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With the ability to act like a simple VCR you can record between 20-80 hours of video depending on the quality you choose. (It does not have a TV tuner, you simply jack into a video source with cables provided...I recorded a TV show from my Dish Network set top box...

And that's why Apple won't have video on the iPod anytime soon--there's no legal content that can be easily put on the machine. Your software would either be bootleg (rips of DVDs, bittorrented stuff) or from rigging together AV equipment--for most people it would be rigging the machine off the OUT plugs on a VCR.

"Apple and all the others will have to consider video in this mobile media market"

Yeah, so I can watch a 1.5" to 2" for 2 hours at a time. Sounds like a recipe for eye strain and a headache.

Pocket portable video will never work in the mainstream market. Copyrights, vision problems, attention span, and portible DVD players with 7"-10" screens will all cause this idea to fail.

Ease of use will still be in question, and again, there is zero content out there for the average consumer.

sorry John....

When is someone going to come out with something that provides some real competition? Most companies still don't get it. I hate to say it, but any new device needs to overcome the "cool" factor, and this player has no chance of doing that. Would you be seen in public? You probable would if you were hiding it and using white earbuds to cover up that fact.

Dorkvac is an ASS! Nuff Said

Interesting -- the product specs say it supports Mac OS 9.1/9.22/10.2.

Video on a small screen just doesn't make sense. Get a laptop.

If Apple ever releases an iVideo or whatever, I'd be surprised to see if even they could make it cool.

These all in one devices are just such a waste. They end up doing a mediocre job of a bunch of things (video, pics, music, recorder, FM-as if I want radio!!!- does it do the dishes too?!) instead of doing one thing really well like the iPod (now 2 things with the pics tho' I'm still not sold on that)

"For the short term X2 is the leader."

And I always thought you had to at least be entered into the race to be a leader. In what way does John believe the X2 is a leader?

This is the time honored case of a technology coming to the market even though there's no crying need for it. Just because it can be done doesn't mean it will sell. It's a toy for techies and as stated there is presently no legal way to download anything and the idea of looking at a 2 inch screen is ludicrous to my thinking. I listen to music. I watch movies on a larger screen. The two are simply not interchangeable. (How many people have a PDA sitting in a drawer now?)

Dvorak forgets to mention that the player looks like sh$t

pkradd, my PDA is sitting on a shelf six feet above the floor (I think).

Dvorak makes several statements that eliminate any credibility that he may at some time in his life claimed.

"Various interlopers have taken on Apple with lower price points and failed largely because the Apple design is the most compelling. This may end if the Taiwan based MSI has any say."
-While the first sentence is true, I don't know how he could assume the second sentence. A quick glance at this player shows a very unintersting, boring, ugly, technological mess that screams anything but ease of use and style.

"I have always believed that the rationale behind the hard disk iPod was a little silly...It just seemed like overkill."
- It apparently never occured to him to use an iPod as an external disk drive.
- He apparently does not grasp the concept of the iPod (to carry your entire music collection in your pocket).
I guess he would rather watch movies while he's driving and listen to his music collection while at home.

As soon as Apple released the iPod Photo, there was no doubt that they will make a video iPod.

First, they will want to cover the entire market, even if sales are minimal. Second, Apple has the most extensive line of video production software on the market, so it is a natural fit. It will plug into TVs just like the iPod Photo.

"This device, which does everything the Apple iPod does..."

Except, of course, let you store music bought from the #1 Music download service, iTunes.

Actually, I don't mind if he wants to use it. By all means.....Those of us who have an iPod enjoy the whole experiences of iPod/iTunes and what we can now do with our music libraries.

He's missing out and those who are still looking for a viable non-iPod experience, keep looking.....

As soon as Apple released the iPod Photo, there was no doubt that they will make a video iPod.

---

Make that alot of doubt.. if you saw Jobs' keynote..

The service mark is hilarious: "Turn On the Digital Pleasure" All I can think of is this is a new device for internet porn. Like the photo iPod, but pornier.

Not that it makes much difference, but the spec's do say that the screen is 3.5" -- not 2" as would be the case if using the current iPod form factor.

But really, what difference does it make? As others have written here, who the hell wants to (or even CAN) look at such a small screen that's displaying video for an extended period of time? Not me.

Not many others either, I'll bet.

As with Micro$oft's much-heralded entry into the online music store business, this too will be met with a whimper.

Yeah, and at 240 grams this thing weighs over one-half pound.

Yep, that's a real iPod killer they've got there...

Yeah Yeah. When they do a 60gig model I'll get back to you.

Let's see, fly me to Asia. Wine and dine me in Hong Kong, Singapore, The beaches of Thailand, hell I would even endorse Microsoft for that.

John, you are such a whore.

See the right side of the x2 there. They took that design from a dumbell cause your going to have to lug that thing around!

Get 2 and it'll be a great but expensive workout device!

