Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Easy setup, easy to store music. Nice to be able to pack away almost 200 CDs. Only problem is I wish the hard drive was bigger.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha MCX-2000 MusicCAST Digital Audio Server

One of the most persistent challenges of setting up a modern digital audio system is integrating all the various formats and components. Half your music collection may be stored on CD, while the rest is spread between vinyl, MP3, and other formats. That's where the Yamaha MCX-2000 MusicCAST digital audio server comes into play. Not only does the MusicCAST server store up to 40,000 songs on its built-in 160 GB hard drive--making it easy to access your favorite tunes at a moment's notice--but it also converts vinyl records into digital formats while playing XM satellite and Internet radio streams. In short, the MCX-2000 serves as an all-in-one music management system, letting every family member listen to what they want, when they want, at the touch of a button.
Once the server is loaded with music, the MusicCAST system can communicate with up to 15 separate clients--five wirelessly and 10 wired--to play music throughout the house on virtually any type of speaker system. Want to play music on the bedroom or garage speakers without running speaker wire throughout the house? Integrate the server with a MusicCAST MCX-A10 wireless client and a couple of speaker pairs. The full system will give you full access to the server's massive audio catalogue from anywhere in the home. No more installing a portable boombox in the kitchen or settling for certain CDs because your bedroom system doesn't play MP3s. The MusicCAST system--which is essentially a 16-zone multi-room audio warehouse--does it all.
Music storage is really the MCX-2000's specialty, however. The device includes a CD slot that easily uploads songs to the hard drive in their original quality (around 200 hours worth), or converts them to compressed MP3 files (at 160k, 256k, or 320k compression rates) for distribution to the clients. Listeners can also upload songs via external inputs, such as iPods, PCs, and even turntables. Once the songs are loaded, you can stack your CDs and LPs in the closet never to be heard from again, and spend your newfound free time creating tons of versatile playlists for special occasions, parties, or just to meet your mood. And as with traditional CD players and MP3 players, the MCX-2000 offers a host of other playback options, including old standbys random play and repeat play.
The MusicCAST's radio support extends from FM frequencies to Internet streaming to XM-ready capability. To enjoy the full complement of XM satellite radio stations, listeners will need an XM antenna (sold separately) and a subscription to the service. The Internet streaming, however, is instantly available to anyone who connects the MCX-2000 to the Internet, whether through a wired or wireless connection. The server comes preconfigured with five radio URLs, and it's easy to add others to the list.
As an added bonus, the server can also play back music files from a PC that offers Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) compatibility. In other words, PC users won't have to transfer all their MP3, WMA, or other files to the MCX-2000 to enjoy playback through the system. This is especially gratifying for hardcore music fans for whom a 160 GB hard drive just isn't big enough.
File navigation and organization is straightforward and user-friendly thanks to the system's efficient graphical user interface and remote control, which let you quickly scan through artist, album, track, and genre menus gleaned from the CDDB music recognition database. And listeners who won't stand to let a good playlist go to waste will dig the built-in CD recorder, which transfers music at a lightning fast speed to CD for later playback on a car stereo or a friend's system.
Jacks include a wireless IEEE 802.11b/g network protocol for communicating with wireless clients, an Ethernet connection for wired client or Internet hookups, analog and Toslink digital audio inputs and outputs, S-video and composite video outputs for onscreen displays, a PS/2 connection port for connecting a keyboard, and a headphone jack with its own level control.
The MCX-2000 measures 17.12 by 3.75 by 16.06 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box MCX-2000 server, remote control, power cord, user's manual.

Get 55% OFF

Click here for more information about Yamaha MCX-2000 MusicCAST Digital Audio Server

Read More...

Yamaha NP-S2000 Network Audio Player (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Yamaha was a little late with this product, however, this is the direction music has taken. CD ssales are slipping and someday may be like the LP. This server has a much better digital to analog converter than my $1800 CD player. Interface to the PC was easy. One DISADVANTAGE is that it will not read anything greater than 96k - 24 bit files. It's a high end music server that does not read high end audio files!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha NP-S2000 Network Audio Player (Black)

Let the Yamaha NP-S2000 become your home audio hub. This network player acts as the gateway between music locked on your CDs, PC, or other devices and your home theater system. It offers simple, full control of your music library wherever you are, with a richer, wider data stream than the standard DAP interface. All your music is now ready to be discovered on your home network.

