Remember those Aiwa MP3 players from a few months ago? o­ne of which even supported Bluetooth? They're back, but in larger capacities this time around.

Sony will add 512MB and 1GB models to their "XDM" flash memory player series under the Aiwa brand, which support the playback of ATRAC3plus, ATRAC3, and MP3. They are all Open Price. The estimated retail price and release dates are as follows:

512MB model - 25,000 yen - February 10th, 2005
1GB model - 30,000 yen - February 21st, 2005

The specifications are the same as the 128MB "XDM-500" and 256MB "XDM-S700" released in December of 2004, with support for ATRAC3plus, ATRAC3, and MP3 audio formats. Connection with a PC is done by USB 1.1. Contained inside the internal memory is the "MP3 File Manager" transfer software, and when connected to a PC, said application will load. Transferring of files is conducted by dragging and dropping MP3 files to the MP3 File Manager window.

Also, creation and transfer of ATRAC3plus and ATRAC3 files is done with the bundled "SonicStage Ver.2.3" software.

Power comes from a single AAA battery. When using alkaline batteries, 66kbps ATRAC3 will play for as long as 100 hours -- 48kbps ATRAC3plus will play for 90 hours, and 128kbps MP3 will play for roughly 80 hours. It also contains an FM tuner, and supports reception of signals for roughly 40 hours.

Both of the models have the same basic design, external dimensions, and weights. The coloring of the 1GB model is black, while the 512MB model is silver. The body is made of aluminium. The external dimensions are 88.6 x 24.6 x 24.3mm (W x D x H), and the units weigh about 60g including a battery.



Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20050124/sony.htm

Product Information (1GB model):
http://www.jp.aiwa.com/products/usb/flm_player/XDM-S990.html

Product Information (512MB model):
http://www.jp.aiwa.com/products/usb/flm_player/XDM-S900.html