[mythtv-users] OT: Portable Media Player

[James Pifer]

Sorry for the off topic post, but I'm having a terrible time finding
what I want. In short I'm looking for a portable media player for my
son. He will be buying it, but I'm setting the guidelines. Initially it
will be mostly an MP3 player, but will eventually be playing videos,
showing photos, and playing games if the device is capable. Right now
he's using my hacked GPS device using TCPMP and I want it back... :-)

Here are the said guidelines:

-MP3 player needs to support a playlist function.

-Screen size needs to be at least 3" inches. I don't want him straining
his eyes trying to watch something. My phone/pda has a 3 inch screen and
even though it is small, it's not too bad. 

-Storage: I would prefer it has some storage. If it doesn't, I would
like it to use high capacity cards. I don't want it to be limited to 2GB
if possible.

-Video... Here's the big one. I have tons of shows recorded and
transcoded for the kids to xvid avi's with 1500 bitrate and 128 bit mp3
audio. I would like for the player to be able to play these, even if I
have to scale them down to 320x240 or similar. I'm not in favor of
transcoding to completely different formats. I *think* I would have to
with most of the choices I've found. 

-Price: I'm trying to stay around $125. Even at that price I'm going to
have to help out, but I'd rather help and get something decent. 
	
Considering these desires, anyone have a player they would recommend? 

My last option is to spend a lot less money and just get an MP3 player
that supports playlists, if I can find one. That would be starting a
whole new search though... :-(

I don't want to make anyone on the list mad for this post, and I don't
want to generate more unnecessary traffic (any more than I did already
with this post). Please email me back directly unless others feel it's
warranted to keep the thread alive. 

Any advice and experiences is appreciated. 

Thanks,
James

Here are the ones I'm considering right now. 

Microsoft Zune(brown):		$129.99 http://www.amazon.com/Zune-Digital-Media-Player-Brown/dp/B000H0QDCC/ref=pd_ts_e_1/002-8413053-9168054?ie=UTF8&s=electronics
PROS: 
	30 gig storage. 
	Decent size screen (3.0"). 
	Should have excellent MP3 capabilities.
CONS: 
	No Games. 
	Obviously MS!
	I think I would have to transcode the videos. 
	Found some indications that it might support more formats with a firmware upgrade, but have not been able to verify.

	
Sony PSP1000:				$120.00 http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?EDP=34096901&Source=EWB102407EML
PROS: 
	Great screen (4.3"). 
	Big Game support. 
	Reportedly supports playlists, but may be cumbersome. 
	Memory Stick Duo has big cards
CONS: 
	No internal storage. 
	Memory Stick Duo (I prefer SD). 
	Surprsingly I can't find any friends that have one or know of anyone else that does. 
	I think I would have to transcode the videos. 
	New version, PSP2000 is out, but more money

	
GP2X FX-100:				$152.00 (on ebay)
PROS: 
	Linux based and I've wanted one for a while. 
	Good sized screen (3.5"). 
	Open source dev
	Game emulation
CONS: 
	Bad battery reviews. 
	No internal storage. 
	Not sure it can support larger than 2GB SD. 
	New version supposedly coming. 
	Not sure how long the company will survive. 

	
DE-0139:					$109.68 http://www.superufo.com/product_html/Digital_Electronics_Portable_Game___Media_Player.html?aff_id=24#pf
PROS: 
	Good screen (3.6")
	Support AVI of MPEG-4 format ( DIVX 3.11/4.X/5.X and XVID odec : Sizes : 320*240 @ 30 fps )
	Builtin 1GB and Supports 4GB SD
	Game emulation
	Camera (even though it's only 1.3 megapixel)
CONS:
	MP3 player functionality looks lacking. no mention of playlists.
	No idea who this company is
	No idea of the quality
	Might be risky in general