Get 17% OFF

Click here for more information about Yamaha NP-S2000 Network Audio Player (Black)

Read More...

Popcorn Hour C-200 Networked Media Tank (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)BUYER BEWARE!!! I bought the C-200 back in December 2009, it worked well for a while but died in August 2010, I had to send it back to popconhour for a new motherboard :( The device does play everything you throw at it and is faily versatile in that it can take an optional bluray drive and more internal store etc. Unfortunately it is an ugly addition to a home theatre setup. There is no offical support that I can see, most of the problems people have with playback seem to be addressed with firmware updates. It is NOT worth the price, there are many alternactive devices available now which do just as good a job, WDTV, PlayOn, ASROCK ION 330 etc. Trust me, it is a hassle to keep this thing working well. The forums over on networkedmediatank shows many uswers having problems which are NEVER resolved. Best steer clear of this box and all other popcornhour devices folks.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Popcorn Hour C-200 Networked Media Tank (Black)

It's Time to Unleash Your TVThe Popcorn Hour C-200 is the most powerful and versatile Networked Media Tank yet. It's blazing-fast processor, Blu-ray capability and storage options make the C-200 an ideal addition to your home theater or high-definition entertainment system. All Your Media in One BoxWith Popcorn Hour you can stream or playback digital media content from a variety of sources, such as your PC, network-attached storage, digital camera or USB storage (flash drive, hard disk, and DVD drive). Popcorn Hour also makes it easy to download and stream content directly from popular Internet sites like SHOUTcast' Radio, Blip.tv, Revision 3 and dozens of others. Popcorn Hour even has a built-in download utility, eliminating the need to rely on your PC to download files from the Internet.Expand Your Possibilities' The C-200 includes the most expansion options with a total of 5 USB ports and 2 SATA ports for all your storage needs.' You can add a Blu-ray drive** to turn your Popcorn Hour C-200 into a full-featured Blu-ray player.' You can add a hard drive to create a central library of all your digital media files, ready to play on your HDTV at any time.**Requires at least 1GB storage space (USB or Hard Disk) for full playback.

Click here for more information about Popcorn Hour C-200 Networked Media Tank (Black)

Read More...

