Absolute Gadget

Creative has launched a new mp3 player that could give the iPod Shuffle a serious run for its money. Called the Zen Stone, this tiny little player seriously undercuts the Shuffle by around £30!

The tiny little player (which measures in at 53.7 x 35.3 x 12.8mm and weighs 18.3g), holds around 500 songs in its 1GB memory and is available in black, white, red, blue, pink and green. So there is a colour to suit just about anyone. The rechargable battery should last around 10 hours before topping up again.

According to the makers, putting tracks on the thing is a matter of dragging and dropping them onto the player through a computer, natch! (It supports MP3, WMA (DRM9) and Audible). There are also a range of accessories to use to personalise the player. These range from silicon skins, available in 5 matching colours, a sporty armband that comes with a silicon skin, and even a keychain with a tiny case that carries the player by your side.

"The Creative ZEN Stone, at just €39.99, opens up a huge new market for MP3 players," said Sim Wong Hoo, chairman and CEO of Creative. "This is an incredible price for everyone to get a high-quality MP3 player capable of holding up to 500 songs. Whether it's your only player or a second one to take with you anywhere, this price lets you think of MP3 players in a whole new way."

We look forward to seeing them for real. 

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