SP and TP Miniplayer: What's the difference?

I live in China, and my old iPod has been acting up as of late (the little machine is 4 years old now!).

I've been looking around at some of the more 'local' offerings, and was mildly impressed with Meizu's Miniplayer.

They are being sold here from 699 RMB (on up) for the 1GB version. However, there's another version that's being sold beginning at 899 RMB (or thereabouts), for 1GB as well.

Apparently, one version is SP and the other is TP. I've tried asking salespeople as to the difference with my still lacking Mandarin skills. One girl told me the TP had a better screen (I watched the same video playing simultaneously on both -side by side- and couldn't tell a difference). A young man assured me that the DSP in the TP was of higher quality (made by Philips, apparently). Yet someone else told me the TP came with more accessories in the packaging (something I did, in fact, verify as being true). The thing is, I've learned not to put too much stock in anything the salespeople here tell me, because more often than not, they don't really understand what they talk about.

Anyway... before I take the plunge, I'd really want to know from someone who knows: what is the difference between the Miniplayer's SP and TP versions, aside from a somewhat richer set of accessories and a short mention on the silver backplate of the players?

SP version
========
*Cheaper than TP version
*Screen is brighter than TP version (TP uses a toshiba screen, whereas the SP model uses a Samsung screen)
*Less hiss vs TP version? (i've seen less people bitch about this model)
*SP uses a different firmware set


I think those are the principle differences between the two. Feel free to add to the list.

Thanks for the quick reply.

I'm wondering after what you said: which one would be the recommended one? Also: which firmware differences are there?

I don't think the TP are still being produced. I'd go with the SP, because of the cheap price. There are no firmware function differences, just firmware for different chipsets.

Another vote for the SP version. I wouldn't necessarily say its better because its cheaper, but rather its better because of the brighter screen. However in my experience, Toshiba stuff tend to last longer than Samsung. Of course nowadays, technology is improving and the above may no longer be true.

If possible however, go for the Deluxe version, comes with a handsome bundle at a slightly increased price

For the deluxe, what are the contents?

Deluxe contains, apart from the regular package, Meizu Silicone Skin, Deluxe Carry Case, External Battery, AC Adapter, Kickstand.

wow. this is a very fast respone. thanks.

is the deluxe edition released yet? i'm hoping to get it as my xmas present

I went back and forth over the TP/SP thing for a while, and ended up going for the SP because I could get it in black.

I ended up with this decision because:

• I wanted a black one
• Nobody could really identify any dealbreaking difference
• Lithium batteries are good for 2-3 years max, and by then (if not before) I'll have a Miniplayer 2 or3!

Basically, I decided I was worrying over nothing. Might as well enjoy it for a while and move on.

how much is the 4gb SP player on the average chinese store?

preferably in euros :P
Chinese currency will do to though

1299 Yuan -> a little less than 130.- €

Thanks for all the replies.

I haven't seen any deluxe editions here, but I don't live in the biggest Chinese city there is, by far. It seems to be hard even to just find a black edition of any of the models.

The price for a 4GB SP version quoted to me today by one salesman after bargaining a little was 1210 RMB. I'm a little too lazy to look up current conversion rates right now, but last I remember, the exchange rate is about ten to one (RMB to Euro - I'm from Europe myself), which brings that to about 120 euros. The listed price in most shops here is 1299 RMB. Hope that helps. (---- Nevermind: PeterHamburg beat me to it)

Originally Posted by Overdrive

Lithium batteries are good for 2-3 years max

I guess I'm lucky, but the battery in my former mp3 player (an iPod) has lasted me four years now without any problems. I've used the player every single day during those four years, but it's never failed me. It still gives me six hours or more of music when I unplug it from the charger. Other people have had problems, it seems, but not me.

It kind of makes me wonder why I'm so eager to leave behind all things Apple, though I am indeed very much so. Anyway, that is a different discussion entirely.

The lifespan of lithium I posted was based on skimming over the description on wikipedia.org rather than personal experience, so maybe things aren't necessarily as bleak as I imagined!

Anyway, I received my SP about an hour ago, and so far I'm pleased. The construction looks to be equal or superior to the similarly priced DAPs I've seen in stores, and I've already transferred a few files over. The first thing I've noticed is that the unit has the ability to pack a serious punch in the bass department; moreso than my Samsung YP-U2 for sure. The audio is also warm and clear through the Sony EX90's I'm using right now.

So far, so good. And she's a pretty toy, for sure.

Originally Posted by Zaan

A young man assured me that the DSP in the TP was of higher quality (made by Philips, apparently).

Originally Posted by Blackstar

Less hiss vs TP version? (i've seen less people bitch about this model)

Hi,
this looks likee an antagonism to me. Does the SP sounds as good as the TP?

Shine On, Frank

P.S. Hi Err0r, still saw you at Teclasters. Is moderation of forums your hobby?

But isn't the sp thicker than the tp? And isn't the 'deluxe' version a tp?

Originally Posted by Steve

But isn't the sp thicker than the tp? And isn't the 'deluxe' version a tp?

A tiny, unnoticeable bit. Deluxe version contains a SP player but at original TP (higher) prices.

Originally Posted by Err0r

A tiny, unnoticeable bit. Deluxe version contains a SP player but at original TP (higher) prices.

Oh I see. Then it seems it's probably due to a small difference in thickness of each LCD panel (Samsung vs. Toshiba).

Im still confused, anybody know the difference between the SP and TP for sure?

Last i heard, the TP came with USB host function, if this is true i would definitely get the TP, so i can transfer downloaded podcasts from my phone.



Also do they use a different DSP chip, if so which is best.