WHAT'S HOT
What makes the DMC 8270 a possible iPod
alternative? The feature
list is extensive. What follows is a list of what I think makes
the DMC 8270 worthy of consideration for purchase:
Encoding
: All
of the DMC hard drive players have the ability to encode mp3 audio and
save to its hard drive through several means: FM radio, line-in with
the included cable (for use with any device with a miniplug headphone
audio output), and voice record. Audio can be encoded with bitrates
as high as 192kbps. The other DMC players, the 800
and 500
,
can encode up to 320kbps. As mentioned within other reviews of the DMC
devices, the encoding feature can become useful to record internet radio
from PC, or to capture cassette or vinyl tracks.
PIM
: Other
players lack true PIM capabilities and are limited to text viewing.
The DMC 8270 can synchronize with Outlook Contacts (vCard) and vCalendar
very easily, and can also view large text files generated on PC.
Screen
: The
180x180 monochrome display is much larger than its competitors; view
the comparison table below. This device could be great for folks who
have trouble seeing the tiny print on other digital audio players.
Languages:
The
device comes preloaded with many languages, including: English, Spanish,
German, French, Italian, Dutch, Finnish, Chinese, and Japanese.
Mobile Hard Drive
:
The 20GB DMC 8270 can be used as a stand alone mobile hdd, although
you'd be missing out on its other features. The unit uses a standard
1.8" hdd, which is interchangeable with similar hard drives (advanced
users).
Desktop Software
:
The DMC 8270 comes with Musicmatch Jukebox (which I refrained from installing)
and its own "AudioPhile" desktop software. AudioPhile, although
simple, seamlessly integrates all of the functions of the device, allowing
the user to take advantage of all PIM capabilities. You are even able
to change the device start up image with a 180x180 monochrome picture,
in addition to updating firmware. The company notes that the device
is also compatible with Windows Media Player and WMA DRM, so users who
purchase their music through an online outlet will be able to transfer
their songs to the player.
DMC 8270 20GB |
Dell DJ 20GB | Apple iPOD 20GB |
|
| Dimensions | 4.0"x 2.6" x 0.75" |
4.0" x 2.5" x 0.74" |
4.1" x 2.4"x0.57" |
| Weight | 6 oz | 6.8 oz | 5.6 oz |
| LCD (pixel measure) | 180 x 180 |
160 x 104 | 160 x 128 |
| Claimed Battery Life | 12-14 hours |
12 hours | 12 hours |
| Price | $249 |
$249 |
$299 |
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
For $249, DMC will send you the unit, a line-in cable, ear bud headphones (which were as good as ear buds can get - which isn't too great), AC charger, and software. Where's the case, I ask?
DMC will bundle the Air-Wave FM transmitter with its product after the first of the year. This device allows a user to broadcast his tunes over an FM radio signal, which is convenient in a car situation, although FM radio quality will most likely be less than that of your digital audio.
PRODUCT
FEATURES
The square-with-rounded-edges design of the DMC 8270 makes it easy to hold in hand. If you are looking for a company badge or logo, look no more, because there isn't one. DMC plans to add a logo to full production units.
By far, my biggest disappointment with this device was the quality of the buttons. They feel and look cheap, and shimmy around under usage. I'd like to see better quality material here. Also, the up/down arrows are the only means of track navigation, which can be slow and imprecise. I think other companies have it right by having some sort of jog or spin dial that can accelerate as the user spins faster.
DMC keenly put all ports on one side of the device, leaving the three others clean. The left port accommodates the charging cable, followed by the USB port, line-in port, microphone, and headphone jack (which lacks connectivity for a wired remote).
The rear of the device is streamline, and sports an attractive blue-purplish metallic shell.
The blue backlight, although a bit duller than in the above image, adequately illuminates the screen in low light situations.
COMPARISON
IMAGES
The screen of the DMC is markedly larger than the iPod at 180x180 pixels vs. 160x128. The hideous orange select button stands out on the DMC 8270.
The
iPod is quite a bit thinner than the DMC 8270; both are similar in length.
A top shot reveals that the width of the DMC 8270 is also a bit greater. The tasteful metallic strip of the DMC 8270 looks great.
The
two DMC brothers are larger than its iPod step-sibling. Don't remember
the DMC 800? Read
our review.
DESKTOP
SOFTWARE
The AudioPhile software is indeed simple, but powerful. DMC has made it rather easy to transfer audio files to and from the device.
AudioPhile sorts your files by Artist, Album and Genre neatly, and allows you to view any recorded FM radio broadcasts, or other files that utilized the encode feature.
To send a text file to the device, type text in the box to the right, or adjust the title in the left box.
Transferring vCards and vCalendar data is simple with the wizard.
SCREEN
CAPTURES
When the device is turned on by holding the Play/Pause button, you are presented with the changeable startup image.
