PyroPro for Palm V Adds MP3 Playback, 256 MB Storage

Posted By: Ed Saturday, August 11, 2001 10:47:35 AM

PocketPyro, Inc. is about to release the PyroPro for Palm V, which adds up to 24 hours of digital audio and extra memory for file storage and backups. It offers 256 MB of flash memory, CD quality stereo headphone output, and a digital voice recorder. It will sell for $400 and be available the week of August 26.

The PyroPlayer app displays song titles and artist via ID3 tag support, a song progress bar allowing users to change locations in the song, a scrolling display of next tracks, a volume slide bar, along with standard CD player buttons. There are also has shuffle and repeat playback options. It supports MP3, WMA, and AAC audio encoding.

Skins can be used to change the screen layout. Additional selectable screens display a full playlist and a graphic equalizer with presets and manual adjustments capabilities. While the PyroPro Player is running, the Palm can run other applications, or be powered off.

The PyroPro uses its own 2 AA batteries, which can play continuously for up to 24 hours. It can even charge the Palm from its batteries.

The PyroPro cable connects to the PC via the USB port or Serial port to allow both HotSyncing and data transfers to the PyroPro at the same time with one cable without needing of the cradle. It functions as a removable solid-state hard drive under Windows 98, Windows ME, and Windows 2000 with a 3 second per megabyte data transfer rate.

It has an internal microphone that allows the user to record audio in a *.wav format. These files can be played back on the PyroPro and transferred to the PC.

It comes with software that allows the user to backup and restore data and application files from the Palm, as well as simplifying file transfer between the PyroPro and Palm.

At $400 some would instead suggest buying a Sony PEG-N710C which also offers MP3 playback and only costs $100 more. However, in order to get the same 256 MB of additional storage capacity, roughly $300 worth of Memory Sticks would have to be added into to calculation.

Though it isn't mentioned on their website, hopefully they are developing a Palm Universal Connector version.

Thanks to Greg Gaub for the tip. -Ed

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you got to be kidding!

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 11:20:35 AM #
$400 to convert Vx into a hugh music playing "brick"? No thanks!

Honestly, music playing capability is not in my list. I only want a add-on for my Palm Vx and it can accept memory card. Guess that no one is developig this kind of device...

RE: you got to be kidding!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 11:40:01 AM #
You know, you can get a high quality mp3 player for less than 400.

RE: you got to be kidding!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 11:43:57 AM #
yeah, for just $230 can get a really sweet one!

No Kidding Here
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 1:00:07 PM #
Does the $230 model have 256 MB of memory? Can I store Palm files on it? Can I use it as a removable hard drive for my PC? Can I recharge my Palm with it? I hope you see my point.

The PyroPro ain't cheap but neither is flash memory. I think it has enough features over a stand alone MP3 player that it will succeed, especially if they make an m500 model.

RE: you got to be kidding!
GregGaub @ 8/11/2001 1:14:21 PM #
Did you guys even READ the rticle?
It's more than just an mp3 player:
1) it's a high capacity external storage device. 256megs!
2) it's a replacement USB cradle for the PalmV
3) it's an emergency charger for the PalmV
4) It's a digital voice recorder
5) It's portable backup/restore for the PalmV
6) it's a portable storage device for windows computers
7) AND it's a kick ass mp3 player that can play multiple kinds of encoded audio, not just different mp3 codecs.

Show me anything like that for under $400.
-Greg


RE: you got to be kidding!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 1:43:09 PM #
Im sorry, but $400 is way too much for this "contraption"..I don't care if it blows your nose. A Vx is currently $300 and with this add on it would bring the total cost of ownership to $700+. You can buy a Clie N710C and 2 128MB Memory Sticks for $650 bucks. In other words, you can get vibrant color, built in Mp3, smaller size and plenty of storage for much cheaper than this combination. LOL

RE: you got to be kidding!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 2:17:51 PM #
Cheap MP3 Playing.
Hell, for $200, you could buy yourself a CD-R unit, a Mp3-playing portable CD player (Such as the Memorex MPD8505cp - $80 @ Target), and have enough cash left over for twenty blanks.
Some of the other functions are neat, but it's not worth the money IMO.

