Mobile phone W900 a real 'POD killer. Not a threat to MD (yet)

[1kyle]

Whilst I'm not a "Gadget Freak" I managed to snag a Vodafone Sony Ericson W900 mobile phone for 10 GBP.

If you take out contracts rather than pay as you go you are entitled to Phone Upgrades every so often. - Careful however as Pay as you Go might be better for a lot of people. I travel a lot and can get some of the calls back of tax as business expenses.

I like the white colour and as well as the Sim Card you can plug in (removable) a Memory stick Duo Pro.

This device can be used as a mobile phone or a Media player (Videao / Audio) or both. The 2 X 1.5 inch screen is just about OK for watching Video and the phone supports MP3, AAC, AAC+, PCM etc. MP3 and PCM VIA DRAG'N DROP with USB connection --no stupid DRM or at least no stupid DRM from your own converted tracks.

Play lists and selecting tracks is actually very simple as well.

So using a decent size memory stick and a decent set of cans one can use this as a very good play back device whilst keeping the HI-MD for recording. To get sounds from the MD to phone one still has to upload the MD to computer and then copy to the phone.

BTW the phone works on Mac and Linux as well.

I'm actually quite amazed at the quality of the player. --Now if it had direct recording abilities this would constitute a serious threat to MD.

If only Sony had introduced Drag 'n Drop on MD devices. The W900 is a breeze to use for music transfer (OK you do need a computer).

This is definitely a 'POD killer as it does everything and more a 'POD would do, looks great and has removable storage media, and is a PHONE as well.

Still going for an RH1 however as the phone will be used for on the road playback.

Perhaps mobile phones with these inbuilt functions are the way to go in future.

Cheers

-K

[jaylen]

No offense, but I just need a little clarification. How is this an iPod killer? From my understanding and reading of threads on this forum/T-Board about people leaving the MD format, most average users get the iPod et. al. because they want all their music with them and not have to worry about removeable media.

Or are you comparing this to the iPod Nano (and smaller) since the affordable/largest Sony Pro Duo sticks are 2GB? Again, I'm not flaming or starting an argument. I just want to know your line of thinking.

[Stuge]

Since there is not Atrac so, No DRM crap

[The Low Volta]

pretty shortsighted there stuge... AAC and WMA come in DRM-packages and even MP3 can be DRM'ed... DRM is not connected to a format but to companies trying to keep ppl from using stuff

Edited April 7, 2006 by The Low Volta

[Stuge]

pretty shortsighted there stuge... AAC and WMA come in DRM-packages and even MP3 can be DRM'ed... DRM is not connected to a format but to companies trying to keep ppl from using stuff

I know that AAC(MP4 ) & WMA(may or maynot have DRM) & also mp3 ..I was just making Joke of Atrac

By the way hey ,Kyle..Please tell us how this can be an I-pod killer b`coz i don`t think so ..

[1kyle]

I know that AAC(MP4 ) & WMA(may or maynot have DRM) & also mp3 ..I was just making Joke of Atrac

By the way hey ,Kyle..Please tell us how this can be an I-pod killer b`coz i don`t think so ..

Can use 2GB sticks which are fine in my book for a decent amount of music. At 320 kbs that's around 14 hours (LAME Mp3)

Battery lasts a really long time even for VIDEO.

Why I'm saying is that this is an IPOD killer is that you have in a single portable device all the features of an Ipod, looks great as well plus a full fast 3G / UMTS mobile phone. The Audio (and Video) formats it handles are pretty extensive and having removable media means :

1) you have "unlimited Storage" as per MD

2) Easy to transfer music to other computer / device. Remember now most USB card readers read all these types of smart media and since the files are not "DRM'ed" and can be copied via Drag 'n Drop you can say copy FLAC files to MP3 and transfer on your Linux, Mac or Windows box to the phone.

Note that the phone is a full featured player with playlists etc and supports tags, so you can select and play music just like on a 'POD.