Nokia N900 Unlocked Phone/Mobile Computer with 3.5-Inch Touchscreen, QWERTY, 5 MP Camera, Maemo Browser, 32 GB--U.S. Version with Full Warranty Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Review Updated June 1, 2010
=======================
Design & Hardware
=======================
[CONSTRUCTION]: The surface of the N900 is a smooth black matte finish. The build material is aluminum, steel and rubber/plastic. The N900 easily fits in a pocket, being smaller than the N810 but noticeably thicker than most phones. The four front components are the status light, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and VGA camera. There is a consumer infrared port (universal remote), wrist strap option, stylus and kickstand. The removable back contains the main camera, SIM, battery and microSDHC slot. Removal requires some strength but it's reassuring knowing it won't fall off.
[KEYBOARD]: The keyboard is side-sliding with a smooth, springless mechanism providing a solid feel. The keyboard is three-row, localized and backlit with rubberized key surfaces. The keys are more difficult to use than devices with rounded keys but are still easier than virtual keyboards. While reaching speeds of 35-40 WPM is realistic, extended use is rather tiring. It is possible connect a USB or Bluetooth keyboard, gamepad, mouse and even a Wii Remote.
[TV-OUT]: There is 480i resolution TV-out which uses an included 3.5mm jack with 4 rings. These are ground, audio left and right, and composite video. Useful for watching movies, playing games or doing work that requires a big screen.
[SCREEN]: The 16 million color, 800x480 pixel display is incredible. It is pressure-sensitive, 15:9 aspect and transflective, making the screen easier to see in direct light. It uses a surprisingly responsive resistive touch screen allowing use with gloves, fingernails or a stylus. The ambient light sensor adjusts the brightness automatically. Lack of multi-touch means cumbersome "swirling" gestures in some software but is generally not a huge issue.
[CAMERAS]: The main camera is a 5MP Carl Zeiss, the same as the Nokia N97. It comes with a sliding shutter to protect the recessed lens. There is also a front-facing 640x480 webcam. The camera interface is the same as the S60. The image quality is sharp, skin tones are vivid and there is very little, if any, chromatic aberration at the edges. The camera uses the accelerometer when photographing so the photo viewer can show the picture "up" however the N900 is held. Take a portrait picture and view it landscape and it'll be small. Turn the device and it'll fill the screen. There are the following modes: Automatic, Macro, Portrait, Landscape, Action, and Auto video. The camera can take 848×480 resolution video at 25 fps. The video quality is crisp, recording at an impressive 3000 kb/s but the framerate usually drops to 20fps and the audio has a noticeable metallic tone. The camera also works with Adobe Flash.
[CPU]: The CPU is an ARM-based TI OMAP 3430 600MHz clocked at 500MHz but can be overclocked. Some users of the Maemo forums have managed to push it up to 1.2GHz. This allows improved performance with high resolution media, gaming/emulators and web browsing among many others. Overclocking requires downloading a modified kernel with the desired speed. They are generally made available in 50Mhz steps such as 800MHz and 850MHz. Then simply run fiasco-image-update on the download. While overclocking would normally reduce battery life, most kernels also provide underclocks for idle which allows the N900 to use significantly less power when not in use, the net result often being EXTENDED battery life. According to Nokia, overclocking does void the warranty. Since the N900 does not have any active cooling the heat created by overclocking could significantly shorten the N900's life if pushed too much. N900 units are unique, each will overclock differently. So far though the series does seem to overclock extremely well.
[BATTERY]: The battery is a 1320mAh Nokia BL-5J, 22% smaller than the BP-4L. A full battery with unoptimized settings allows about 5-9 hours of continuous talk time, 5 hours of music or a few hours of 3G. 3G/3.5G drains the battery faster than Wi-Fi. Lowering brightness, removing desktop widgets and disabling GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G easily triples battery life. Charging is through microUSB which takes about 4-5 hours for an empty battery. An issue with the USB port breaking off has been acknowledged by Nokia as a design oversight, they advise care should be taken while plugging/unplugging devices to mitigate this problem. The "complete cycle" method some people use is for calibrating multicell laptop batteries, but the N900 only has a single cell battery so it's pointless and marginally harmful to do complete discharge cycles as there's nothing to calibrate.
[INTERNAL MEMORY]: The N900 has two memory chips. The first is a 32GB eMMC: 768MB of 'virtual memory' (swap), 2GB for settings and software (ext3 /home), the last ~26GB (MyDocs) is for your files only (software not allowed). The second chip is 256MB of NAND memory (RAM) used for bootloader, kernel and rootfs, twice that of the N810. Optionally, several gigabytes are used for the localized offline Ovi Maps, useful in areas without data coverage.
[EXPANDABLE MEMORY]: The N900 has a hot-swappable microSDHC slot under the rear panel. It supports microSDHC cards up to 32GB of any class. The included cable can connect the N900 to a computer for easy transfer of files by allowing the N900 to act as a hard drive, though only "MyDocs" is accessible.
[GPS & MAPS]: The GPS is a real GPS and has the addition of assisted GPS. The cold fix time with data is about 10-40 seconds with accuracy as good as the Nokia N97. Pre-loaded Ovi Maps are available so a data connection is not required. GPS usually works fine offline, if slow, but due to a bug can fail as the map engine may ask for a connection even when the maptiles are loaded. Ovi Maps uses the GPS to show local weather information. Navigation and mapping with Ovi Maps is free but there is no turn-by-turn voice navigation. The low 1.0 version is due to it being the first Maemo release of Ovi maps explaining the lack of features it has compared to the 3.0 version available on Symbian. Some omissions being the inability to save routes, and inability to look up a contact's address.
[FM TRANSMITTER]: The integrated FM transmitter puts audio from the device into radio frequency so you can tune a radio to that frequency and play N900 media wirelessly. It works as advertised but must be very close to the receiving radio.
[RADIOS]: The signal strength of the N900's 3G radio is weak. It is possible to turn off the cellular radio without disabling Wi-Fi/Bluetooth by going into offline mode and then manually enabling either. The N900 can use another phone as a 3G modem over Bluetooth but setup is complicated. Bluetooth DUN and PAN modes are supported via community software. Advanced WLAN security, like different kinds of EAP (EAP-PEAP, EAP-MSCHAPv2, etc.), different ciphers (RSA, 3DES, SHA, etc.) and "authority certificates" (algorithms like X.509, SHA1RSA) are all supported. With Bluetooth DUN, tethering is supported.
[AUDIO]: The built-in stereo speakers are loud but lacking in bass. They make an acceptable portable radio. Bluetooth headphones work great. The audio quality of the 3.5mm jack is loud and slightly more "forward" sounding than the more "laid back" or "polite" sound of other smartphones but without the response peaks, valleys or ripples that so often mar the critical 1,000 Hz. region. Audio sounds more "present" than with similar devices. The included earphones have a somewhat dirty signal. Higher frequencies hiss, losing details and the brightness and dynamic volume are shallow, lacking weight and depth. The earphone wires feel like they will become loose over time.
========================
Application Software
========================
[SCREEN ORIENTATION]: Most software and the main N900 interface only work in landscape mode. The only time it can be switched to portrait mode is when making or receive a phone call. Rotating the phone into portrait mode opens the keypad automatically after a delay. As of PR 1.2, portrait mode is available for the web browser by default. Emails, Contacts, App and File mangers and PDF reader now all support portrait mode but you must press Ctrl+Shift+R every time to enable it. Third party software orientation is at the discretion of the software developer.
[WEB BROWSER]: The overall web experience is amazing, perhaps the best available in a device this size. The web browser is MicroB and supports full Adobe Flash, video and applets providing a very fast, full web experience. Tapping zooms and centers where tapped. Making a circular motion zooms gradually. Moving a finger off the left of the screen produces a mouse arrow for websites requiring this operation. The Flash version is 9.4. Flash 10.1 was originally planned for Q1 2010 but the Head of Maemo Operations, Mountain View has stated that it is never coming to the N900, only to future MeeGo devices. Many Flash games play fine but the keyboard can be iffy. Unfortunately some Flash applets still run after closing the browser and drain the battery. The simplest fix is to reboot. MicroB is based on Firefox which uses Gecko, Webkit browsers are also freely available.
[COPY AND PASTE]: Copy and pasting text is allowed in all menus and textboxes.
[SOCIAL NETWORKING]: The N900 comes with utilities for using Twitter and Facebook. Social presence is a global service, once connected, the contact list is updated realtime, there's no need to launch 'Contacts'. IM support for MSN, ICQ, AIM, Yahoo, IRC and more is also available through Pidgin. Video calls can be made over IP using Google Talk. Email supports Mail for Exchange (including 2003) and IMAP/POP3...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nokia N900 Unlocked Phone/Mobile Computer with 3.5-Inch Touchscreen, QWERTY, 5 MP Camera, Maemo Browser, 32 GB--U.S. Version with Full Warranty

