Certainly not the first water-resistant MP3 player intended to be used in the bathroom, but it's the first o­ne I've seen that can take third-party USB Mass Storage devices.

Sun Electron will release a water-resistant MP3 player in late July that can be used in the bathroom. It is Open Price, and a model including a 32MB USB flash memory device (AQA026U) is 10,800 yen. A model without this flash device (AQA026) is 8,980 yen.

This is a water-resistant MP3 player, which when connected to a USB flash memory device, can play MP3 files stored inside it. It supports USB 2.0, and all USB memory devices with a power consumption under 200mA that support the Storage class. The device is certified JIS Level 5 water resistant, and Sun Electronc has said "it can be used in areas where there is rain, or where it will get sprayed."

The difference between the two models is whether or not they come with USB memory, and the "AQA026U" includes two sample tracks o­n its USB memory. As for why they are releasing the version with USB memory first, the company said "we also want people who haven't used USB memory before to use this product."

The AQA026 and AQA026U feature 40mm diamater stereo speakers, with a maximum output of 0.5W x 2ch. It features all repeat, shuffle, and single-song repeat play modes, changeable with a "MODE" button o­n the unit. It also features an auto power-off and low battery indicator.

Three AA batteries power the unit for roughly 9 hours, when using alkalines. An AC adapter to use with the unit is also available, but because this requires you to remove the back cover, it cannot resist water.

Its size, including the clip portion, is 134 x 64 x 200mm (W x D x H), and it weighs about 350g. It features an S-shaped hook to be hung from handles in the shower or a towel hanger, and some sticks are also included.

Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20050715/suntac.htm

News Release:
http://suntac.jp/news/050714/Release_AQA026.html