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Ask the Editors: Touch-screen availability
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Touch-screen availability
June 8, 2006
Q
I'm not sure if you have the capacity to answer random questions from around the world, but just in case: I have a fourth-generation iPod and am quite happy with it, although I think the company could have done more with the software. What I am waiting for is a music player with a touch-sensitive screen (and a stylus) so that I can easily navigate, add text (change tags and so on), and create playlists from the player (iPod has a way of creating a playlist now, but I don't think it is very practical). Do you know of any players that might come close to this?
Submitted by:
Lillian,
CNET reader e-mail
James Kim
James Kim
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It doesn't matter where you're from. What you're asking for--a mobile music device with a touch screen and true drag-and-drop music management--is still a generation or two away from reality. However, there are players that feature a touch screen, which can be both an annoyance and a benefit to navigation and music management. The first one that comes to mind is Archos's PMA430. More of a miniature media computer than an MP3 player, this Wi-Fi-enabled device features an intuitive 3.5-inch touch-screen interface. It's expensive, though, and it's been available for more than a year. The Olympus M:robe also has a big touch screen, but it's not a good player, and it wouldn't give you the control over tracks you need. Actually, it's not even on the market anymore.

Another option is to get a Windows Mobile handheld, such as a Dell Axim, an HP iPaq, or a Palm Treo 700w. Although these are communications devices first, they run Windows Media Player, they're equipped with touch screens, and they have an inherent flexibility to run many types of applications. As for true MP3 players, I'd imagine Archos or Apple (with its rumored touch-screen device) coming out with what you're looking for first.






James Kim's passions--digital audio and writing--intersect at CNET.com. He has written more than 400 product reviews covering a broad range of technology.


 



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