Microsoft's iPod-Killer: Portable Media Center?

securitas writes "The Seattle Post-Intelligencer's Todd Bishop reports on what's billed as an iPod-killer: the Microsoft Portable Media Center line of digital media players that 'will store and play back video, music and photos.' The devices are expected to be demonstrated at CES this week. Hardware manufacturers Samsung, ViewSonic, iRiver, and Creative are apparently developing versions of the devices that 'will run a specialized version of Windows CE.' Analysts say that the PMCs will come with 40 GB hard drives and retail for $400 to $700. I got a look at an early version of the RCA Lyra Audio/Video Jukebox mentioned unfavorably in the article due to its size. The size is a function of needing a reasonably-sized screen to watch video. The article has an image of a Portable Media Center prototype. The devices are slated to ship in the second half of 2004."

Comments

My new year's resolutions:

[Anonymous Coward]

My resolutions for the new year:

1. Stop trolling slashdot

Awwww shit, I failed it already! Let's try again.
My resolutions for the new year:

1. Accept that Taco has no respect for the "community" that makes up slashdot, and that things are just going to get more broken, not better.
2. Learn to spel.
3. Get the highly coveted first post.
4. Get Mz Portman to sign my penisbird.
5. Bring the Orphanage to the attention of the Secret Service (or should that be CIA?) for their nasty comments about the Comptroller of Currency.
6. Immantize the Eichler continuum.
7. Stop wasting my time making useless resolutions.
8. ????
9. And of course, PROFIT!!!!

Will they oulast IPOD?

[DecimalThree]

If IPOD's battery only lasts 18 months, does microsoft plan on using the same tactics?