RE: Are You Sure?
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 2:19:43 PM #
> You can buy a Clie N710C and 2 128MB Memory Sticks for $650 bucks.

Where?

RE: you got to be kidding!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 2:25:54 PM #
No fair quoting full prices for one side then rock bottom prices for the other. A quick check of PriceGrabber comes up with a bunch of places selling the Vx for just over $200. That puts the Vx/PyroPro combo back below the 710/MS.

Plus, this is for people who already own a Vx.

RE: you got to be kidding!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 5:51:18 PM #
This is will be the outcome:
http://palminfocenter.com/view_Story.asp?ID=2203

Another fine idea, priced for the techno geek crowd, who, it is assumed, will pay anything for the latest gadget. Well I sure as heck won't, despite how much I would like good audio playback on my Palm. Fuggeddaboudit!

RE: you got to be kidding!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 7:36:44 PM #
Here:

Clie 710c - $419.00 Egghead.com
128 MB Memory Stick - $107.95 www.erwincomp.com

$634.90 + shipping - $655.00 total.



RE: you got to be kidding!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 7:45:43 PM #
>No fair quoting full prices for one side then rock bottom prices for the other. A quick check of PriceGrabber comes up with a bunch of places selling the Vx for just over $200. That puts the Vx/PyroPro combo back below the 710/MS.

$200.00 + $400.00 = $600.00

For $40.00-50.00 dollars more, wouldnt you rather have the Clie package the I mentioned above??

RE: you got to be kidding!
atrizzah @ 8/12/2001 1:15:42 PM #
I really wish they made this for the m50X's. I would seriously consider spending the money for it

Peace Out
Alan
RE: you got to be kidding!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/13/2001 10:21:38 AM #
I already own the palmV, so it is just the $400 cost for the add-on. I gain the mass storage for both the palm and the PC, recharging of the Palm, and the cradle capabilities, and multi-format music for $400. If I were to get Sony, the music sticks and the second charger and cradle, it would cost well over the $650 price tag, and I still don't have the ability to use the unit as a removable hard drive that plugs into the PC's USB port, which is very valuable to me as a user.

Plus, the productivity value is not factored in.

RE: you got to be kidding!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/13/2001 10:39:09 PM #
>>>>If I were to get Sony, the music sticks and the second charger and cradle, it would cost well over the $650 price tag, and I still don't have the ability to use the unit as a removable hard drive that plugs into the PC's USB port, which is very valuable to me as a user.<<<<<

Unfortunately, most non Clie users do not know this.
But, the 610 and 710 DO have removable hard drive feature! On the 710 the ONLY way to put mp3 onto the memory stick is using this method, and the 610, it's just a nice feature sony left.

What the Clie does is this. Put the clie in the cradle, run the special software and beep beep, a "removable drive" appears in "my computer" on your windows computer. You can then click it and treat the memory stick as a floppy drive with usb speeds. copy your mp3s in there, your palm apps, other files etc. backup your memory stick to the PC etc. So yes it can do this :)

RE: you got to be kidding!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/14/2001 2:42:04 AM #
C'mon people....

This is for the people who already own a Palm V ...I don't think it's an effort from Pal to GET people to buy the V....right?
Stop trying to find the lowest prices for everything....We already have net pages doing that...ok?

It's a good idea from Palm, just a tad expensive.

-Mats

RE: you got to be kidding!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/14/2001 5:21:16 PM #
FREAKIN RIDICULOUS $400

They're trying to gouge us.

PocketPornoPyro can ride 400 bucks straight to COLON LAND before I'll cough up 4 bills, I'll buy a new .mp3 player alone first.

Freakin Ridiculous, and a shame. www.pocketpyro.com should be ashamed !!!!

RE: you got to be kidding!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/14/2001 5:59:24 PM #
so are you saying you are going to buy one?

Except for the price, it's great.

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 4:02:19 PM #
I love this idea. Now, if they can only lower the price by say, $250, I might actually be able to afford it.

Couldn't agree more.
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/14/2001 2:57:03 PM #
The list of features makes me drool.....but the price makes me yelp and run away.

You know, I'd be happy with a 128 MB version that cost less, to be able to carry an MP3 player on my Palm, and have that MP3 player also provide me with a USB syncing option, emergency re-charge, and the expansion-media version of Backup Buddy. I wouldn't even have to trade out my V for a Vx, given the extra memory.



