Archive for February, 2008
Latte ICE MP4 player Review

Reviewed by KC Kim
http://lattefone.com/index.htm
Starting at $69.99
Detailed Specifications
Port:
1) Communication: USB2.O high speed
2) Input and Output: 3.5 mm earphone output
Capacity:
1) Memory: 2GB, 4GB
2) External Expandable Memory Slot: Micro SD up to 128MB-2G
Display:
1) Size: 2.8 inches QVGA
2) Resolution: 320*240
3) Tag language: Multi languages
4) Menu language: Multi languages
5) Menu system: Image menu and text menu
Supportable file formats:
1) Audio: MP3, WMA
2) Video: AVI/MPEG (Crystal Clear Video)
3) Record: WAV
4) Picture: JPEG
Power and playing time:
1) Battery capacity: 3.7V/550mAH lithium ion battery
2) Video playing time: 3-4H
3) Audio playing time: 6-8H
4) Recording time: About 10H
Voice record:
1) Sampling rate: 8KHz/16KHz
2) MIC record format: WAV (32Kbps/64Kbps)
3) Record method: MIC record
4) Recording time: Max. 32H (512MB capacity)
Audio play:
1) Max. output power of earphone: L10mW+R10mW(32 ohms)
2) MP3 bit rate: 64Kbps-384Kbps
3) WMA bit rate: 64Kbps-320Kbps
4) Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
5) SNR: 85dB
6) Distortion: 0.06%
EQ system:
1) Built-in EQ: Normal, 3D, Rock, Pop, Classic, Self-defined, Bass, Jazz
2) Self-defined EQ: Available
Video play: (Crystal Clear Video)
1) Frame: 24 Frames
2) Resolution: 320*240
3) Format: AVI
4) Encoding: XVID
5) Converting tool: AVI Converter Setup V3.0
FM radio:
1) Receiving frequency range: 78MHz-108MHz
2) Saved channel no.: 30
3) Max. output power of earphone: L10mW+R10mW (32 ohms)
4) SNR: 45dB
Supportable systems:
1) Operation System: Supports WIN98 (requires installation of driver ); XP/WIN2000 (Driver not required)

What’s included:
Player, Stereo Earphone, USB Cable, Charger, Utility CD, Maual, Warranty card

Intro: Having reviewed the Latte Neon M3 I have high hopes for Latte’s next Mp4 player the Latte ICE. And I can’t be more impressed. This is the second Latte MP3 I have reviewed. And it very well may be the best.


Design: The Latte ICE is made of full on metal body which offers maximum durability. Built like a tank but slim as the slimmest mp3 players on the market. The ICE offers both style and durability.
Functions:

Video: Video playback was smooth with a frame rate of 24fps I didn’t notices any stuttering or artifacts on the screen. With a 2.8” QVGA screen I highly recommend this player for movie viewing. Something I could not say for players that have small screens. Conversion is easy with the included avi converter.

Music: Like all latte players this one has excellent audio quality. And is comparable to other budget MP4 players. Also there is a built-in EQ to suit your music genres (Normal, 3D, Rock, Pop, Classic, Self-defined, Bass, Jazz)

Pictures: With such as large beautifully screen this makes pictures look great. I use it as portable photo album on the go to show to friends.
Speaker: Built in speaker is always a great feature. I mean I have the iPod Touch which costs over $300 and it lacks a built in speaker. So it’s nice to have this feature that is often overlooked. I much prefer the built speaker than listening using earphones.
GUI: The interface on the Latte ICE may be one of the best I’ve seen on a MP4 player. Large big icons make the interface simple to use for everyone with no learning curve. Perfect for the non techie who get’s frustrated with some of the interfaces for other players.
Battery life: Battery life is a respectable 6-8hrs of audio and 4-5hrs of video.

