The iRiver PMC-120 series (http://www.iRiver.com) is the third device to hit the streets loaded with Microsoft's new Portable Media Center software, which we described in detail in the Dec04/Jan 05 issue (http://www.pocketpcmag.com/_archives/jan05/PortableMediaCenter.aspx)
It is both attractive and comfortable to hold. The stylistic rounded edges and curved case gives it a "game controller" feel—you just don't want to set it down.
The first model in the series, the PMC-120, features a 20 GB internal hard drive. Later, the PMC-140 will be introduced with a 40 GB drive—double the storage capacity of any other PMC on the market. The 20 GB version will hold up to 5000 songs or 80 hours of video.
The PMC-120 not only incorporates the easy-to-use Windows XP Media Center Edition user interface, but also can interface with Windows Media Player 10 on your desktop PC, or with your Windows Media Center PC. In addition, the Portable Media Center software supports the latest Digital Rights Management software (DRM10), making it one of Microsoft's "PlaysForSure" devices (http://www.playsforsure.com/WhatIsPlaysForSure.aspx). This is a system designed to make sure the media content you purchase (or rent) will "For Sure" play on your device.
Design features
The PMC-120 sports a 3.5 inch diagonal, 320x240 pixels (QVGA) color display. It's a bright display with good color saturation, well suited for indoor use. However, it does not do well outdoors in bright sunlight. Sound output through the built-in monaural speaker is loud and of reasonable quality. If you want stereo, you have to use the headphones that come with it. Hopefully we'll see dual speakers in future versions so we can listen to stereo without the headphones.
The iRiver PMC has a few design features that are especially well thought out. First, the external speaker is located on the top left front of the device, away from controls, making it less likely that your finger or thumb will block it. It also has a small kickstand on the back which folds out from the case for table top viewing.
At 9.9 ounces, the device weighs about 20% less than the Creative Zen PMC, which we reviewed in the Dec04/Jan 05 issue (http://www.pocketpcmag.com/_archives/jan05/ZenMultimedia.aspx). This difference is due in part to the smaller battery. iRiver estimates that you will get 5 hours of video play time and 12 hours of audio listening on a fully charged battery. This will be adequate for most users. However, if more time is needed, a spare battery (about the size of a roll of quarters) will easily fit in your pocket.
Control layout
The controls aren't backlit, but are located in a logical order on the left and right of the display. You'll probably get used to their location and feel quickly.
Front
- Right of display: volume increase (+), volume decrease(-), next track (>>|), play/pause (>||), previous track (|<<), charge/power indicator LED (bottom).
- Left of display: speaker, "Green Button" that brings up main menu, back or previous menu, 4-way directional keypad (w/action "ok" button in center), power on/off
Along the edges
- Right: None
- Left: mini-USB port
- Top: headphone jack (above speaker), handstrap connector, DC power input n Bottom: TV output, Hold switch, docking connector (USB 2.0), reset switch
Back
- Left (facing back): battery compartment, battery release.
- Right (facing back): retracting "kick stand"
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