shahine.com/omar/

Omar wrote: "does not come with any proprietary crappy software, relies on Windows Media Player"

I thought you said that it "... does not come with any proprietary crappy software, ..." :-> ??

I'd love a detailed review.

I've been looking for a DAP, but didn't want to get an iPod.

There doesn't seem to be much info about this device online, and a fair amount of what exists seems to be FUD. The specs look very nice/etc however.

So please: more, more, more :-)

"does not push some other agenda on you"

Oh no, it just pushes Microsoft's agenda. Great. Moreover, it does not have to come with crappy software because it relies on Media Player, so there's enough crappy software on one'e computer when using it.

And a device WITHOUT A CLICK WHEEL is NEVER EVER as usable as the iPod.

All the other "iPod killers" you have introduced are either already out of the market or on their way out. Do you really want to kill Philips, too?

Jeezus, Microsoft needs to get its act together. So "PlaysForSure" doesn't actually mean your music will "play for sure?" Are consumers really expected to care about details like USB versions, mass storage devices, and media transfer protocols? Crapware indeed.

I've been really happy with my ipod since my dell dj died. Why don't you like them?

Man -- it's not my post, but enough with the iPod loving. It's a great little machine, but it's clearly not what Omar is looking for (or others for that matter). He started this quest to find something that works for him. Clearly the iPod doesn't.

I can think of a ton of reasons why someone might not want an iPod. Perhaps Omar is using Media Center Edition (the best PVR out there) and uses/purchases WMA music. Perhaps he likes WMP more than iTunes -- I know that I do. Perhaps he likes the idea that third party devices of all manner are available. Perhaps he's got a portable media center and likes all his files in the same format. Whatever his reasons he's looking for a plays for sure machine and not an iPod.

Anyhoo....

Cheers,
Steve

What a piece of crap. This is BETTER than any iPod ??????
U gotta stop smoking that stuff, dude .....

That's been interesting....

One: the spam is annoying. Can you get rid of it, Omar?

Two: WTF is up with the bashing?

Is it a CRIME to not want to buy a iPod?

I don't want an iPod simply because I do not want to use iTunes. I currently use WMP10 for my music. It's not as good as it could (or should) be, but I like it far better than iTunes.

Three: WTF is up with the SENSELESS bashing?

Does Apple employ people to go around and claim that other products suck? Or does that come with the territory?

Why do people post derogatory comments, SOLELY to insult?

Honestly, it's a bit mind-boggling.

I came back to see if there were any useful comments on the device - other people who have purchased it/etc. I didn't expect to see the pseudo-pro-iPod comments that do exist.

Perhaps I retain too much hope in humanity.

In my opinion, the iPod is still so highly regarded because nobody has been able to match the simplicity and efficiency of the clickwheel. You didn't mention anything about the navigation on this Philips device. It looks like it possibly has a vertical touch pad like the Creative Zen Touch, but I'm willing to bet it's just got simple "up" and "down" click buttons. Can this possibly be as quick to navigate thousands of songs as the clickwheel?

I, too, tried to avoid the iPod - but it's got an undeniable hold on the market. The sheer amount of third party accessories for it make it infinitely more usable. Could I find a specially-made charging cradle with 1/8" line-output for my car stereo for this Philips device? Or a Creative device? Or a Portable Media Center? I'm still waiting...

Amazon's page for this Philip's product mentions that it is Windows only, not exactly a good indicator that this device allows freedom of choice.

Philip's is also not notable for it's continued support of products that don't add significant revenue in a short space of time. While the tech industry is littered with the bodies of failed products from all kinds of companies, Philips has tended to excel at this. One hopes this has changed.

Just an observation: No industry standard dock; no significant choices in accessories for this product.

No, it's not a sin to not want an iPod or to use iTunes; however, it's not necessarily a virtue, either. (i.e., if you're going to be "different" try not to do it so you can feel superior. The fact is, you're blogging this, using the iPod as a reference point. It's set up as a competition, so what reaction were you expecting from people, exactly?)

Personally, although I prefer to use an iPod over other products, I'd like to see the market expand and innovate. However, I have serious reservations of that happening any time soon and I think MS has a great deal to do with this. We could argue this one ad infinitum, so we'll just chalk that up to my opinon. (The reality is - we can make an arguement for MS being obstructionist, or for focusing this highly litigious and narcissistic industry ... we'll never know until MS is no longer the market heavy-weight.)

Anyway, if you're idea of debate is adding CAPS to you sentences or pumping out one-liners you think are clever ... go away. You bring nothing to the table.

Suggestion: go play with a GoGear. It's not like you really know your options until you've tried them, right?

("Does Apple employ people to go around and claim that other products suck? Or does that come with the territory?"

Michael, you just contributed to the bashing and insulting. You've just insulted both Apple employees and product owners based on what you see here. I can produce just as many examples of irrational and derogitory MS fanboy-ism; that doesn't mean that any or even some of MS or it's clients are paid flame-baiters. Please calm your hysterics.)

I've been looking at this device and I think it looks pretty slick.