Conclusion: Latte Communication yet again has a winner with the Latte ICE Multimedia player. It features a huge 2.8” screen perfect for movie watching, excellent sound quality, built in speaker, expandability with miniSD slot and simple to use interface makes this a must buy for first time buyers.
9 out of 10
Buy it now Latte Communications Ice 4 GB Video MP3 Player (Silver)
24 comments February 26, 2008
PDO TopSkin for iPhone Review
Reviewed by K.C. Kim
http://www.pdostore.com/
I am normally not a fan of silicone rubber cases for my iPods and iPhones. But today I found one that may change my mind. Today I review the PDO TopSkin for iPhone.
What’s included: PDO Topskin, wrist strap, and belt clip and screen protector

Design: The PDO TopSkin is made of high quality silicone that is twice as thick as those cheap rubber cases you will find on Ebay. The case has openings for all the functions of the iPhone. And even has the opening for the sensor. The silicone rubber gives it off a good texture for less slippage in hand. And the perfectly formed case adds next to no added bulk. And finally this silicone case is less of a dust collector than the other rubber cases.


Function: The PDO Topskin should offer very good protection from falls. It is extra thick to provide maximum protection. The case also accounts for all the functions of the iPhone. And works as if their wasn’t a case on it. Also includes a belt clip

Conclusion: Be assured this is one of the best cases for the iPhone. It is of definite high quality that is worth every bit of the $20 price. And when they say you get what you pay for it’s true. Sure you can get a $5 cheap silicone case but it will look and feel like a $5 case. The PDO TopSkin definitely stands out in terms of smooth lines, formed design, great protection, and value you won’t find too often in case.
9.5 out of 10
Buy it now PDO TopSkin Silicone Case for iPhone – Black
Add comment February 22, 2008
Meizu M6 SL Version Review
Reviewed by K.C. Kim
JTCElectronics.biz
4GB $99.99 8GB $139.99
New and updated version of the very popular M6 miniPlayer line. This slimmer version with its new higher angle-viewing screen is sure to make the audiophile in your family one happy listener.
All players are set to English as the menu language

Accessories:
PT-850b Earbuds
USB Cable
Driver/Software Disc
Users Manual¹
Meizu OEM Silicone Case (Free)
¹ Please note that Meizu has not published an English Users Manual for the SL. Until they do, we will include an SP Users Manual for functional reference only. The primary difference between the SP and SL functionality is the ON/OFF button formerly on the SP has been replaced by holding down the Enter button on the SL.
Intro: The Meizu M6 is probably the most popular Chinese premium player released. It featured top-notch design and features. And Meizu thought why mess with a good thing. That is the reason they released the updated Meizu M6 SL version. While at first glance the SL looks identical to the original version. There are a few improvements to make this the best Meizu player yet.



Design: The first thing you will notice is the thinner profile. The SL is only 7.3mm thick while the previous model was 10mm. Another noticeable enhancement is that the screen has better viewing angle, which made it easier to photograph than the previous version. Finally one of the best improvements is the brushed back. The previous mirror metal finish simply scratched to easily and with the new-brushed back it doesn’t. I have both the SL and Microsoft Zune80 with brushed metal back and neither has a scratch on it after a good amount of use.








Features: The SL comes in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB versions in black or white color. It is simple to upgrade and downgrade firmware. The SL has many of the same features as the original M6 with the ability to play AVI (Xvid) video up to 20fps, audio support for MP3, WMA, WMALosless, APE, FLAC using the audio chip Wolfson WM8987, and picture viewing of JPG, BMP, GIF. Other features include MTP mode, MSC mode, voice recording, fm radio, two games, calendar, stopwatch, TXT, and calculator. Battery life is about 3-4hrs video and 24-26hrs of audio on it’s 690mAh built in rechargeable Li-On battery.

Conclusion: With a new player released every month in China you may wonder if Meizu is still the best DAP around. Well I say for the money there is nothing better than the Meizu M6 SL. It pretty much does everything well. And uses premium quality parts you won’t find in any other Chinese MP4 players. And the design is only second to the market leader Apple.
9.9 out of 10
6 comments February 18, 2008

