We reported o­n Thanko's MP3 playing headphones some time ago, and they're back.

Updates this time around include movement of a couple different buttons, as well as the addition of a 512MB model. And I guess I didn't notice it last time I wrote about these, but they're pretty damn inexpensive.

MP3 headphones have been offered by a number of companies, but I find Thanko's to be the most... inconspicuous. (Or is it "least conspicuous?")

The "Rare Mono Shop," an o­nline shop operated by Thanko Corporation, will release the "BufferFly2 MP3 Player" headphone-style MP3 player o­n February 8th. 128MB, 256MB, and 512MB models will be available, with the 128MB model costing 6,980 yen, the 256MB model at 9,980 yen, and the 512MB model at 12,980 yen.

These are headphone-style MP3 players with 128, 256, of 512MB of internal memory. They support the USB Mass Storage class, and MP3 files are transferred by connecting them to a PC with USB 1.1; audio files can then be enjoyed by simply putting o­n the headphones. Supported operating systems are Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000, and XP, as well as Mac OS X.

As a successor to the "ButterFly MP3 Player" released in April of 2004, these new models have moved some operation buttons to the back, and offer improved usability. Power o­n/Off, volume adjustment, and other operations can be controlled with usage of the buttons o­n the housing. Also, with a new audio chip, the audio quality has reportedly been improved. A 5-mode equalizer is provided as well: it has pop, classic, jazz, rock, and normal settings.

The internal lithium ion battery supplies power, and the ButterFly2 takes about 3 hours to recharge. Its continuous playback time is about 10 hours. The headphones weigh about 46.5g, and a USB cable is included.

Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20050207/thanko.htm

Product Information:
http://www.thanko.jp/butterfly2.html