Update your Nokia N900 with the latest software.Combining a mobile computer, cell phone, high-quality camera, and portable media player into a single device, the Nokia N900 unlocked cell phone offers fast 3G connectivity, global roaming capabilities, and a wealth of messaging capabilities to keep you in touch with family, friends, and business associates wherever you roam. It runs the new Linux-based Maemo operating system, which brings the benefits of your PC to your mobile world. Enjoy fast application processing and multitasking on the N900's live dashboard--a panoramic home screen that can be fully personalized with favorite shortcuts, widgets, and applications--and experience the full web with the Maemo browser and high-speed wireless broadband connectivity. It's all accessed via the N900's 3.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen as well as the device's slide-out full QWERTY keyboard.
Take high-quality photos and widescreen videos using the 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics. You'll also be able to tag photos with keywords and browse them using the tag cloud, geotag images with the location data of where they were shot, share online via Ovi Share or Flickr, or store for mobile viewing on the N900's 32 GB internal memory--which can also be expanded via optional microSD memory cards.

The quad-band Nokia N900 GSM/EDGE phone makes it easy to roam globally and stay in touch with voice and text messaging, and this model is also ready to run on 3G networks both in the US and internationally (900/1700/2100 MHz HSPA), enabling fast downloads and streaming multimedia while on the go. It also includes integrated Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g) for accessing open networks at work, home, and on the road from a variety of wireless hotspots. You'll also be able to connect to a wide variety of peripherals--including stereo headphones--with the Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) capabilities.

