Philips GoGear Spark SA2925R/37 Review
Philips is a brand that hasn't gotten much attention on this site in the past, due to somewhat random product numbering, release schedules, retail outlets and generally a rather weird behavior for a MP3 manufacturer. They have some nice players however, especially some of the later models, so it's time to take a closer look at a few of them. First off is the GoGear Spark, somewhat of a competitor to the Sansa Clip+.
Philips Displays the GoGear SA6100
Appearing amongst Philip’s products at the IFA is one of their unreleased PMPs which first appeared last month on their website. Philips divulged no further information on the GoGear SA6100 series, besides a projected release date of the year’s end.
What we already know of the device is that it makes use of flash memory in capacities of 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB; the extra width is a result of built-in 0.3W stereo speakers. Despite what appears to be a larger screen then present on other GoGear PMPs, the SA6100 still holds on to the 320 x 240 pixels and 65k color LCD. Format support is very plain (MP3, WMA (DRM), JPG, and WMV) and battery lasts for 20 hours of audio playback and 4 hours of video.
Philips GoGear SA3300 Series Extends to 8GB
Philips has made another silent introduction to the GoGear line of flash players. The SA3300 series carries a design very similar to the SA6000 series, but the 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB capacities have been complimented by an additional 8GB version. The QVGA LCD display will expand to 2.4-inches, but the 320 x 240 pixel resolution and 65k colors are retained.
MTP has been dropped for the SA3300, and video formats have not been limited to Philip’s proprietary SMV, or exclusively to WMV (DRM). Support for MPEG-4 (SP & ASP codecs) as well as WMV is included, but there is nothing more given to the generic MP3 and WMA audio formats. With some significant adjustments taking place, the mediocre video battery life still remains: 20 hours of audio and 4 hours of video.
Philips GoGear SA6000 series Flash PMPs
What’s this? A Philips SA3100 series on its side? The GoGear SA6015 and SA6025 will also be released in 1GB and 2GB sizes, with a 65K-color LCD screen, FM radio, video playback, picture viewer, and voice recorder. To be fair, the portable media players have an improved battery life of 15 hours for audio and 4 hours for video, a 2.2” LCD that supports a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, and a 10-band EQ.
One month after the announcement of the SA3100, Philips have made the decision to discard their own SMV video format and instead give the SA6000 the ability to play Microsoft’s WMV as well as DRM-encoded WMA. Dimensions of 3.68” x 2.09” x 0.49” will apply to both the 1GB and 2GB models and pricing will be 119€ and 139€, respectively.
[Product Page via GenerationMP3]
Philips SA3100 Series Flash DAPs
The most unique element about Philips' upcoming SA3100 series of low-capacity flash DAPs is that they support SMV videos. Other than that, the white 1GB SA3114 and 2GB SA3124 and the black 1GB SA3115 and 2GB SA3125 (names we'll all certainly remember) are pretty standard fare. They've each got 1.8" 65K-color LCD, FM radio, voice recorder, JPG photo viewer, and . . . well, that's about it.
Battery life is pretty dismal at 10 hours for music and 2 hours for video, but the prices for the 0.46"-thick players aren't too bad: 70 and 100 euros for the 1GB and 2GB versions, respectively.
[Product Page via GenerationMP3]
Philips GoGear SA1335 Flash Player
Philips recently (and quietly) began stocking select stores with its 1GB SA1335 mirror-surfaced flash player. Measuring 3.17 x 1.24 x 0.59 inches, the player is designed to hang from an included lanyard around your neck while providing up to 12 hours of MP3, WAV, or WMA playback on its non-removable lithium polymer battery.
The 2-color OLED display won't turn any heads, but it can replace your wristwatch with its built-in clock screensaver. Other notable features are an FM tuner, voice recorder, and direct USB 2.0 connectivity (no cable required). Nothing earth shattering, but still not bad for about $100.
[Product Page via Chip Chick]
Philips GoGear SA9100 & SA9200 Flash Players
Philips will be introducing two new flash players to their GoGear line. These players are prices inline and set to compete with all the other “candy bar” MP3 players like the Z5, Nano, and Sansa e200. The 1GB will sell for $150 and the 2GB will sell for $200. Philips is missing out on a crucial higher capacity 4GB+ market.
All of your standard features will be packed into this smooth backlit touch sensitive case like its other GoGear siblings. Expect the SA9100 in September and the SA9200 in July.
