Apex’s MP-2000 personal video player

[James Fee]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://reviews.cnet.com/Apex_MP_2000_Portable_Media_Player/4505-6499_7-30923489-2.html?tag=tab' target='_blank'>http://reviews.cnet.com/Apex_MP_2000_Portable_Media_Player/4505-6499_7-30923489-2.html?tag=tab</a><br /><br /></div>"<i>Despite the recent influx of portable video players (PVP), the mainstreaming of this complex category is a ways off. Still, companies such as Apex Digital are entering the fray with budget-conscious devices that do just about anything. The 20GB MP-2000, which comes with a lower-than-average $399 price tag, is a video and audio player and recorder, plus a photo viewer and a data storage device. The more PVPs that hit the market, the better for consumers. The fact that Apex Digital, the company that sells DVD players for less than $50, is involved further cements the category's legitimacy.</i>"<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/apex_mp-2000.gif" /> <br /><br />As with most of Apex's products, it would appear the MP-2000 will surprise most people. The interface is described as "screaming Nintendo NES", but I doubt most people who buy the Apex would even care. There seems to be some mistakes, but for a first effort, Apex seems to have set a new baseline with the cost and features.

[Suhit Gupta]

Very nice look, i.e. it looks so small. In fact that screen looks almost touch sensitive. :) But I think that would be asking for too much.

Suhit

[TomB]

James, I have been working with several of these companies on content. After working in this area for five years it is amazing how many dozens of PMPs will be out Q4. Of the devices I have personally used, the most compelling to date has been the Mustek PVR-A1 (http://www.mustek.com/html/prod_pmc/PVR-A1.html). It relies on SD cards for storage but will be selling at Sam's Club for only $159 by the end of this month. If you don't need the recording function, the entry-level price for SD media players is $99!