Sometimes it can be hard to remember that consumers have more than two options, iPod and Zune, when it comes to portable media players, but Samsung continues to innovate. At CES 2010 Samsung is unveiling it latest pair, the IceTouch and the MyFit,  to the market.
The IceTouch appears to be the higher end model with a 2″ AMOLED transparent touchscreen. Yes, transparent. What this means is that when you are looking at the back of the device you can still see the screen, its just reversed. It’s an interesting feature, I’m …

Looking to make a debut at CES 2010 is the Cydle P29 mobile media system.  The P29 is a portable media player that’s also packing an HD radio tuner as well as a mobile ATSC tuner. 
Obviously not a well known name, we’ll have to see if mobile TV and HD radio are strong enough draws to get people to drop the $199 that the PMP will run when it releases.  The device also ships with an accelerometer for re-orientation and a 480MHz processor.
Sporting a 2.9” touch screen, you …

I’ve been checking Archos’ website frequently.  The company has been producing interesting portable media players (PMPs) for awhile now and until recently I’ve never had the opportunity to try one.  Recently the company announced that they would be releasing a series of devices aimed and bridging the gap between PMP and UMPC.  The first to do this is the Archos 5 Internet Tablet.  Archos was able to achieve this combination device by utilizing the Android OS.
Overview
Much like the iPod Touch, the Archos 5 provides access to all of your …

While a full review is probably about three weeks away, I wanted to take some time this morning to give my first impressions of the new Archos 5 Internet Tablet.  This touch screen device is slightly larger than an iPod touch, however you can do a lot with that extra screen real estate.
In the few days I’ve had with the device so far things are going well.  Setup was quick and easy, and I’ve been using it for a myriad of tasks.  While you won’t be doing any heavy …

Sometimes, I wish I worked for CNet.  Or, any of the other outlets that are getting the opportunity that Donald Bell of MP3 Insider recently got.  Seems that Mr. Bell was able to get about an hour of play time with the forthcoming ZuneHD and he’s walked away impressed.
By now we know most of the specs for the device and they’re very impressive.  But, that said, actually getting to hear from someone who’s held and messed with it adds more info.
Speaking of Wi-Fi, the Zune’s new Web browser smokes. …

While Archos announced the Archos 9PCTablet a few weeks ago now, I recently had a chance to sit down and take a look at the actual specs behind the machine.  While I don’t think it’s going to take over the netbook market, I do like innovation and what the 9PCTablet lacks in power, it makes up for by being the first.
I hate that last sentence.  It makes the device sound like its a slouch when its not.  The reason I say “lacks in power” is because the 9PCTablet ships …

There are a ton of choices when it comes to using your Apple iPod in your car.  It seems every company on the planet has produced a wireless FM transmitter and charger for the things.
If you own something other than an iPod however, finding a device that would both charge and allow you to listen to your music has always been a challenge.  Accessory Genie yesterday introduced the Go-Groove Flex Tune FM Transmitter and Charger.  The device plugs into your car’s 12v outlet to provide power to the FM Transmitter.  …

For those who don’t like Apple’s or Microsoft’s solutions when it comes to portable media players, there are a ton of hardware solutions on the market.  While none have the clout of iPod and few have the storage of the Zune, there are a lot of quality players on the market which will give you everything you want in a PMP.
One thing that might help you make a decision about what hardware to buy is the services it works well with.  Cnet has taken some of the guess work …

You’ll soon be able to access the audio book catalogs of top publishers via Overdrive simply by upgrading to the latest software.  Publishers include Random House, Penguin Audio, BBC Audiobooks, Tantor Media and others.
In June, when users upgrade to version 3.2 of the Overdrive software on Windows PCs, they’ll be able to start easily transffering their books to their iPod, other Apple devices, Microsoft Zune and other PMPs.
"iPod-compatibility instantly adds value to digital media catalogs powered by OverDrive and further expands the collection to the millions of iPod owners …

Fast Company is reporting that soon, your portable media player may soon be able to create playlists based upon your mood.  You read that right…your mood.
The first indicator comes from a patent recently filed by Sony Ericsson titled “Generating a playlist based on facial expression” and does basically what it says.  Using your smartphone or PMP built in camera, the software could tell whether or not you’re smiling, frowning, or just look plain old pitiful and play music to match that mood.
The other method being tested is described in …