Overkill

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 4:12:01 PM #
I'm just a simple man. All I want is an mp3 sled for the 500 series, that will read mp3's off my existing SD card. Onboard memory can be minimal. The geniuses that did this should be able to provide what I want for $150 or less. K.I.S.S.

Great for travelling!

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 4:55:26 PM #
I'd love to have this thing on trips. Charging the Palm from batteries is great overseas, replacing the cradle is nice, and music will be great too. I just hope it sounds good, that the battery really lasts that long (they never do), and they really ship the thing in time (they rarely do). $400 is a lot, but 256MB is a LOT!

RE: Great for travelling!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 7:48:06 PM #
256 MB is not necessary right now. Im a power user of the Clie 710 with a 64MB MS and I still have 32MB left over....even with a few songs thrown in. Who would listen to 24 hours worth of music anyway?? $400 is too much, especially when you consider how much bulk is added to the V.

RE: Great for travelling!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/12/2001 12:45:53 AM #
a few songs thrown in???? If you go on a trip how long are you going to listen to 'a few songs'??? The more songs i have the more i will listen to it and enjoy myself. a few songs would get pretty boring pretty quick!!

RE: you got to be kidding!

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 7:39:17 PM #
The price is too high for me, I'd prefer the Clie too, but I don't think we could call the color 'vibrant'. Hi-Res, yes, but not vibrant.
RE: RE: you got to be kidding!
I.M. Anonymous @ 8/11/2001 7:41:43 PM #
Vibrant is notan understatement. Granted, it isn't as bright as the Prism but it is easier on the eyes.

[ No Subject ]

choroni @ 8/12/2001 10:06:18 AM #
GregGaub you really work for this company, for instance i understand your ecxitement on promoting it. The only problem is that you're out of this world if you think anyone could pay $400 for a pet project. This is a great tech achievement but will never be a commercial one at this price.
Clié PEG-N710c rules all the way!
RE: [ No Subject ]
GregGaub @ 8/12/2001 12:11:14 PM #
I love how anyone who supports something is automatically an employee for the company. I'll have you know that I'm a stay at home dad, and could not possibly afford this device. I would love to have one, just like I would love to have an Ohfish! phone for my Vx. I can't afford that either, but I think it's really great. Do I work for them too?

Yes, $400 is a lot of money, but like I said, this device is a LOT of stuff, and if well made and designed, is worth the money. Just because many people can't afford it, or think it's too expensive doesn't mean it's not worth it. Like everyone else, if this baby came down in price by $100+, I'd put it on my wish list (the one that only gets bigger ;-).

No, I don't work for PocketPyro. But I have been waiting for their PalmV device for a while. I just never expected it to have this feature set and corresponding price. Oh well.

-Greg

some will find this important:

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/12/2001 7:46:57 PM #
it supports the WMA format

No m505 support?

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/13/2001 4:00:12 PM #
You mean you CAN'T put this on a m505? It has the same style as a Vx. I thought the two were in the same series. I still couldn't drop dollars on it right now, but that would be pretty cool to have all that the PyroPro offers plus the color of the m505. Isn't that what folks like about the clie?

PocketPyro Store

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/5/2001 5:45:30 PM #
The store is open at http://www.pocketpyrostore.com/.

By the way, it is way much more than just an MP3 player, but it is for serious users.

RE: PocketPyro Store
I.M. Anonymous @ 9/5/2001 5:47:38 PM #
Hmmm, a problem with that period at the end there, it should be, perhaps, http://www.pocketpyrostore.com/

RE: PocketPyro Store
I.M. Anonymous @ 11/25/2001 9:07:35 PM #
If I can buy a used one for 150 or less do you think that, that is a good price??? I can.

That is Crazy

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/21/2002 10:55:12 AM #
Do you know what you can purchase for 400 dollars. You can buy 2 mabye 3 palms with built in Mp3 players. Don't give me that crap about what it can do besides that either. No one asked for that. we just want to be able to play mp3's. This was a good idea wasted.....who needs a hard drive backup on a plam. You could buy half a computer (2 hard drives for back up) at that price.
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