Coby MP835 Review. At Last!

It took them long enough, but Coby is finally producing the touchscreen MP3 player they announced back in May. Mine arrived today, and while it's a great looking player the user interface is a disappointment.

Included in the box:

- the MP835

- USB cable

- Ear buds

- Installation CD

- A felt slipcase

- Limited Warranty

- Quick Start Guide

- Tech Support card

- Instruction Manual

- A card for 50 Free Songs from www.eMusic.com/coby.

Ear buds: The included ear buds are better than most. Fitting in the ear rather than hanging on the earlobe, they block out external sounds and let you appreciate your music without distraction. Like most ear buds they fail to reproduce the lower bass frequencies. Get some good headphones and you'll be pleased with the MP-835's audio quality.

Cable: I'm not sure why manufacturers feel the need to use a custom proprietary cable on their higher end players, but Coby is no exception. Don't loose this cable. I could find no place on Coby's web site to buy a replacement.

Size: At roughly 2" wide, 3.875" tall, and .4" thick the MP835 is nearly identical to the Samsung P2. Weighing 75 grams to the P2's 83 grams the difference can be chocked up to a smaller battery in the Coby. That also implies less play time on a charge as well.

External controls include a power/hold slider on top, and a volume +/- rocker on the right side. There is a microSD slot (limited to 2gb) on the left side. The bottom edge contains the earphone jack, proprietary USB connection, and a reset hole.

Screen: The screen is 3" diagonal with 480 x 272 pixels. It is identical to the P2's. The Coby will play music, videos, photos, text, and FM radio. It has a few extras including a World Clock, simple Calendar, simple Calculator, and Sleep Timer. You can input your name/user ID to appear on startup of the player. There is a file browser. You can also reformat the player.

UI. Coby misses the boat here with the MP835's user interface. It's as if they've never seen an iPod Touch or Samsung P2. Instead of allowing you to tap directly on the option or file you want, a tap on the screen brings up a direction pad. You then have to tap on up/down or left/right arrows to move through menu or media choices. They've ported this UI from their non-touchscreen players with no consideration given to the efficiencies a touchscreen can impart. The Coby MP-835 UI gets a D-. Barely passing. Hopefully they'll overhaul it in a future firmware update.

Music. This player will play MP3 or WMA files. You can sort your music by Artists, Albums, Tracks, Favorites, Genres, or simply Explore the music directory structure. There are 5 Equalizer (EQ) presets, and one user EQ setting to choose from. You can Repeat One, Repeat All, Repeat Shuffle, or simply Shuffle your songs. You can change the play speed from 70% to 130% of original speed, although pitch will change with speed. Podcasts in particular can get very interesting with a change in play speed. The screen will display cover art, the shuffle mode, EQ mode, and the song title. The lower half of the screen is a real-time graphic equalizer. Music could benefit from a full-screen cover art display, more EQ modes, and a playlists option. There is a single favorites list you can add songs to and play from, but this functionality is limited. I'll give Music a B. Sounds great. Could be more functional.

Video. The Coby plays AVI and WMV files at 480 x 272 pixels, 30fps. The Coby came with a video conversion utility on the installation CD but I have not tried it. You can adjust screen brightness and search speed, or capture a screen shot from any video to be saved as a photo. Three music videos are included, and all look great on the large screen. You still have to tap to bring up the direction pad, which makes anything but simply watching a video very cumbersome. With only 4gb of internal space, and a limit of 2gb on an external microSD card, there won't be room for very many movies on this player. It's a shame. The high resolution wide format screen is perfect for them. Video gets a B+ from me. They only thing keeping it from an A is the clutsy UI. Shame on you, Coby!

Photos. For photos this Coby will display JPG, BMP, GIG and PNG files. You can zoom up to 2x, 3x, and 4x, so long as the photo is 2, 3, or 4 times larger than the screen's native resolution. Trying to zoom a small picture beyond it's original size will get you a "We cannot support" message. Photos can be rotated in 90 degree steps. Moving to another photo,zooming or rotating all has to be done after calling up the direction pad. Horribly inefficient. The Samsung P2 allows a simple swipe, double tap, or gesture on the screen for those functions. Photos look great, but the poor UI within the photo app gets it a frustrating C.

Text. Only simple TXT files are supported. Most word processors can save in the TXT format so this should be no problem. I haven't tried it, so no grade here.