With the integrated A-GPS sensor, the device intuitively understands where it is, giving you the ability to search maps for addresses and points of interest using the Ovi Maps application and route a path to your destination.
Learn about all the N900's features in this Nokia Demo Guide PDF.
Unlocked Phone This unlocked cell phone can be used with a GSM network service provider. It does not come with a SIM card, and it requires that you provide a SIM card for usage with your selected service provider. This phone comes with a full manufacturer's warranty.

When paired with a compatible 3G network, you'll enjoy a high-speed connection offering a variety of feature-rich wireless services--from data connectivity to your office to multimedia streaming--and be able to take advantage of simultaneous voice and data services. In areas not served by a 3G network, you'll continue to receive data service via EDGE network (depending on network compatibility).

Note that the downloading of maps, games, music and videos, and uploading of images and videos involves transferring large amounts of data. Your service provider may charge for the data transmission, and the availability of particular services and features may vary by carrier.



Key Features
Fast 3G connectivity with broadband-like speeds via 900/1700/2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA.
Integrated assisted GPS (A-GPS) receiver for navigation using the Ovi Maps application as well as for geotagging photos and accessing location services used by popular social networking sites. Switch between rich 3D, satellite and hybrid map views.
3.5-inch touchscreen display with built-in accelerometer and 800 x 480-pixel resolution. (Learn more)
Slide-out full QWERTY keyboard as well as virtual onscreen keyboard. Speed your typing up further with smart on-screen features and word completion.
Maemo 5 software and user interface with direct touch logic, 3D accelerated graphics, and multi-window multitasking menu logic. (Learn more)
5-megapixel Carl Zeiss autofocus camera with dual LED flash and sliding lens cover for protection and camera activation. (Learn more)
Capture WVGA 16:9 video in higher than DVD resolution.
Digital audio and video playback with multi-format compatibilities plus TV output (cable included) and FM radio.
Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity with stereo music streaming (A2DP) capabilities as well as hands-free headsets and car kits. (Learn more)
Wi-Fi networking for accessing the Internet from home, corporate and hotspot networks (802.11b/g); includes WEP, WPA, WPA2 security protocols.
32 GB internal memory expandable up to 48 GB via optional microSD cards (up to 16 GB in size).
Full messaging capabilities including SMS, mobile instant messaging (with presence-enhanced contacts), personal and corporate email (with support for Exchange and viewing attachments).
Easily set up multiple email accounts with support for popular email providers.
Keep multiple SMS & IM conversations going and move easily between them.
Mozilla-powered full HTML browser with support for Adobe Flash player and ability to keep multiple web windows open.
Organizer tools including calendar, clock, notes, calculator, and sketch
Full range of applications including Ovi Maps, PDF reader, and RSS reader
Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off.

Vital Statistics The Nokia N900 weighs 6.38 ounces (with 1320 mAh lithium-ion battery) and measures 4.37 x 2.35 x 0.77 inches. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as the 900/1700/2100 MHz HSPA 3G frequencies.



Learn More
Touchscreen and Full QWERTY Keyboard Large and gorgeously colorful, the Nokia N900's 3.5-inch touch display offers an 800 x 480-pixel resolution. The resistive touch screen includes haptic feedback so you know when you've pressed a key or onscreen menu, brightness control, an ambient light detector, and an orientation sensor that effortlessly switches from portrait to landscape viewing. The desktop can be personalized with up to four different views. You can also use a stylus for onscreen input.
When you're ready to start typing email or text/instant messages, just flip the N900 on its left side and slide the face up to reveal the full QWERTY keyboard with predictive typing capabilities. The display pivots to an angle that makes it easy to read the screen while you're typing. The N900 also includes a kickstand that enables you to place the device on a desk or airplane's seatback table to watch videos.

The Nokia N900 has 32 GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 48 GB via optional microSD cards (up to 16 GB in size).