You can also copy the files via the card reader to any other computer without having to install the phone's software either.

3) You can actually download music from the Net while on the move and store it on the card, ready for playing immediately.

Or you can upload to a file server for somebody else to have or simply via the normal phone service just send an audio file to another mobile phone although Internet transfer will be cheaper.

Can be interesting on a long train jouney. Also you can sample interesting music from various sites if you want to as the device is Internet enabled.

Try doing that with a 'POD. If you have your own server you could then get access to your entire music library at all times and you can send files to other people if you want. Remember the device is a 3G enabled PHONE as well.

5) Upgrading to a new device doesn't entail any re-creation of a music library.

6) At most compresssions usually used for portable music a 2GB card will be more than enough for even the most avid listeners. 2X 2GB cards will definitely be more than enough.

7) You can swap the media with colleagues (No DRM on your own music).

8) since nearly everybody (at least in the West) carries a mobile phone (or even two) you don't need to carry another portable music listening device. A nice feature of the mobile is you can set it so that even if you are listening to music, you will still be (optionally) notified when you receive a call.

9) These devices also feature a built in AM/FM Radio. Can be useful at times.

A few months ago I would have been sceptical of these devices, however the quality is there now currently and will certainly improve in the future to make these serious devices for portable music.

Note that you can use your own decent I hope set of cans rather than the typical ear bud ones shipped with the device. There doesn't seem to be any problem plugging in Bose or Sennheiser cans.

Cheers

-K

Edited April 7, 2006 by 1kyle

[jaylen]

Thanks for clearing it up, but your reasoning (to me) seems like this phone still isn't an iPod "killer," just based on:

"At most compresssions usually used for portable music a 2GB card will be more than enough for even the most avid listeners. 2X 2GB cards will definitely be more than enough."

The only reason I say this is because most people that I know of and from the forums (who switched from MD or CD to iPod/etc) chose their new player because they want ALL of their music in one device and not have to worry about leaving a disc behind, remembering what's on a disc, etc. Not that I'm saying the iPod can't be killed (because I think Cowan and Zen units are more than capable), but your reasons for an all-purpose unit (phone, video player - that's a stretch with that teeny screen, audio player) like the W900 beating the iPod still don't address (again, to me) the concerns over removeable media. Many people these days have much more than 2 x 2GB of music; some just choose to take it all with them.

Again, no arguments from me and I'm not an Apple person so please don't flame. I just can't tell you how many times I've told people about the merits of MD (audio quality, gapless, unlimited storage, etc) and their reply of "but I have all my music with me in my pocket" gets me every time.

[pauljones52]

I got the w800, which is pretty similar to the 900 except it is not a 3g phone. The music quality is amazing, although the bass is very heavy with the supplied headphones (which are actually pretty darn good!) Great for music when you dont have many pockets! Would have liked atrac support but 128aac is very good for mobile phone listening!

tempted for the 2gb card over the supplied 512 card!!!

[1kyle]

Actually after a while once the novelty wears off the "I want all my music in one place" rather fades

1) it gets cumbersome to organise and people eventually spend more time scrolling through seleections rather than just playing and listening

2) once the device gets full it becomes a hassle to delete, re-organise etc etc.

3) You still have the problems of what to do when you upgrade / change the device for something else.

The 2GB cards are not "magic" either. I mentioned these cards (2GB) because this size is the largest that is currently reasonably "affordable". Cards come from 256 MB up to 4GB and I've even seen some specs on new 8GB cards which will undoubtedly be released soon.

The screen on the W900i uses the latest Nvidia graphics drivers and cards (specifically designed for hand held mobile devices) so the quality is nothing short of EXCELLENT and whilst I wouldn't view video for hours on these you could certainly watch a film on a plane / in a train etc. The screen on the w900i is quite viewable believe me and I'm very picky.

Reading News flashes or snippets from the web is fine as well with beautifully clear fonts and texts.

Remember also that this is the IST Generation of these type of mobile phones. Later models will be sleeker etc.

