Video iPod vs Axim x51v video functionality.

CornyAxim · 10-13-05, 01:25 PM

I always said there would be no way Apple could release a video ipod that would simply play everything. So far you have to have your video at certain bitrates, resolutions, and 2 codecs. Looks like alot of converting for people who don't have their collections in these specified formats. A pocket pc however with one app called TCPMP plays the following.

http://tcpmp.corecodec.org/about

Supported file containers
- AVI (*.avi)
- Matroska (*.mkv, *.mka)
- MP4 (*.mp4, *.m4a)
- Ogg Media (*.ogg, *.ogm)
- ASF (*.asf)

Supported audio codecs
- Mpeg 1 Layer III
- Ogg Vorbis
- Musepack
- Windows Media Audio (on Windows Mobile devices)
- AC-3
- AMR
- Adpcm, uLaw

Supported video codecs
- DivX
- XviD
- MPEG4-SP (plus B-frame support)
- MPEG1
- M-JPEG

This combined with a 3.7" 640x480 screen (yummy) and internet access and the hundreds of other uses a pocket pc has. I will take a Axim x51v anyday. It may cost more, but I like to be able to play as much stuff as possible immediately, not waste time converting everything. With the adapter I can play high resolution divx and xvid files through a projector, or HD/LCD TV with VGA. And it will look good. Tell me how good video will look at 320x240? Yes very funny I know. Aside from storage size and price the new iPod doesn't fare well against a pocket pc for video versatility or functionality.

A little catching up to do there Apple. Oh you might want to make it possible to very quickly change the battery, because no device that small is going to play video for more than 3 hrs, without dying... at least video with high demands...

Glad I don't have to convert my 900 .mpg -1 videos like an ipod user will. Also glad that when a 20-60 GB CF Micro Drive comes out I can upgrade at will.

I can't believe anyone would watch video on a screen less than 3.5". Amazing what people will buy and go for once they are told it's "cool" by Apple. Before this I remember every Apple user saying the same thing. "Who or what kind of dork watches or cares about portable video?"

Every one of them is silent now, that Apple has "okay'ed" video.

Any other comments? Remember relate them to VIDEO VERSATILITY OR FUNCTIONALITY.

10-13-05, 01:40 PM

conclusion, ipod screen is too small and limited codecs.

darkdestroyer · 10-13-05, 01:49 PM

Basically the iPod video is good for music videos only. The functionality of the 2.5 inch screen is mainly for msuic vdieos and photos. I would still stick with a PDA + Microdrive

tiger_splash · 10-13-05, 02:23 PM

I have to agree with you there. Personally, the non-replaceable battery is a deal breaker for me. Just that one issue is enough to keep me away.

nelson111 · 10-13-05, 02:51 PM

Agree with most of the comments above. But one thing I do envy is the greater amount of storage the ipod has.

Ironman945 · 10-13-05, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by nelson111

Agree with most of the comments above. But one thing I do envy is the greater amount of storage the ipod has.

That is one advantage the new iPod has. Storage.
Another advantage I would dare say is ease of use.

I can convert DVDs and put them on my Axim no prob.
But could an average Joe do it?
Yeah, probably after reading a few how-tos on this site.

If the interface on the Apple iTunes to iPod connection is as easy as it has been in the past, then ease of use will help that combo win out for some people.

As far as screen size, battery life or ability to switch to new battery, upgradibility, and versatility I say the Axim wins.

I have a nano which I think is great for music and a few photos. I use my nano for working out, at work, and just lounging around. Yes I know the Axim can work in this capability as well, but physical size is why I got the nano.

I was tempted to get the new iPod, but pulled back and thought, I can use my Axim for videos, it can hold enough right now for what I want or need. Plus the screen is bigger and would probably be a more enjoyable experience and the Axim has a built in speaker, which is nice to use at least to me(I had a Toshiba E740 before my Axim where the speaker was not loud at all, I had to hold my ear to it to hear it even on full).

Also, my music collection is not that big right now to warrant getting anything bigger than my 4GB nano.

Just some of my thoughts...

psionandy · 10-13-05, 03:16 PM

Yup.. I think it's Itunes that will make or break this device. There have been Personal Media Players for the last couple of years, but non of them have had any mass market appeal.

10-13-05, 03:17 PM

I wonder if they would be saying the same thing at an "ipod" site??????

cnycompguy · 10-13-05, 03:20 PM

3 people I know have bought x50v's since they have seen mine, however not a single person I know is even remotely interested in a video ipod, the battery sucks, the screen sucks, the itunes video downloads are expensive and seriously lacking in the variety, the only thing it has going for it is the storage, which means nothing if your battery dies after 3 hours worth of viewing on that dinky lowres screen

agashka · 10-13-05, 03:49 PM

Wow , the choice is neat :|

10-13-05, 04:21 PM

Sadly most people act like sheep, so the IPOD will be a great sucess....

gabextremev200 · 10-13-05, 04:58 PM

@CornyAxim:
Up in the first post, you missed out on some of the big ones TCPMP now supports! (That official list is a bit dated...)

Code:

   AAC AUDIO
------------------------
<> AAC-LE (iPod style)
<> AAC-HE (super modern)
<> AAC-HE v2 PS

   VIDEO
------------------------------------
<> Windows Media Video 7,8,9
<> AVC/H.264 and NeroDigital AVC
<> MSMPEG-4v1, v2, v3
<> DivX3 non-complient streams
<> H.261
<> H.263(+)
<> NEW!! XviD/DivX with Qpel and GMC
<> Full MPEG-4 ASP

But for this, you need 2 things: 
----------------------------------
1. ffmpeg plugin
2. Unofficial Rarewares AAC plugin

10-13-05, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Vanamonde

Sadly most people act like sheep, so the IPOD will be a great sucess....

I COULDN'T AGREE MORE!!!
pssh.... people these days

Lior_73 · 10-13-05, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by tancerman

conclusion, ipod screen is too small and limited codecs.

My conclusion ...

Ipod is jusn an mp3's player (with a large capacity indeed)
supported by a massive public relation and mass of people ignorance.
X50V and other PDA's are more then just MP3's players.

Sorry, but I can't think of one good reason for buying an Ipod.

Pared · 10-13-05, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by Lior_73

Sorry, but I can't think of one good reason for buying an Ipod.

Good thing you don't have to.

Ease of use, form and functionality, access to the great iTunes music store, 14 hours of music ALONE.... the iPod Nano was a great investment.

I love my x50v; but if you really love your music, a dedicated mp3 player is the way to go. The iPod is one of the best.

Unless you're one of those "rebel against the masses" types... people who rebel just for the hell of it.

Yeah, THAT makes sense.