Powerful ComputingRunning on the new Maemo 5 software, the Nokia N900 enables you to have dozens of application windows open and running simultaneously while taking full advantage of the cellular features, touch screen, and QWERTY keyboard. Designed for computer-grade performance in a compact size, Maemo complements Nokia's other software platforms, such as Symbian, which powers Nokia's smartphones.
The Nokia N900 packs a powerful ARM Cortex-A8 processor, with up to 1GB of application memory and OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics acceleration. The result is PC-like multitasking, allowing many applications to run simultaneously. Switching between applications is simple, as all running content is constantly available through the dashboard. The panoramic home screen can be fully personalized with favorite shortcuts, widgets, and applications. Thanks to the browser powered by Mozilla technology, web sites look the way they would on any computer. Online videos and interactive applications are vivid with full Adobe Flash 9.4 support. Maemo software updates happen automatically over the Internet.



Powerful 5-Megapixel Carl Zeiss Optics With the Carl Zeiss optics on the 5-megapixel camera, you can capture print quality photos and DVD-like quality video clips. Carl Zeiss, a world leader in high quality camera lenses, brings an award-winning legacy to the Nokia N900 with state-of-the-art optics for mobile photography and mobile video. The Zeiss name has been associated with cameras from Hasselblad, Rollei, Yashica, Sony, and Nikon.
Tag photos with keywords to easily find them later on with a keyword cloud display, and see where your images were taken with the automatic geotagging. The camera offers an auto-focus Carl Zeiss lens with two-stage capture key, dual LED flash, and JPEG/EXIF still image file format. Other features include a full-screen viewfinder, dedicated camera key, sliding lens cover for protection and camera activation, and a photo editor. Upload your photos and videos to Ovi Share and share them online with friends and family.

The N900 can also capture videos in a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio at 800 x 480 pixels and 30 frames per second (fps). Additionally, the N900 includes a VGA camera on the front for use of video calling services (dependent upon carrier; additional charges applicable).

After shooting photos and videos, you can connect the N900 to an external monitor or TV (NTSC/PAL) using the included cable, and control playback via UPNP (WLAN supported).



Stay Connected via email The Nokia N900 supports email accounts from more than a thousand internet service providers (ISPs) around the world (SMTP, IMAP4, POP3), as well as Gmail, Yahoo! mail, and Hotmail. People who use Microsoft Exchange at work can access their email using the Mail for Exchange mobile email client, which comes pre-loaded (an Exchange email account is required and your Exchange Administrator must have enabled your account for synchronization). You'll enjoy reliable real-time access to your email, calendar, contacts, and tasks, as well as be able to download attachments like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files directly to the device.


Wireless Freedom with Bluetooth
In addition to the integrated hands-free speakerphone, this phone provides the latest version of Bluetooth connectivity--version 2.1 + EDR--which makes pairing with an optional headset, as well as other Bluetooth-enabled devices, a snap. It includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and phonebook access. And with the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.

Bluetooth profiles include: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), FTP (file transfer), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures)



Technical Specifications
Up to 32 GB internal storage
Total available application memory up to 1 GB (256 MB RAM, 768 MB virtual memory)
Supported protocols: Mail for Exchange, IMAP, POP3, SMTP
SMS and instant messages organized as conversations
Support for Nokia Messaging service
Instant messaging and Presence-enhanced contacts
Multiple number, email, and Instant Messaging details per contact, and contacts with images
Integrated hands-free stereo speakers
Logging of dialed, received, and missed calls
Speed dialing via contact widget
Ring tones: .wav, .mp3, .AAC, .eAAC, .wma
Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) with WEP, WPA, WPA2 security; designed for continuous TCP/IP connectivity
Capability to serve as data modem via USB connection
Music playback file formats: .mp3, .wma, .aac, .m4a, .wav
Video playback file formats: .mp4, .avi, .wmv, .3gp; codecs: H.264, MPEG-4, Xvid, WMV, H.263
Video streaming: H.264, MPEG-4, Xvid, WMV, H.263 in .avi, .mp4, .wmv, .asf, and .3gp containers
TV out (NTSC/PAL) with Nokia Video Connectivity Cable (CA-75U, included)
FM radio (requires headset to be attached) and FM transmitter

Click here for more information about Nokia N900 Unlocked Phone/Mobile Computer with 3.5-Inch Touchscreen, QWERTY, 5 MP Camera, Maemo Browser, 32 GB--U.S. Version with Full Warranty

Read More...