FM Radio. Like every other player I've tested, the MP-835 requires your headphone cable to be connected to serve as the radio antenna. It can be tuned manually or from a list of up to 40 presets. You can set US, Europe, or Japan regions. You can force mono reception (as opposed to stereo). To limit or expand the list of stations you can receive you can set low, medium, or high signal Sensitivity. The screen displays the current frequency, preset number, and a graphic equalizer on the lower half. No RDS data is supported or displayed. FM Radio only plays within the radio application. Leaving the radio application turns off the radio. I'll give FM Radio a B. It's a decent application, but no RDS data brings it down a notch.

Reliability: The firmware included is version 1.01. Hopefully they are still working on it as I've had to reset my MP835 several time in the short time I've had it. A press of the reset reliably restarts the player, but there is no excuse for such poor behaviour on a new device. When it DOES work the audio, video, and photo quality are excellent. The radio works better than most with no static or signal drop once a station is found. I haven't tested the text reader, but the screen has enough resolution to suspect it should be fine. For needing to reset the player I'm giving it a B- on reliability.

Should you buy one? For the same money you can find a 4gb Samsung P2 with bluetooth, games, a far better UI, and much more. Save your money and skip the Coby MP-835 4G until they seriously improve it's User Interface and lower the price. It doesn't compete at the moment.

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Zunes Keep Getting Better. Watch Out Apple!

I mentioned back in October and September that the Zune would make a great gift, and was far better than the iPod Nano of the same price. Zunes are now an even better value. Their prices have been reduced. The Zune desktop software has been updated. The device firmware also receives an update that improves reliability and includes new multiplayer games.

New prices for the Zune are $99 (4gb), $139(8gb), and $179(16g). The 8ogb and 120gb Zunes remain $229 and $249 respectively. For comparison an 8gb Nano is $149.99 and a 16gb nano is $199.99 A 120gb iPod Classic sells for $249.99.

The Zune software update adds new features in addition to usual fixes. The 3.1 upgrade includes a visual overhaul for the Zune Social feature, and easier navigation. Also added is a "like minded listeners" feature that shows users other Zune Social members that tend to play similar music.

All Zune devices now get 5 free games, including Checkers, Hexic, Space Battle, Sudoku, and Texas Hold'em. Both Checkers and Texas Hold'em can be played via WiFi against other Zunes! I only have two Zunes to test, but can confirm that multiplayer works great for both games. I don't know if the Texas Hold'em game supports more than two players, but it should. One Zune has to Host the game after which another one (or more) can Join.

The Samsung P2 and T10 can play games wirelessly (via Bluetooth) between devices. As far as I know Microsoft is only the second MP3 player manufacturer to utilize a wireless technology for game play. Bluetooth has a range of about 10 meters (30 feet). Wifi has potentially more range, and leads to the possibility of neighbors playing Poker (or Checkers) with each other even though everyone is in their own home. If you have children who don't mind playing with each other, the amazing wifi song-sharing and game play of the Zune make it a GREAT gift to get them all.

I'm personally a Sudoku addict. I've got a two Sudoku games on my iPod Touch and one on my Samsung Instinct phone. The Sudoku game now on the Zunes is a great implementation, and includes Classic, Mini, and Custom (you create them) puzzles. There are Easy, Normal, and Hard modes. If you don't know the game there is a Learn-to-Play option. It's only a 4 page (screen)description of the rules, but it will be enough to get you started and addicted.

If you were on the edge about which MP3 player to buy, these Zune updates should push you over. Microsoft has the right idea. They may have stolen it from Samsung. With free updates the devices get better and better. The Zune was born with great hardware. This update makes even better use of the WiFi chip in all of them. Well done, Microsoft!

My Conclusion? Get a Zune. Get a Zune. GET A ZUNE!

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Noreve Case for the Samsung T10. My Review.

NoreveUSA.com does an excellent job of providing high quality cases for all sorts of devices. A great example is this case for the little Samsung T10 media player. With a snap closure and optional belt clip, the Noreve case for the Samsung T10 matches the classy look of the T10 and provides a padded and secure hold. When open you have an unobstructed view of the screen and easy access to the touch sensitive buttons on the T10. There is a cutout on the right side for the power/hold switch. You'll also find easy access to the headphone jack on the bottom. The data port is covered when the case is snapped shut, but readily accessed with the case open. Excellent stitching joins the leather exterior to the fabric interior of this case. The cover has some padding in between, and there is a stiff panel in the back plane to which the belt clip post and closure snap are mounted. Fit is perfect. The T10 is tightly held, and there is no slop in the cover or closure tab. There's not much more to it. Noreve cases are expensive, but well worth it in my opinion. This case for the Samsung T10 is a great example.