My impression is from the ist generation that whilst not perfect they are VERY GOOD INDEED and certainly can suffice as a great portable music player.

I think if you actually see these phones in the flesh you'll be quite impressed. (IPODS anyway are now getting highly "Uncool" since so many people have them now).

Cheers

-K

[pata2001]

Actually after a while once the novelty wears off the "I want all my music in one place" rather fades

1) it gets cumbersome to organise and people eventually spend more time scrolling through seleections rather than just playing and listening

2) once the device gets full it becomes a hassle to delete, re-organise etc etc.

iTunes. This is the reason that iPod is still better than most DAPs. With iTunes smart playlist and live update, you can easily organize and cycle through all your songs without much effort. Plus, live update works on the iPod itself, so it can self-update a playlist if you set it up properly. For example, I only set up 1 playlist in my 5G iPod, and it will regularly cycle my songs without any intervention from me.

Sony does put the right stuff for the walkman phones. It won't be an iPod killer in general, but definitely a strong competitor against flash DAPs. The downside is cost and avilability.

Edited April 7, 2006 by pata2001

[yamagatacamille]

3) You can actually download music from the Net while on the move and store it on the card, ready for playing immediately.

Or you can upload to a file server for somebody else to have or simply via the normal phone service just send an audio file to another mobile phone although Internet transfer will be cheaper.

Can be interesting on a long train jouney. Also you can sample interesting music from various sites if you want to as the device is Internet enabled.

Try doing that with a 'POD. If you have your own server you could then get access to your entire music library at all times and you can send files to other people if you want. Remember the device is a 3G enabled PHONE as well.

why would i need to do that for? if i had said phone, and filled my 2GB or so on my mobile there would seem no point in finding other music online since i chose my music beforehand. sounds a bit confusing, yes, but so is D/Ling it via your mobile. imagine the service charges for D/Ling one song. i can imagine it aint cheap. (and i'm sure the quality isn't anything to write home about)

also, you can't dismiss that the W900 will be a significant iPod killer, especially the full-sized ones (even previous generations). As Jaylen stated, maybe knocks the iPod Shuffle, and iPod Nano (1 + 2GB, maybe 4GB) out of the water.

Actually after a while once the novelty wears off the "I want all my music in one place" rather fades

1) it gets cumbersome to organise and people eventually spend more time scrolling through seleections rather than just playing and listening

not true. i dont scroll around for minutes on end finding one particular song, I just let it shuffle and go with the flow, if i wanted to just find a certain song, i would've stuck with my iPod nano and filled it with favourites and sold my full-sized iPod. but that's not the way i roll, i love the music i buy and listen to every song.

(IPODS anyway are now getting highly "Uncool" since so many people have them now).

i think a lot of people are still getting iPods for what they really are -- a portable media player (audio, video or both) and no longer as a "cool" fashion accessory. although a percentage of people would disagree; and that's the sad part.

so in contrast, you believe MD is considered "cool" because of the significant lack of them?

[atrain]

right if this becomes yet another ipod vs everything else thread it's locked

[Stuge]

right if this becomes yet another ipod vs everything else thread it's locked

Hey ,I better to lock this thread b`oz it`s already I-Pod vs everthing else ..

[1kyle]

iTunes. This is the reason that iPod is still better than most DAPs. With iTunes smart playlist and live update, you can easily organize and cycle through all your songs without much effort. Plus, live update works on the iPod itself, so it can self-update a playlist if you set it up properly. For example, I only set up 1 playlist in my 5G iPod, and it will regularly cycle my songs without any intervention from me.

Sony does put the right stuff for the walkman phones. It won't be an iPod killer in general, but definitely a strong competitor against flash DAPs. The downside is cost and avilability.

I NEVER buy downloaded "DRM'ed" music so that part of the issue is a non starter for me.

As for cost well that's a TOTAL NON ISSUE.

My phone cost precisely 10 GBP / 14.50 EUR / 16 USD.