"Yeah, and at 240 grams this thing weighs over one-half pound.
Yep, that's a real iPod killer they've got there..."

They do have to find something to write about after all. Be a bit boring if they only ever wrote that the iPod is the no 1.

3 Hour Playback? WTF?

The question is: Does it "Plays for sure?"
I don't see the sticker on the packaging. What's up with that??? It better play for sure or I ain't gettin' it!

R

"Having used this device, there is no question that Apple and all the others will have to consider video in this mobile media market." sayeth the guru, John Dvorak. Apple has considered video in the mobile media market.

I already have a portable video player; it's called a 'Powerbook.' My wife has one too; it's called an 'iBook.'

Why would I want to spend $500 - 600 on a 'portable media player' that has a 3" screen when I already have iTunes, iMovie, & DVD Player already integrated into a portable computer with screen between 12"-17"?? Especially when I could save the 500 bucks, add 500 more and get an entry-level iBook!

Apple's solution is to use laptops for video & music, iPod for music portability, all integrated and handled with the iLife suite. Mr. Dvorak just doesn't "get it."

As a gadget freak I like all the features but will not be buying one of course. I think Apple will get into this when they have figured out how to get content for it. Maybe a IMVS? (iMovie Video Store) They need a better codec and compression so normal BB users can download in reasonable times. I wonder if the new H264 codec will help. When apple provides the REAL solution I will get one.

This isn't prediction this is advertising. He got paid to say this. In other news MSI are openning a store on Regent Street.........oops, lie.

Dvaorak is such an ass. Has this guy ever been right about anything (after the initial tech wave in the 80's) ? No insight in this review at all, just another IPOD dragon slayer prediction.

i'm gonna be in the hospital for a while and that looks like something i would use. but i probably woudn't use it anywhere else. road trip perhaps, maybe during a lecture, but the concept of "all in one" digital devices just doesn't appeal to me.

Dvorak's piece is just an infommercial.

Even if people don't want/need it, I believe the iPod photo will get video capability -- because every competitor will include it and Apple will cover that market if it shows some signs of life. The unit already has a color display and a video out, no?

The thing is, Apple will first add some compelling essence to the unit, whereas others are making a product without a market because-they-can, hoping it will catch on. What's interesting is that they can't make a dent in the significant market of portable digital jukeboxes because Apple moved the goalposts with compelling software, design and marketing.

Can you imagine someone saying, "I've got MSI's X2 MEGA View?" with any affection?

Less is More, your last sentence was hilarious. But to answer your question, "Um, no."

What's funny about the latest devices that are trying to compete with iPod is that these companies seem to make devices based on commentaries from these half cocked analysts. Does anyone do any market research anymore? The device looks like a malformed digital camera. These put-every-feature-you-can-but-never-use devices are going to do nothing but clutter up landfills.

Video for trips this is a great idea ... in fact at Autozone you can buy two lcd's and a dvd player for your car for 249.99. That's why Apple won't get into the video business yet.

It's interesting that while the majority of people building home theater systems are trying to get the BIGGEST screens possible some ids are trying to sell tiny postage stamp systems. Obviously not paying attention to consumer trends.

Back then when there was mainly IBM "they" laughed when an unknown company named after a fruit and run by two hippies put on the market an ugly shaped typewriter looking thinggy claiming to be a computer for the rest of us. Today IBM sold its PC business to a Chinese company and the hippies are making a mint.

This new device might be ugly and have a ridiculous name, but it addresses many of the features that early adapters have been looking for. It is only a matter of time when form and function will come together in a beautiful package and if it isn't from the fruit company many of us will have a dilemma to face.

I can't believe it - 3 HOURS BATTERY LIFE!!!

Just thought I'd write it again in case no one saw it the first time!

Who wants to hold a tv with a 2 inch screen in their hand at 12 inches from their eyes for two hours to watch a movie?
And exactly when and where would one need to do this?
Everybody has a tv or a computer to watch things on. I can´t imagine in what circumstance I could see a need for using this over and over again.

The main problem with a device like this is: the people who can afford to buy such a toy (with its limited range of uses) already own laptops. Laptops that can to the same on a bigger screen, laptops on which you can type in between, and surf. Laptops on which you can play the only legal form of digital video entertainment, a DVD.
How many movies can you fit on a 20 GB drive? With compression, maybe 10. And it takes you about 10 hours minimum to create those 10 compressed movie files. I currently own 42 DVDs. Even this limited variety would not fit on this device, even with deplorably low quality compression.
These guys miss the iPod concept of carrying around a collection of media files. You don't have to makes choices beforre you leave home.

looks pretty cool. supports Macs. Play Mpeg 4. What are you call complaining about? Apple will never make a product like this.

Wong, Dvorak and the rest of the ilk are way too enamored with their own opinions of the how and why to de-throne Apple to think clearly. For them, anything the iPod does not currently do, is clearly a major flaw and somebody else can do better. (NOT)

The market is littered with failed electronic junk; this is just another one of them.