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Noreve Case for the Samsung Instinct. My Review

The most frustrating thing about being an early adopter is the lack of accessories for new devices. This was true when I picked up my Samsung Instinct on the day it was first released. It came with a cheap slipcase, but I prefer carrying my phone on my belt. It took awhile but eventually Noreve.com came up with a case and I couldn't resist. You can get Noreve's Instinct case in several colors, although you may have to wait a few weeks for the less common ones. For $10 more you can get it in a Dark, Passion, or Sandy Vintage leather. I didn't buy the case without knowing what I was getting. I've already got a Noreve case for my Samsung P2 and I picked up one for my wife's iPod Touch as well. I knew I could expect great quality.

I wasn't disappointed. The case arrived via Postal Mail today, well packaged and with no damage. It holds the Instinct snugly, and has openings for the microphone and speaker as well as all the external buttons.

The case came with an optional belt clip. A small screwdriver was included to facilitate installing the notched metal post you see above. The clip slides on securely and is still easy to release when you need to.

The case closes with a metal snap. The cover nicely articulates to make it easy to hold when open and talking on the phone.

The Instinct uses MicroSD cards, and the cover has pockets for two of them. The only thing not accounted for is the stylus that comes with the Instinct. The original slip case has a pocket for the stylus. As I grew used to the Instinct I found I used it less and less. I doubt I'll miss having it with me when I use the Noreve case. Still it is something you should consider if you depend on the stylus.

I can't find any defects or loose threads on the case. My phone feels well protected inside it. At this point I have to recommend the case highly. While they are expensive, Noreve often has 10% or 15% discount codes you can use on your purchase. If you need a case for your Instinct, then this is probably the best you'll find.

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SanDisk Sansa View. My Review.

Problems and Solutions. My first impression of the Sansa View was great. It lasted about 5 minutes until I plugged it into my Vista Home Premium PC. The PC saw it as an MTP device, but would only succeed in installing the appropriate driver about one in 5 times I tried. Even when it succeeded, neither Windows Media Player 11 or the Rhapsody software that came with it could detect it. I could spot an MTP Device listing in my device manager, but after a couple of minutes even that would disappear. Unplugging the View would leave it in Connected mode where only a long hold of the power slider to reset it would shake it free. Without the PC the View worked fine, but it left me with no way to put media on it directly. I spent a day looking for a Vista hotfix, but what finally "fixed" the problem was new View firmware and changing USB mode from within the View's Settings menu. The View fortunately worked perfectly with my Asus EEE Netbook running XP. I used it to install the new firmware on it. Changing the USB mode from Auto Detect to MSC did the trick for my Vista PC.

Included: In addition to the View the package included a proprietary USB cable, earbuds, software install CD, Quick Start Guide, a Rhapsody Brochure, An Audible Brochure, a hearing level warning pamphlet, and the warranty/safety sheet. The one reviewed is an 8gb model, but you can also find Sansa Views in 16gb and 32gb.

Controls are simple. The left edge reveals the Power/Hold slider and a small hole for the microphone. The face houses a mechanical control wheel with a center Enter/OK button and a Home button. Tap the top of the wheel for Play/Pause, and the bottom of the wheel for Options/submenus. Connections are all on the bottom edge. You'll find a headphone jack and the proprietary USB jack.
Music: The View supports MP3, WAV, WMA, secure WMA, and Audible formats. Sound quality was decent through the included earbuds, but much better when a higher quality headphone set was worn. Music options include: Add to Library, Rate Music, Purchase, Repeat On/Off, Shuffle On/Off, EQ, Add to Go List, Clear Music Go List, and Delete Song. There are five preset EQ settings (Normal, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Classical), and one Custom five band equalizer you can set. Not as many EQ settings as the typical iPod, but neither my iPod Touch or Nano have a custom user setting option. I'll give Music an A- .

Videos: The View is compatible with MPEG4, WMV, and H.264. Additional video formats are supported via the Sansa® Media Converter software (available for download at www.sansa.com/support). Although it doesn't tell you this in the User Manual, you can get THIS CABLE and use it to show videos and photos on your TV from the View. NTSC or PAL format. You can also use the red/white ends of the cable for audio line-out to your home stereo. Videos look fine, and the screen is viewable from extreme angles. Video gets a B+. Not as nice as my iPod Touch or Samsung P2, but as good as the Insignia Pilot which has the same sized screen.

Photos: The View will display JPG photos on it's 2.5" screen and they look great. Compared to many other players I'm dissappointed with the lack of options. I could find no way to rotate a photo. I could find no way to zoom in on a photo. One thing it does do that seems odd to me it to show you any album art that you may have attached in your MP3 files. There is a View Thumbnails mode which makes it easy to find a photo. You can play a slide show of photos and adjust the timing. Photos will output to a TV if you have the appropriate cable. You can play Music behind a slide show. You can add or photos to a Photo Go List, or clear the list. Lastly you can delete a photo. With no zoom, Photos gets a C from me.

