ToshibaReviews

(Source: CNET)

Supplementing the first review of the Toshiba Gigabeat S (MES30VW) digital media player by CNET is a pretty comprehensive review by MobileMagazine.

Like CNET, MobileMag’s reviewers found Toshiba’s iPod-killer to be a product with great potential, considering its better interface, navigation, screen, and audio/video format compatability compared to the iPod Video. But they still found it wanting given the relatively weak battery life, messy Windows Media Player management system, and uhmm… ability to crash (yep, that’s Microsoft for you).

So, it wasn’t surprising that the Gigabeat S only got an overall score of 59% - though you must admit MobileMag gives pretty low scores across the board in the first place. Their conclusion? Well, “All in all, my time with the Gigabeat was pretty enjoyable. I think it’s a very viable alternative to the iPod, and watching videos on the screen was very nice compared to the experience found on the iPod video. Although I had a few hiccups here and there, and Media Player 10/11 isn’t really the best choice for device management, I think that if you’re in the market for a new DAP you might want to give the Toshiba a look.”

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(Source: CNET)

iPod-killer No. 999, but this time this one actually proves its credentials. Not only does the Toshiba Gigabeat S MES30VW gets the thumbs up (a.k.a. Editor’s Choice award), but it also does so with an overall rating of 8.3 out of 10 when reviewed by CNET.

While it’s a pity this portable media player comes with only 12 hours of battery life for audio and 2.5 hours for video, you have to admit its bevy of features trumps the iPod video upside down. Just look at its support for tons of photo, music and video file types, subscription services and digital camera transfers, as well as an FM tuner and the intuitive Portable Media Center operating system.

The verdict on Toshiba’s MED30VW is clear. It’s great. It can be improved, of course, but until then, let CNET’s bottom line enchant you to the purchase queue: “Many prospective MP3/PVP buyers have been waiting patiently for this compact, easy-to-use, one-stop shop for media files–looks like the Toshiba Gigabeat S was worth the wait.”

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