Can you transfer files to this using explorer or does all interaction the PC has with the device have to be mediated by WMP?

Omar: "The only thing I'd add is that the iPod dock is not an industry standard. I find it interesting that Apple often gets credited with a "standard" label for many proprietary thing."

I've heard this before, many people say the same thing about, what was it again,... something called Windows, Word and Excel? But I believe Apple does not make these, do they?

It's also interesting that the pro-choice argument always comes when "iPod killers" are being discussed. Every WMA-based music service out there locks me out if I'm a Mac user... Great freedom of choice, my OS can be Windows, Windows Media Center Edition or... maybe Windows. Cool!

Moreover, you argue that you have encoded all your music to MS lossless. Mmmkay, so you voluntarily locked yourself into one vendor. Why that? Neither your portable player nor the sound you hear from even the best computer speakers will differ greatly from MP3s encoded with 192kBit, let alone 320. Most people can't even hear the difference with high-end audio equipment (although many pretend they do, but there are enough independent tests that give evidence to the contrary when people do not know what they hear). Maybe you can _measure_ the difference, but what's the benefit of that (except for some geek points)?

Nice device.

I am not personally seeking a replacement for my iPods, but I'll give this device the respect it's due. For me I'd avoid it only because it won't work with iTunes (which I love), has no dock connector to interface with my Alpine in my car, and no click wheel. (Also, it does not have a huge cost advantage over the iPod.) If someone doesn't care about these things then this is probably best of breed.

Hi Omar
I too have been resisting buying an iPod. I had couple of questions about the 6gb Hdd GoGear. IT has more to do with ancillary functionality. the available documentation does not say much on this..
Do you know if it
a. product have a built in stopwatch ? (very useful if you use the product while working out)
b. Has contacts and calendering functionality? ie. syncs with the Oultook calendar and address book.
c. Thus the device act as an extarnal drive ? and can one simply put any files to it? and coversely copy files from the machine to another computer?

thanks
Manoj

Oh yeah, then why did you just order me a Nano for x-mas? What the hell???

i can't believe how horrible the people here are :(
it's great that you all have opinions on what you like best.
this review was about him searching for what best suited him.
not what everyone should own.

come on guys/girls...you don't have to push your views onto other people.
let them think for themselves.
-dustin

p.s. i own both of these. in case anyone out there wanted to bash me like they have all the others..

hey man....great review on the 1630...i just purchased it after a few hard weeks of research. i got rid of my ipod mini because it was boring and nothing special was holding me to it. i finally found it. the philips 1630. great work. but the only downfall i found is i cant find the case i want for it. it is the one that philips has advertised on their website. do u know where i can buy that?

I just bought one and I love it. true it is not an iPod but that should not deter people from looking this product.

The vertical strip is pretty easy to use and is pretty fast, although it is just a tad too sensitive for me (it might be I have to get use to it.)

You do not, I repeat, you do not have to WMP with this at all. WinXP recognizes it as a drive and you can drag and drop music to the appropriate folder on the player. You cannot do that with images though so you have to use WMP for that to sync it up.

Battery life for this unit is excellent, I have used this for 14 - 15 hours and still have some juice left.

It does have some drawbacks. Like the lack of accessories, and the proprietary connector. Other than those this a great little player.

No thanks. I have read dreadful reviews of the sound quality. I have had several Creative devices that sounds great and work well. The iPod seems decent if you do not want Windows media support.

That said, I would like to know how this device sounds? Why Creative is so hopeless? Finally, had you considered the Creative Zen Vision M?

Ben

The sound is GREAT! I don't like the SRS WOW setting that Phillips is known for using. It sounds as if the music is in a hallway. But all the other "preset eq's" sound good. I myself like the 5 band EQ. I like my own sound, and with a 5 band I know how to set it to get my sound the way I want.

The earphones are excellent. They fit well, and even come with different sized ear pieces if you need smaller or larger. They do how ever, slightly distort with lots of bass. So I kicked my bass setting down about 2 notches with the 5 band EQ and it's great now, I'm not missing anything. The highs are excellent and clear.

Sound is one of the reasons I went with Phillips. I think their tv's and some of their stereo systems have great sound for their price. And most review I read of the "other" MP3 players said they suggested buying better/different headphones for each player. So I didn' want to start off buying "upgrades" after making a $200+ purchase just to get good sound.

I find the navigation extremely easy. I have no experience with the IPOD so I can't say how they compare.

Only thing I haven't figured out yet is how to set up playlists, but I'll get that soon enough. I too want the carrying case they show on the box and the docking cradle.

I didn't want to be stuck with I-Tunes either, and use WMP for all my music file needs, and plan on using Napster or Yahoo services, which are much cheaper than I-Tunes from what I've seen.

I do think Mr. Jobs went with the whole MS belief of getting everyone to support his product and that would weed out any other competition. That is why the IPOD is so well supported. Just like MS's "monopoly"...Apple wants to do the same.

