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ZapStation Price Cut, Linux-Only Version

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the stuff-to-get dept.

Richard Robison of ZapMedia wrote in to say that their ZapStation stereo MP3 Box has had a serious price cut to $599. If you put in the comments field 'JUST LINUX' they will ship you the box with just Linux installed (and code to control the IR input and screen). In other words, a $600 stereo component PC ready to connect to your TV and speakers for whatever video or audio projects you feel like rolling up yourself. I reviewed this unit last December and found a lot of problems, but many of those glitches have apparently been fixed, and the price was the biggest problem, so this thing may deserve a serious second look this time around.

12 of 200 comments (clear)

  1. their website by e1en0r · · Score: 2, Informative

    http://www.zapmedia.com/ just fyi.

  2. $600 for this? by LordOfYourPants · · Score: 5, Informative

    I would rather pay $400 for a refurbished computer capable of playing all the formats this machine plays. Lets look at its problems:

    Can't FTP properly if FTP sites have symlinks.
    Can't do large FTP transfers.
    Importing tracks from sources other than ripped CDs causes the track order to be lost.
    No shuffled play.
    Popping noises when listening to tracks via optical cable.
    Shitty UI.
    Can't change your playlist as it's being played through.
    Can play MPEG video only.
    Pixelated/jerky DVD playback.
    Anamorphic issues with DVD playback.

    Which of these issues have actually been fixed? A lot of them seem to be pretty important to me. ie: It may be nice if issues 1-5 are fixed, but if DVD playback is still pixelated/jerky, the device may be worthless.

    1. Re:$600 for this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative

      The ftp problem has been fixed.
      Track order problem has been fixed.
      Shuffled play works fine.
      Popping noise has been fixed.
      Why do you say the UI is shitty? Most people who have seen it really like it.
      Good point about the playlist.
      Playback is not jerky or pixelated.
      We are not aware of an issue with Anamorphic DVDs.

  3. Re:$600 is still too much by svferris · · Score: 3, Informative

    Well, for audiophiles, I've heard nothing beats the Stereo-link 1200. Sound & Vision magazine gave it a great review.

    If only it had an LCD or something so you didn't have to control the music from your PC

  4. we're trying by fons · · Score: 5, Informative

    Take a look at
    http://davedina.apestaart.org
    The project is far from finished and i don't know if it will work on this setup. But you can ask around on the mailinglist.
    We have a working box in our living room that does some of the things you want (no audio recording yet)

  5. Re:Cheaper by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    Your box would not look very nice. Your box would likely be the size of a PC and not the size of a CD player. The box we are selling looks really nice. I also doubt your box will have a readable display. The ZapStation has a really nice VFD.

  6. Re:I bought one... it sits in a box useless by rrobison · · Score: 5, Informative

    I work at ZapMedia. If this actually happened, call me and I will take care of the problem. Since we never sold a box for $799, my guess is that this never happened. My number is 678-420-2720. -Richard

  7. The HP De100C is nice also! by qurob · · Score: 3, Informative


    HP has a DE100C out, since November 2001. Smilar product, expensive though!

    ZDNet intro article

    Slashdot Article #1

    Slashdot Article #2

    HP's web site

    Open Source Info

  8. I've got my one!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    It may not be as fancy as that toy... but it works.

    Check it out here...

  9. Re:I bought one... it sits in a box useless by scotch · · Score: 5, Informative
    ATTN Moderators: an unsubstantiated, undocumented report from an Anonymous Coward that blemishes the reputation of this company does not make for +4 insightful. Please restrain your enthusiasm for sticking it to the man.

    --
    XML causes global warming.
  10. Re:I bought one... it sits in a box useless by rrobison · · Score: 2, Informative

    I think the post was a hoax. We never sold a unit for $799. The unit already has video out. There is a PCI slot, but the case is the size of a CD player, so there is no room for a full-size video card. If want want to cut up the back of the case, you might be able to do something. If you order the Linux only version, you can add more memory, change the HD, or upgrade the CPU.

  11. US-Centric, no Euro-buyers.... by samfreed · · Score: 2, Informative

    This kit is NTSC only. It will not work ourside the US, Canada (and maybe japan). Before you rant the there are other countries which use NTSC, they are few and far between. None in Europe, anyhow....