I'd been with Vodafone for a long time and travelling around makes a monthly contract better sense than Pay as You GO tariff. (For other people Pay as you GO could be better - everyone has different requirements).

The mobile phone companies are really desperate for customers now and competition is intense so you would be really surprised at some of the deals available now.

Anyway pretty well all these mobile phone companies allow you to upgrade your phone after 12 months for a really small (paltry) fee as in my case. You can still keep your old phone as well.

It saves the necessity of having to carry around more than one gadget so saves the total cost of the 'POD and what can the 'POD do that the phone can't - apart from buying music from Itunes which I would NEVER EVER do anyway.

Note also that 3G Internet access is part of the package so you are not paying a fortune if you want to download music (and you don't need to be at a computer either).

Costwise sending stuff is more or less the same as typical mobile costs and data loads s are at Broadband / ADSL type speeds so a few MB download / upload won't take more than a few minutes if that.

So I still say given time (remember this is the first decent generation for these type of mobile phones) phone music players will oust other portable music players like 'PODS.

Judgding how a lot of some people like PDA's / Personal organisers which for some applications saved them carrying around Laptop computers I can see the same thing happening to the latest generation of Mobile phones.

Apart from building in PDA applications (still in relative infancy in Mobiles but coming) I really do see the mobile phone as an all purpose portable device in the future and certainly good eneough now for portable music listening.

Now if only RECORDING facilities could be added as well - however that WOULD be seriously competing with MD's.

As in all these things it's personal choice. For me I'd rather carry around as few separate pices of gear as possible and as I've usually always got a mobile phone this seems to be the way to go.

Cheers

-K

Edited April 8, 2006 by 1kyle

[jaylen]

So I still say given time (remember this is the first decent generation for these type of mobile phones) phone music players will oust other portable music players like 'PODS.

Ok, back to my original comment then. So now you also do not believe that the W900 is currently an iPod "killer," the original intent of your thread. (jk)

I'll admit the W900 is a pretty neat all-in-one device, but personally, it's just not something I'd get. It IS cool and impressive to see where technology is going though. First, it was TV/VCR, then fax/copy/scan/print, and now phone/anything-not-mentioned-already. Amazing. It's also terrific that it works out for you and some forum members will probably benefit from your review and our discussion. For me, if I buy a cell phone, it's strictly for that. The bells and whistles are nice, but I have dedicated gear (I don't mind toting it around with me) for those extras that come with cell phones nowadays - taking pics, taking/watching videos, and listening to music. The W900 would be a great machine for a minimalist.

And, yeah, those 2GB sticks are affordable, but only when compared to larger-capacity sticks like the 4GB-er. If you compare the price per GB for each:

1 GB Hi-MD: US$5-7 per GB, but a player is needed

30 GB iPod ($300): $10 per GB, complete

Sandisk flash player: $80 per GB, complete

2 GB Sony memory stick (J&R retail $150 for the "high speed" version): $75 per GB, but a player is needed

Ultimately, it's up to the user to decide whether they want to spend more for convenience and function, rather than deciding based on, "Oh, this device is awesome because it can kill an iPod/Cowan/Hi-MD/Zen/etc." I sure hope that most people think about the former rather than the latter.

Well, thanks for sharing your viewpoints and it's great that you found a way to minimize your daily gear.

Edit: darn typos.

Edited April 9, 2006 by jaylen

[atrain]

i'd find the music option far more atractive than camera capabilities, that said i still value a small phone with no features to bulk out the size, something that makes no pocket bulge.

[jaylen]

I agree. A friend of mine was so excited when he bought the Samsung D600 because it had a 2.0MP camera. Another friend was ecstatic over her ROKR. I was super pleased with my NH1. Different strokes for different folks.

[Stuge]

I agree. A friend of mine was so excited when he bought the Samsung D600 because it had a 2.0MP camera. Another friend was ecstatic over her ROKR.

I`m sure they were not that music addicted person like us