Inexpensive PMP With Wi-Fi And SD

[Suhit Gupta]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://akiba.sorobangeeks.com/news_8598.html' target='_blank'>http://akiba.sorobangeeks.com/news_8598.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Planet-WiFi.be have reviewed the Aireo. It's quite an unusual MP3 player, because it comes with a WiFi connection."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/wirelesspmp.jpg" /><br /><br />Damn, a music player with SD as well as Wi-Fi. It costs well under $180 but the downside is that there is only a 1.5GB drive. In any case, there is now a review of the device <a href="http://tests.planet-wifi.be/FR/Tests/2004/Aireo-01.cfm">here</a> (English <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftests.planet-wifi.be%2FFR%2FTests%2F2004%2FAireo-01.cfm&langpair=fr%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools">translation here</a>). I just wish this same device was available with a 20GB drive. I wonder whether it is possible to crack open the unit and replace the drive inside.

[Felix Torres]

I wouldn't expect the HD to be replaceable: the 1.5GB size suggests it is a Cornice drive and those are usually soldered to the motherboard.
Take this as a sign of things to come; in a year or so, when the 1" drives get to 20GB, we'll see some seriously interesting low-end jukeboxes

In the meantime, MobilePlanet has the Aireo for sale now:

Description:

Aireo comes with SonicSync, an automatic content management software, that gives Aireo owners the freedom to download music and data wirelessly on demand or based on a user defined schedule. The Aireo comes with a Built-in Wi-Fi interface to download music wirelessly (802.11b-compliant) And unlike other MP3 players that require a cumbersome cable hookup process, Aireo accesses Internet music services via WiFi-enabled computers and laptops that have an Internet connection. Future releases of Aireo software are expected to enable content download directly from the Internet via Hotspots and peer-to-peer content download from one Aireo player to another. When WiFi connections are not available, downloads can be performed from any computer using the Aireo USB interface. Aireos other notable features include an internal hard disk drive, a built-in FM transmitter for wireless broadcasting of music over home or car stereo systems, and two headphone outputs for multiple-party private listening. Aireo comes with a carrying case, headphones, an AC power cord/charger, USB cable, installation guide, SoniqSync personal preferences play list manager, and owners manual.

Specifications
Features:

Built-in FM receiver to listen to the radio, and integrated FM transmitter to play audio tracks over a home or car stereo

Plug-and-play USB interface for times when a wireless connection isn't available; also acts as a USB storage drive

Secure Digital card slot to transfer photos from a digital camera to the Aireo's hard drive; supports optional SD media up to 1.0GB (not included)

Supports MP3, WMA and VBR formats

Customizable equalizer

Dual headphone jacks

SonicSync auto content management software; offers both on-demand and scheduled downloads

Specifications:

On-Board/Built-In Memory (MB)-1.5GB (actual formatted capacity less)

Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCard (MMC)

Bass Boost 7 band equalizer

Computer Compatibility PC

Music-Management Software SonicSync content management software

Digital Audio Formats MP3, WMA, VBR

Battery Size Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion

Battery Life Up to 8 hours

Available Expansion Slots SD/MMC

Connection Transfer Rate USB 1.1, 802.11b or both

Tuner Type FM

Random/Repeat Yes

Frequency Response 20Hz

20kHz

Included Accessories Headphones, carrying case, AC power cord/charger, USB cable

System Requirements Windows 2000 or XP; available USB port or Wi-Fi enabled network

[dkackman]

I've got one of these and like it quite a lot.

Coupled with the car charger (sold seperately unfortunately) I never need to take it in the house.

The sync-ing software (which runs on the PC) is actually pretty slick. It uses playlists that you set up in windows media player, and allows you to define rules-based sync operations.

The WiFi and desktop software make up for the small disk size since my music is always rotated automatically.

don