The lowdown
The MPack is just one of many similar multimedia players emerging at the moment. This makes use of hard disk memory to give it a fairly respectable 20GB memory capacity and is designed in a novel (for HDD players at least) clamshell device. It boasts a 4” screen which gives a decent advantage over the likes of the 5G iPod. Also due later in the year is a GPS add-on that will help it double up as either an in-car entertainment unit for passengers or a handy tool for the driver.
What's good?
The picture quality of the 4” screen compares very well to rival products and this is enhanced by a huge list of video format support which includes MPEG1/2/4, AVI, DAT, XviD, MOD and most notably VOB. This latter format allows for some seriously good quality DVD rips and is a great addition. Couple that with some surprisingly powerful integrated speakers and your looking at a device that seems built to entertain en masse rather than keeping it personal. Photographers will also be pleased to hear that the device supports USB On-The-Go functionality.
What's bad?
The interface isn't incredibly user friendly and takes a bit of getting used to. Another barrier in its path to becoming a true pocket essential is the pretty meager battery life. We squeezed around 4 hours out of the review unit which, while easily enough to play a couple of movies, leaves it trailing a little way behind rivals like the 5G iPod or Creative Zen Vision:M.
The £300 price tag also seems pretty steep for only 20GB of storage but it is clear that MPack is focusing more on the other functions that the device may offer, GPS being a prime example.
Do you need it?
Compared to most rivals out there, the P600 offers a little extra innovation which is coupled with a slightly elevated price tag. The GPS add-on will help carve a niche for this personal media player of course and should make it more ideally suited to specific types of customer. If it doesn't match your personal demands, it is also worth considering competing players like the PSP, also rumored to be getting GPS functionality, or the Creative Zen Vision:M which offers more storage space for a lower price (with a smaller screen though). Overall though, the P600 did display a decent quality display, solid finish and format versatility that out does many of the others.
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| Useful Links: |
Zoodex
, http://www.mpackuk.com/ |
| Features: |
USB OTG functionality
GPS add-on due later in 2006
Wide digital format support
20Gb of storage
Clamshell design
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| Verdict: | 
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