Toshiba will release a new version of their 20GB mp3 player, the gigabeat.
Updates this time around include LAN connection, and o­n-strap (not strap-on) controls.

Toshiba Corporation announced that they will release the LAN-connecting 1.8" portable audio player, the "gigabeat G21" o­n April 9th. The player is available in Cosmo Black and Mist Grey Metallic colors, o­n the Toshiba website, "Toshiba WEB."

There is also a model that comes with a wireless LAN adapter from Buffalo.

While it's Open Price, indicators suggest it will cost around 47,040 yen, and the wireless LAN set will cost around 52,500 yen.

This is an upgrade to the gigabeat G20. The main improvement is the USB host function, which features 2 USB ports o­n the cradle, to which o­ne would connect their wireless (or wired) LAN adapter. Users can then transfer files over the network. Obviously, this is slower than using USB 2.0, though.

In addition to the good old wired remote, Toshiba is adding a strap, with controls built in. This is the first time something like this is being done in Japan.

Other functions are just like the last model. The supported OSes are Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, and XP. It includes a 160 x 86 dot backlight LCD, and it supports the display of Japanese characters. The battery is an internal lithium ion, with a constant playback time of 11 hours.

The body is aluminium alloy, with external dimensions of 76.5 x 89.5 x 12.7mm (W x H x T) and it weighs 138g.



Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20040318/toshiba.htm

Product Information:
http://www.toshiba.co.jp/mobileav/audio/meg201/products.htm