Apro PMP-MM55

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Apro PMP-MM55

Frazier Barretto, Aug 07, 2006 1700 hrs IST

Let's see if the PMP-MM55 really stands for what it's really made for; features at a bargain.

Light and Portable, Neat Bundle, Good Screen, Memory card slot, Inexpensive, USB 2.0.

Supports only .ASF video format, Poor build, Below average sound quality, Bad camera, Unimpressive pair of earphones.

Expert Rating :

Expert Review

Usability

The video playback on the Apro seemed like a miracle (that's the feeling you'll get once you know the price.) The screen is exceptionally good, having a very good view angle. The .ASF format of video isn't the best so the actual quality of the screen can't be exploited. The player has an in-built speaker so if you don't have any earphones or want to share the video with others, you can play it off the speakers. The sound quality isn't very good even with the earphones and when compared to the previous Apro player we reviewed, the sound quality is very bad. I expected the same quality but the player didn't deliver because of both poor earphones and poor sound quality of the player as well, it could even be because of the audio encoded in an .ASF video.

Now there is really no need to talk about its music player, is there? Anyways the music player of the PMP is much better with the standard presets making the sound pretty much audible. The sound tends to crack when the volume levels are raised above 50%. I'd preferably stick to the speaker provided. The other AV functions of the PMP, AV IN/OUT aren't up to the mark. AV Out on a TV didn't look too good blame it on the .ASF video again. The Utility CD provided has software to convert your video files into .ASF format.

As I mentioned earlier, the camera fitted in the back shouts out 3.2 MP but it really isn't any good. The image produced is noisy and sometimes blank in slightly dull lighting. Even a VGA camera of a mobile phone will click pictures and record videos better. Videos are recorded in .ASF format as well.

The player has a much better interface compared to the previous Apro product. Here the menus are simple, so navigation shouldn't be a problem at all. Though the interface has improved, the build quality of the keys makes it equally difficult. You'll find yourself hitting the same key over and over just because it doesn't register. The build quality of the player is pretty bad on the whole. Try to hit the keys too hard you'll notice the pressure you are applying on the screen. The player UI did tend to hang a couple of times while testing, but that only happens if you try playing video format that aren't supported by the player.

Conclusion

The Apro PMP-MM55 retails for Rs. 5,950 with a one-year warranty. It's not the best nor does it even come close to any of the top runners like the iPod video. The player has a 1200mAh battery and can playback video for 150min continuously and still have juice to play your music. The LCD is major factor to consume the batteries. Unless you really need a video player and you are on a very tight budget, this isn't something one can be satisfied with even after shelling out the dough.

Test Unit sourced from: Mediatech India, Mumbai.