Fail-Safe 20 W Long Range Professional FM Transmitter CZH-15A with HI/LO Mode (20 Watt / 1 Watt) + FREE 1/4 Wave GP Antenna Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)bought this for a local info dissemination system in Ghana africa and am blown away! its just as described. so JUST BUY IT. sorry i cant give u more than 5 stars

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fail-Safe 20 W Long Range Professional FM Transmitter CZH-15A with HI/LO Mode (20 Watt / 1 Watt) + FREE 1/4 Wave GP Antenna

Get 13% OFF

Click here for more information about Fail-Safe 20 W Long Range Professional FM Transmitter CZH-15A with HI/LO Mode (20 Watt / 1 Watt) + FREE 1/4 Wave GP Antenna

Read More...

Marantz NA7004 Network Audio Player (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Have had this for 3 days now and am very happy with it. The first thing I did after setting up was to download the firmware update. Sound quality is very good using the optical output - especially if you use lossless material like FLAC. Through the optical output I would say sound coloration character is "neutral". I have read reviews elsewhere that say sound quality was uneven while using the analog outs. My past experience with Marantz leads me to believe that break in of at least a hundred hours is necessary for those type of analog output stages to "flatten up. I tested the unit with 320 AAC files, 24 bit 96 khz FLAC, and WAV files and very good sound was obtained. Internet radio is the best sounding of any unit I have ever used. I am foremost a fan of vinyl but I can truly say this unit makes digital files "listenable". Much better sound then I expected . I hear no evidence of fatique at all.
I went ahead and purchased the 50 buck firmware upgrade to enable airplay functionality with Apple Ipod, Itunes, iPad products and tested it all tonight. Very satisfying. I connected an iPod to the unit and that also worked very well.In conclusion I feel the unit is worth the price and recommend it.
So what are the "cons'? One I can think of is that it is outrageous that Marantz does not provide the Airplay firmware upgrade free of charge to people buying the product today. The other things I dislike is that the unit will not decode 24 bit 192Khz FLAC files or Apple Lossless ones. You are however able to play Apple Lossless files stored in Itunes on your computer or iOS devices via Airplay and sound quality is excellent.
Is this unit for the rabid audiophile with a 100k system? Probably not. It produces great sound for a mid range system though and I feel a large portion of listeners will be very happy with it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Marantz NA7004 Network Audio Player (Black)

Click here for more information about Marantz NA7004 Network Audio Player (Black)

Read More...

IntelliTracks Digital Jukebox Featuring LCD Touch Screen Technology, Supports IPod/MP3, Wireless Internet, Radio Streaming, CD's & DVD's. Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought the Intellitracks Jukebox back in the spring from Game Cabinets. Before making a big purchase, I wanted to get more info. I called the factory (Game Cabinets)and talked to the factory Tech. This guy was very nice and able to answer anything I could throw at him. I wanted to have something at a party where people could pick the songs they like but still have preselected dance songs playing. It was a big hit at my last party. It has plenty of power to push a big set of speakers and subwoofer. I have it ready to hang on the wall outside on our deck but will buy another slide bracket for inside too. Game Cabinets did an excelant job on the construction. This is a very nice piece of equipment. The software will take some getting use to, but if you have any problems they can troubleshoot it remotely.
All and all I am very happy with this product.

Click Here to see more reviews about: IntelliTracks Digital Jukebox Featuring LCD Touch Screen Technology, Supports IPod/MP3, Wireless Internet, Radio Streaming, CD's & DVD's.

Get 29% OFF

Click here for more information about IntelliTracks Digital Jukebox Featuring LCD Touch Screen Technology, Supports IPod/MP3, Wireless Internet, Radio Streaming, CD's & DVD's.

Read More...

