PocketTunes Application

[MobileCoop]

Has anyone used this Audio Application called Pocket Tunes?

Or the Aero Drome Audio Player (Beta)

[maledetto]

I just downloaded PocketTunes installed my fist music file to 128MB SD card. Four things I see as a problem with this program:

1. You need some type of conversion program to go from MP3 to OGG file formats. These programs run from $19.95 to over $40, but you can find some plugins for WinAp for free to do the conversion. There are some links on the pocket-tunes website under the FAQ. For me, being a non music geek with computers it is a little frustrating that I must do some type of conversion, even though I had no problem doing them.

2. To transfer the completed ogg, you need a fast sync program. Hotsync is way to slow. I use SyncWizard and for a 7.53MB file it took 15min to transfer to the SD Card. Half way through I cancled it and installed Card Export. Tried to send the file again using Card Export and it took under 2min!!! Much faster and better interface. Will be registring and using this program instead.

3. Sound is to low. The volume in the headphones is is the same volume that the built in speaker has. You can hear it but, if you have problems hearing it will be more of a wisper. There is no volume controls but you can fade the sound left and right. It is in stereo and would really kick if you could turn it up a little.

4. No ability to turn off the screen while playing or moving to other programs while it plays, as others have said.

So for me I will continue to try it out but, I'm still waiting for a player that support native MP3. To many "other programs" are required before you can even use PocketTunes, which will drive the cost up over $45, if you buy the most expensive MP3 to OGG converter and PocketTunes too. This $45 figure does not include Card Export which will cost you Another $19.95 so the real total is $64.95 ouch!

[PDA Stephen]

Originally posted by MobileCoop
Has anyone used this Audio Application called Pocket Tunes?

Or the Aero Drome Audio Player (Beta)

I am trying both of them, and they both work without any problem. The PocketTunes (skinable) looks much nicer than the Audio Player, but PockeTunes cannot turn off display while playing songs (I turn off backlight to save some battery for now until a fix come out).

You can get a free mp3 to ogg converter from: http://cdexos.sourceforge.net/index.php?pg=main

The PocketTunes is only $5 until 12/31. Or you can try it for 15 days. May be Real player will be out by then.

[codeman]

There is a volume slider, right above the balance slider. I've converted 2 tracks to a WAV format that I'll check out later this morning once I get to work and my Grado headphones. WAV isn't practical on the TT due to the size, but it, along with the Grados, should give a good idea of the quality of the sound support from the TT.

[Take1]

The player works great -- the sound sucks. period. Until Palm comes up with an OS patch, it will sound flat and lifeless -- even Grados can't overcome crap DSP filtering

I did try using my Boosteroo to boost the volume and it did wonders. The volume level via the Boosteroo was almost too loud at 1/2 volume on the slider in PocketTunes.

[codeman]

Take1's right. Even with a 54Mb file for a 5:14 long 44Khz WAV track, the sound is horrible. Absolutely no highs, no presence, little bass. In a quiet room, the volume is barely sufficient to be at a comfortable level...forget jamming.

If Palm/PalmSource can't improve this, it will become one of those "Remember how bad the sound was on the old Tungstens". If the rest of the unit was of the same quality, PalmOS's days would be numbered. Thankfully that's not the case.

Having used Norm's other software for years, I know that his software is usually as good as the platform allows. He's even quickly responded (a usual thing for him) by adding the volume control, the screen power off option, and the option to have the LED blink when the screen's powered off.

Putting the PalmOS's poor performance with sound aside, this is a really good player. I'll be buying it, in the hopes that we get an OS upgrade. I am no fan of Real, so I won't be waiting for it.