Every analyst seems to assume that free legal video content is not an issue -- if you build a device like this, Hollywood and the MPAA will just line up to supply it, DRM-free. I bet if Apple did actually make a video iPod, they would all start changing their take to "You can't get any legal content for this; what is Apple thinking?"

I know, I know, I'm a zealot, etc. etc.

How come people just don't get it!? If you can't beat them, join them. If competitors really want to make money off of the iPod, they need to start making peripherals. For every iPod purchase, imagine the money that could be made if people also bought a peripheral (iTrip, XM Radio, Sirius Radio, media readers for cameras, etc.). Companies need to collaborate with Apple to bring widespread support for peripherals.
1,000,000 ipod user base * min. $30 add on * % of peripheral purchase rate (~30%) = $9,000,00

Wake up and smell the iPod effect.

There are so few real details about this X2, that one really can't make a realistic assessment. You just have to believe John (which I don't). I could not find anything on the MSI website about the X2.

John does not describe in any real detail how one copies movies, whether FM reception is remotely decent, or what copying pictures to the X2 really means.

Until we actually see the product, I don't believe there is any real reason to talk about it. For all I know, John dreamed this up to get iPod fans all agitated.

count floyd
looks pretty cool. supports Macs. Play Mpeg 4. What are you call complaining about? Apple will never make a product like this.

I haven't complained about the device (yet), but simply looking at specs does not tell the whole story about an electronic device as the iPod so readily shows. Overall form factor, ease of use, portability (if it's to be carried around), interface, and other factors matter equally if not more so than specs.

Does anyone know what the processing power inside of an iPod is? Does anyone care?

I don't think this device is so much a bad idea, but rather a poor implementation of a potentially good idea (potentially only if done correctly). Having owned a Nintendo Gameboy Advance and Gameboy Advance SP, I can tell you that any device with a screen that needs to be watched for extended period (games or video), it's a bad mistake to not use a flip up. You get more screen space for smaller form factor, and can easily view at a more comfortable angle (ergonomically it's very hard to hold a video screen that does not flip up at a comfortable angle for extended periods, it's really hard on your wrists). Also, any portable device with a viewable screen has a tendancy to get scratched if it's not a flip up.

The iPod is an exception only because you are not normally staring at the screen for extended periods when you're using it. You can use it comfortably with it in your pocket or a protected case.

If the device was a flip up screen. I might feel differently about it. Also, if the interface of the device was more like the iPod and less cluttered looking (looks like a digital camera, which have terrible interfaces), I might like it better. Again I go back to what I said about specs. I'm not going to be using specs, I'm going to be using a device, and if the interface is not clean and elegant and easy to use, then it's worthless to me. However, that said, I wouldn't mind if this sort of device caught on so maybe Apple would come in and do one right.

I'm hoping Apple makes a hard drive based digital/video camera.

Just my 2c.

Less is More
Can you imagine someone saying, "I've got MSI's X2 MEGA View?" with any affection?

That's MSI's X2 Mega View 561 to you, Mister.

Apple would do well to look at some of these features, and it's only a matter of time before they implement them. (Possibly with a video store or something.)

To those people complaining about the lack of legal video content, think again. This thing has a PVR aspect to record from TV, so you can take recorded video with you for personal use. This is legal. (Like a VCR or a Tivo)

However, the best use of a PVR is to record things when you're not around. If it doesn't have a timer setting, et cetera, you'd have to set it up to record something at the exact time, when you might as well be watching it.

I _would_ like to see an iPod with a recordable FM tuner (actually, AM/FM), and a built-in microphone.

But then again, I'd like to see a flip-top iPod with digital camera, cell phone/pager, AM/FM recordable, and attachments for GPS and to play video games.

That will keep the MPAA busy!

"Dude! Check out the new MSI X2 MEGA View portable multimedia player."

"I love my MSI X2 MEGA View portable multimedia player."

"...then I just upload the tunes to my MSI X2 MEGA View portable multimedia player."

"Has anyone seen my MSI X2 MEGA View portable multimedia player?"

"Do you have the MSI X2 MEGA,... uh, Mega... uh, wait a second, I have it written down here somewhere... uh... oh here it is! The MSI X2 MEGA View portable multimedia player in stock?"

Mmm... Nah...

If the 561 is the device, then try this link:

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/ia/ia/pro_ia_detail.php?UID=604

If the photo viewing isn't limited to iPhoto (but whatever general format you want), then this is far more functional than an iPod photo. If is sucks the files right off a camera through the USB port, then we have a device is much more appealing than iPod photo for shutterbug types. The price isn't bad for just USB hard drive storage and you get a whole bunch more functionality than an iPod photo.

Dvorak has a point in his article that holds a great deal of water.

If Apple added direct download of files (any format) from a digital camera to an iPod, I'm in. Until then the appeal isn't there (and certainly not for the price).