Viewsonic NexTV VMP75 1080p Network Media Player - Stream Netflix, Internet radios/videos & access to Twitter, Facebook w/free HDMI cable Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The ViewSonic NexTV VMP75 is a real mixed bag of tricks. At first glance, the device is feature packed. Not only do you get the typical features (like Netflix, internet browsing, etc), but you get playback of ISO files, which until recently has been hard to find. This device has many things going for it, but the negatives really take my excitement for the VMP75 down a notch.
This device is small and the size is great for mobility (if you choose) and for the fact that it can easily fit behind mounted TVs or stuck in a corner somewhere. Of course, no matter where you put the player, it will need to be visible for the remote. It's a nice, compact device that stays cool while running.
I loved the fact that the player would access ISO files, but in my tests the success was limited. Playback was slow at times, but that could have been my connection. However, sound would cut out and I would get a connection error at times.
As for Netflix access, it did a pretty good job. Connecting to Netflix would take some time (actually, many of features for this player took time to load and I would definitely call this device SLOW), but once Netflix was loaded up you could browse your instant queue and get going with your movie. There were a couple of instances that sound wouldn't work and I was forced to exit the Netflix feature and restart it.
Another negative to the device was that wireless was not included. I know many people have wired connections, but many do not. With most of my TVs I do have a wired connection and I tested this device both on a wired and wireless connection because I really wanted to put this in a room that had only wireless available. In this day and age, the manufacturer should include wireless. I had to buy one of the USB wireless dongles that was recommended by ViewSonic (and let me say their list was small and the devices were hard to find).
I hate to list so many negatives and not list some positive aspects, but for me, the negatives were a sore spot. For my particular purpose, this device was going to primarily serve up Netflix and it worked perfectly (minus the SLOW startup time) about 90% of the time. However, I think some better firmware from ViewSonic might fix some of the real problems. All in all, it's a decent NetFlix player, but there are too many devices on the market that can already play NetFlix well. Personally, I'd consider waiting for another model from ViewSonic.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Viewsonic NexTV VMP75 1080p Network Media Player - Stream Netflix, Internet radios/videos & access to Twitter, Facebook w/free HDMI cable

Streaming internet content is easy with the ViewSonic® NexTV® VMP75 Full HD 1080p network media player. Enjoy movies, videos, music and photos from your storage devices or accesscontent from YouTube, Live365, ShoutCast internet radio, Flickr and more. Now you can access the Netflix streaming platform with your Netflix subscription to access thousands of movies and TV shows instantly. The NexTV VMP75 supports a full range of the most popular video, audio and image formats and can be connected to your home entertainment system. With its web browsing capability (not available for rich Flash content) and custom RSS feeds, your connected TV experience is greatly expanded.
A full range of format support With the support of the most popular video, audio and image formats, the NexTV VMP75 offers an unrivaled and ultimate entertainment viewing experience. Additionally, with the support of DTS and Dolby, you can enjoy digital media in full surround sound with your home A/V system.

Formats supported include:

Video: MPEG1 (AVI/MKV/TS/DAT/MPG/MPEG/VOB), MPEG2 (MKV/DAT/MPG/MPEG/VOB/ISO/IFO/TS/TP)/M2TS, MPEG4 (AVI/MP4/MKV/MOV/WMV/ASF), DivX 3/4/5/6 Xvid (AVI/MKV/MP4/MOV), H.264/AVC (TS/AVI/MP4/MKV/MOV/FLV)/M2TS, VC-1 (TS/AVI/ASF/WMV)/M2TS, WMV9 (ASF/WMV)

Audio: MP3, MPEG Audio, Dolby Digital, DTS, WMA, WMA Pro, PCM, LPCM,FLAC, WAV, AAC, HE-AAC,OGG, MKA,VORBIS

Photo: JPEG,GIF, PNG, BMP,TIFF

Subtitles: SRT, SMI, SUB, SSA,IDX+SUB, IDX, AAS, TXT

Click here for more information about Viewsonic NexTV VMP75 1080p Network Media Player - Stream Netflix, Internet radios/videos & access to Twitter, Facebook w/free HDMI cable

Read More...

ACX DMX-Solo Music Server, 1-Channel Internet Streaming Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have a DMX Solo, I found them when I googled for a music server to run for my Super Bowl party. I knew people would want music before the game while munching and no one can ever decide on a movie. So when everyone got here Sunday, they all just started picking their favorite music and adding it to this playlist on the server, there was never a hick up, and it ran flawlessly. The thing I loved so much was that anyone on the internet could add to it, so it didn't interrupt when my "not so brilliant" friend kicked my computer and stepped on my power strip and powered down my imac. The server was in the living room and kept going, which is something I wasn't used to with my old Sonos system. Thanks Team ACX, I appreciate it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ACX DMX-Solo Music Server, 1-Channel Internet Streaming Radio

Click here for more information about ACX DMX-Solo Music Server, 1-Channel Internet Streaming Radio

Read More...