The large screen certainly displays a lot of information - but in my opinion, they should shrink the massive heading to allow for another line or two of text below. The main menu is shown above, which gives you access to the Now Playing screen, FM Radio, Voice and Music Record, PIM, Device Information, and Preferences. Let's take each on at a time!
The Play My Music screen allows you to select songs based on Artist, Albums, and Genre. Other DMC devices did not allow a user to do this, so this is a refreshing software change.
Using the Search function in the Play My Music menu is easy and generally quick - the device will look for tracks that match titles, artists and albums with the value you enter.
The Now Playing screen displays the usual song statistics, in addition to bitrate in the bottom left corner. Within this screen, a user can choose the playback mode (indicated by the arrows at bottom), change the speed of the song (1 is normal, 5 is fast -- this would be a great feature if the pitch didn't change with the speed increase), adjust equalizer (with more than 20 presents such as jazz, rock, techno, etc - no user customizable preset though) and view previous and played songs. Notice to adjust the song a user must select the volume command, then adjust using the right/left arrows. I'd like to see an easier way to access this function.
A commonality among the DMC devices is the FM radio and ability to record radio broadcasts. Although this is a great idea, I found the FM reception to only be acceptable outdoors, as it uses the headphone wire for the antenna.
The quality of the voice recorder was great - an mp3 can be recorded at bitrates up to 192kbps.
Within the PIM screen, a user can: view his Contacts...
...which I downloaded straight from Outlook (blurred for security)...
...the user can also transfer his appointments to the device...
...and view text documents. I'd love the ability to change the text size, as to be able to read more in one screen.
DMC decided that having one game wouldn't be enough - so they've included four. Although basic, all four are entertaining and can offer some excitement while listening to the radio or other file.
Above is an in-game shot of Tetris, my favorite old-time game. Yes, there are a pair of zeros on the score board, but don't let that fool you - I'm a Tetris pro!
HELP SUPPORT
I found the user manual to be an inconvenient
reference - the information followed no particular order. The company
is responsive to email, though.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The DMC 8270 is Mac and PC compatible, and works with USB 2.0 and 1.1.
BUGS AND WISHES
As
mentioned, my biggest gripe with this device is the quality and feel
of the cheap plastic buttons. The shell of the device looks and feels
great - why spoil it with the Fisher-Price buttons and ugly orange selection
square? There is also no easy method of scrolling through large playlists.
I'd like to see chrome-like metallic buttons in place of the current
ones, with a scroll wheel in the center. On the topic of build quality,
when I received by device, two of the eight screws holding the device
together seemed to protrude; this was a bit offensive. For $249, I'd
like all my screws to be secure.
The entire menu system was overall easy to navigate, but there is no volume dial. Many would agree that volume is a vital function that must be easily accessible.
The large screen on the device can indeed display a great deal of information, but will most likely become victim to pesky scratches and pocket lint with usage. Where is the case? A cheap vinyl case would be better than nothing - I like to protect my investment, as I am sure many others do.
A wired remote is an important accessory with any digital audio player. Many use their devices in an athletic or gym-type situation where it is uncomfortable to draw out the device to advance track or volume. A simple wired remote could remedy this.
Although I applaud DMC for having well over a dozen preset equalizer settings, I'd like to see a user customizable EQ. Audiophiles like to tweak various frequencies to their liking, and the presents didn't achieve predictable results.
I don't quite see the purpose of the Variable Speed feature in the Now Playing menu. When you speed a song, it heightens the pitch, and makes it sound as if Alvin and the Chipmunks have invaded your device. I know there are some desktop applications that keep the pitch the same even when you slow the song; I imagine this would consume a good bit of processing power. My advice to DMC: either kill this feature or make it right, don't keep it "just do have it."
PURCHASING
The
DMC 8270 is available from the DMC
store
for $249. After the first of the year, they will
begin to bundle the Air-Wave FM transmitter with the device - a great
idea.
PROS
Large screen
- One-handed operation
- Blue/purplish metal shell is attractive
- Encoding via mp3
PIM functions
Four games
- Intuitive desktop software
- OGG Vorbis capable
- A great value
CONS
Buttons look and feel cheap
- No method of quick scrolling
- Volume access is cumbersome
Cannot use a remote
- No user-customizable equalizer
- Variable speed option changes pitch
- Where is the case?
OVERALL IMPRESSION
Once I got past my astonishment of the
cheap buttons, I began to like the device. The DMC 8270 is closer to
a pocket organizer than any of its competitors, and convergence-like
devices are popular, since they reduce the need to carry multiple devices.
The price is very reasonable, the feature list is long, and the desktop
software is well done. DMC is doing the right thing by bringing us products
that differ from the other guy, and the DMC 8270 (without a doubt) delivers
on this front.
