I just got this item and it works great. Sharp picture, good quality sound, and ultra slim design. Here's some additional info that may not be readily apparent from the item's description:- The remote has a volume control, which I understand was not available on the previous 9" model.
- The unit DOES have built-in stereo speakers, but the sound is noticeably weaker compared with the included mini-tower speakers.
- The mini-tower speakers will only operate with the docking cradle and they are not magnetically shielded. Built-in speakers go null when unit is docked.
- Both the built-in speakers and the mini-tower speakers can distort when the volume is cranked (~85% of maximum), or if the scene has a lot of bass, but otherwise the sound is fairly good.
- The docking cradle has discreet RCA-type outs for left, right, center, left surround, right surround, and subwoofer. So it can do its own 5.1 and DTS decoding, or you can go digital optical out from the unit itself into a receiver with a decoder (optical cable not included). You can also go stereo analog out from the unit (cable for this is included).
- Video outs from the cradle include component video, S-video, and composite video. Video outs from the unit are composite video only and a special cable for this is included (mini-jack plug on one end and RCA plug on the other).
- This unit works great as a monitor for other equipment like camcorders. In fact, you can use the specialized cables as mentioned above and the unit's outputs instantly become the inputs when you hit the AUX button. Pretty cool!
- There is a spring loaded jog dial on the unit for fast-forward and rewind.
- The unit's main "joystick" pulses and glows neon blue making you feel like the proud owner of something super-tech and expensive. It is the only button on the unit that lights up. The buttons on the remote do not light up either.
- The screen tends to clop shut when closing it, so be careful with that. It does have some glued on rubber bumpers to soften the blow though.
- No case is included, but I understand Panasonic sells one for 9" portables. A sturdy custom piece of bubble-wrap is included that can act as a temporary case so you can take the unit on the go until you find a real one.