Oh yeah, and some said something about the price difference not being big enough? Hah, for $200 you get the IPOD NANO with 2 GB, or $200 and you get the Phillips with 6GB...hmmm lot more sotrage for the same price...and I think the 4 GB NANO goes for like $300 correct?

Basically, this lil player should keep me happy for a few years I hope. I'm going to the gym with it in a bout an hour, so we'll see how it does :D

I just got a HDD1630, and to my eyes the connector on the bottom looks physically identical to the one on the Nano (I compared them side by side). Do people know for sure that iPod accessories don't work with this device?

I just received the HDD6330 for Christmas. So far, it seems great. The sound is nice, I like the sensetive touch pad, the screen, and overall program within. Uploading about 20 hours worth of songs took only a minute and it autmoatically categorizes them into artist/album/genre.

The only thing I can't figure out is loading pictures. I used WMP to delete the sample images and upload 5 of my own. .. But when I go to view them in my player, the sample images are still there and mine are nowhere to be found.

When connected to my USB, I can explore the folders and see that the sample images are gone and mine ARE there. ... So why is my player still behind as if I had never done anything?

I have searched this topic EVERYWHERE on the net. If anyone knows anything please email me or respond!

HELP !!! I bought a HDD 1630 for my son for X-mas & still have not been able to get it working... and the support from Phillips has been pathetic !! Windows Media does not recognize the device when plugged in... I have been told it works with Windows SP1 or higher... I have SP 2 and it's not working. What do I need to do ???

I like it - the Philips HDD1630. It works well and looks good too. The controls are excellent. And yes, the iPod click wheel is nice; so are Philips' touch sensitive keys though.

One main point is 'value'. Value for money that is. How much can you buy for $200 dollars? I researched many portable music players and many were nice. However, for just around the $200 mark, the Philips HDD1630 was undoubtedly the best value. Similar to an iPod -or other players for that matter- in the fact that it allows the uploading of pictures but you get 6gb for about the same price as what an ipod nano 2gb would cost. Excellent value for money.
Oh, and by the way, it's casing is more durable than many other players. Although the case is sleek, it holds up well and doesn't scratch as easily as some of the iPods I've used.

>Christy: HELP !!! I bought a HDD 1630 for my son for X-mas & still have not been able to get it working...

Make sure that you follow the installation instructions that came with the unit exactly as written. Even if the unit appears as a device, it will not fully function until the software is properly installed. You may also want to try plugging the unit into a different usb port as some older add-in usb cards don't always fully function in Windows XP.

For uploading pictures, Windows media player must be used after installing the update on the second cd that came in the original packaging. The unit will accept files to be placed onto it through Windows Explorer but the files will only be accessible through the computer. In order for photos to be viewable through the portable device, they must be uploaded through Windows Media Player.

Good luck!!

I'm mildly dissapointed in this, only because I cannot use it with Linux. I got it for christmas, and it works nice, has reasonably good control, good color screen, good sound quality, good battery life, and holds loads of songs. However I cannot make it work like a normal USB mass storage device as I can with my digital camera and USB key. I'm thinking there's some sort of proprietroy crap in there preventing me from mounting it like I would anything else. I have looked around and I only found one thing close to my problem, although, it only is a fix for the GoGear HDD0xx's, and mine is a HDD1630/17. Aparently the HDD0xx's will mount like a normal USB mass storage device. This will not, and it says on the box that it works with Windows XP SP1 only... and I don't have windows on any of my comptuers. Kinda sucks that to load songs on the thing I have to go use my mother's computer (Windows XP), ftp into my machine, download all my MP3's, and then from there, upload them to the MP3 player. Otherwise, thats the only bad part about it. Oh yeah, what that one guy said about the pictures not working, that didn't work for me either... the sample pictures still come up, although, maybe it has to do with it indexing the data or something.... donno I'd have to read the manual, but I'm reluctant to... If I had known this wouldn't work with Linux, I would have bought another player. :(

My daughter got the Philips for Christmas. Tonight she tried to play it on an ipod speaker system. The screen went blank, then the device got really hot. Now it only shows a blank screen. Did she kill it???

Teri

Yep. She killed it. I did the same thing to mine. I returned it (not mentioning the detail about the ipod speaker) and they sent me a new one.

I'm looking into buying a philips GoGear shortly. I'm curious - does the GoGear have acessories like and ipod

The Gogear has every thing an ipod nano does. but not video. It can pictures and album art. The navigation system is realy good, maybe even better than an ipod in terms of speed. It can also play radio. you can do voice recording and fm recording. So if you like a song from the radio on the gogear, you can just start recording it; Nice song quality too. I think it also plays mp3's because iv added music from my itunes library and it works fine.
So if you do a comparison with the right ipod, which is an ipod nano, This is infact a whole lot better beacause it has more features. Not to mention THE 6GB GOGEAR IS ONLY $39.99!!!!! NUFF SAID

Hi. Does anyone know how to (or even if it's possible to) get my GoGear to sort by artist but ignore the word 'The'? It is VERY frustrating when, for example, The Wombats is under T and not W. I personally like all the other features of the Philips but this is getting on my nerves a bit.

Alan