FM Radio: There are 20 possible station presets. Another undocumented feature is that you can record audio from FM stations to your View. It records in 2-channel(stereo) .WAV format. Auto Detect found all my local channels. It nicely lets you jump to the next preset by pressing the center OK/Enter button, and you can still manually tune up or down the dial. I could find no way to directly go down one preset, but you can call up list of all the presets to choose from in the options menu. No RDS, but with the ability to record off the radio I'll give FM radio on the View an A-.

Voice Recorder: The built-in microphone does a good job of picking up voice and any other nearby sounds. Recordings are saved as WAV files. You can pause and restart a recording. I don't think you can play (to review) what you've recorded while still in the process though. Not a good dictation device, but should be fine for recording lectures, voice memos, or a podcast you're creating on-the-go. Some players give you a quality of recording option but the View does not. The voice recorder works, and is easy enough to figure out. I'll give it an A- .

User Interface: For a non-touchscreen player, the Sansa View is better than most for finding and playing your media. Rotating the thumbwheel moves you through the options efficiently. The buttons respond with a tactile and audible click. Radio and Voice recorder are under the "More" option from the main menu. Getting to the main menu requires one press of the Home button. Information you need is well placed. I was able to figure the UI out without peeking at the user manual. Easy enough. A .

MicroSD: Sansa is promoting slotMusic, which is music that comes pre-installed on MicroSD cards. More info HERE. The View has a MicroSD slot that supports MicroSD/SDHC cards up to 16gb at the moment. Media on the card gets read into the View's database and lists with media on internal memory. A nice touch. No switching back and forth from internal to MicroSD memory. With a card in the View it takes a little extra time when you turn it on to check and update the database. Having support for MicroSDHC cards is an excellent feature Samsung and Apple should consider. I'll give the Sansa View an A+ for this feature.

Conclusions: While my View did give me some initial grief, I've come to like it's simplicity when all is working. Not too many options on the main menu to confuse you. A couple of nice surprises with TV output and FM recording. If you are looking for a player with good video capability including output to a TV then this is a great one to consider. I'm personally more a fan of touchscreen players, but with it's efficient User Interface this thumbwheel controlled player is as good as any and better then most. There are other 8gb player out there for less money, so that should be considered. I feel like the features it has make it worth what I paid for it. I'll rate the Sansa View a Good Buy.

If you have one feel free to share your thoughts about it. Don't forget to tell me if I got anything wrong.

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NEW! The Samsung YP-P3.

OK, so it's still in the womb. Yet the baby P3 has been seen (using ultrasound?) and is due any time now. It is the successor to Samsung's Yp-P2, an amazing little touchscreen player released late last year (2007). While the P2 was born in the MP3 division at Samsung, that division has since been rolled into the cell phone division. The P3's mom is a cell phone. In addition to every feature the P2 has, the P3 gains:

- Haptic touchscreen feedback.
- An evolved UI, sharing features with Samsungs mobile phones.
- Widgets, including at least one that normally needs an internet connection! Confirmed Calendar and Clocks. One more still a mystery.
- A new case, with an anodized aluminum back. The P2's case is painted stainless steel. The P3 is a durable matt black color like the new iPod Nanos (black).
- A speaker (confirmed!). A great addition for game audio, and improving the P3's usefulness as a cell phone headset when paired with your phone via bluetooth.
- More memory. A 32GB version is expected "later".
- Gone is the lower center LED. You know, the spot that most early reviewers thought was a home button e.g. iPod Touch.
- Below the screen are what appears to be backlit touch sensitive controls. I've seen left and right arrows. Similar to the T10's controls. It is possible they only show up when there is a use for them. It's also possible these command graphics can change as the use for them changes. Perhaps a back or home graphic replaces a left arrow when within a player application.
- There is what looks like a Flash Player application. No clues what it's use may be. Could be for flash games, or even YouTube Videos. Perhaps it opens up the P3 for custom games written in Flash.

The screen stays the same size; an excellent widescreen 480 x 272. There was a momentary rumor it might me AMOLED, a technology that would increase battery life by eliminating the need for a backlight. It would be nice, but this rumor was retracked quickly. It might not be true, or it might be something Samsung didn't want leaked. Haptic technology suggests the front of the P3 is all glass (it vibrates better than plastic), meaning it will be framed like the face of an iPod Touch or any Samsung Touchscreen phone. The P2's plastic face wraps around it's sides.

Of course most of my info is just hints and extrapolation based on what's been posted around. Look here and here for more as it becomes available. You'll even find some photos now.

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