THE new series of GoGear PMPs from Philips features FullSound, a Philips-patented technology that promises to restore sonic detail to compressed MP3 music which often have muted dynamics.

There are five players in the new range - SA52 series (2.8-inch LCD and available in 2GB and 4GB configurations) and SA32 series (1.8-inch LCD, 2GB and 4GB).

The GoGear design is slim and neat. Sound quality and screen sharpness are excellent.

Audio formats supported include MP3, WMA and AAC, while video formats such as AVI, MPEG 1,2 and 4, VOB, MOV, WMV and RM can be played.

However, although the GoGear player can, in theory, support a flurry of formats, reformatting via the Philips-provided software is often needed for files downloaded directly from the Internet.

Otherwise, the video simply won't play.

This is not a hitch confined to this player. Many PMPs in the market face similar problems and some get around it by offering plug-ins. We can only hope for the day when there is true plug and play.

How much: SA52 4GB with Bluetooth ($249), 4GB ($219), 2GB ($199), SA32 4GB ($159), 2GB ($129)

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