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Did you just realize that you left someone off of your holiday shopping list and now need to scramble to get him a gift? If you aren’t too close with him and he has yet to know a thing or two about gadgets, technology and pop-culture, you may want to consider picking up one of the Insignia MP3 players.

Best Buy’s private label brand, Insignia, offers two models: the Sport 2GB (NS-DA2G) and the Sport 1GB (NS-DA1G). Both models are 0.5” thin, weight 1.2 ounces, have a 1.2” OLED screen, built-in FM tuner, USB 2.0, have a rechargeable battery with 18 hours of playback time, and are PC and Mac compatible. They also both support MP3, WMA, WMA-DRM, PlaysForSure , Napster and Rhapsody subscription services and JPEG image files. The 2GB model also adds audible support.

I had a chance to play with both models (which are essentially identical) and was left rather impressed with the functionality and ease of use as compared to name brand players (check out the interface here). The 2GB price is right, the size is good, and they are easy to use for you non-tech folk. I suggest heading over to Best Buy to pick one up if you are currently in the market, or forgot to get someone a present.

You can get 1 GB for $79.99 or 2 GB for $99.99, not too bad if you don’t feel pressured to buy a iPod name brand.

In the current market, we frequently see flash memory MP3 players with small built-in memory space with no expansion slot. With the ease of buying and downloading songs and video from internet, the limited memory space in most of the current players poses a problem to consumers who want unlimited songs/ videos in their players.

Shiro will be highlighting a new player at CES that not only has an expandable slot (SD/MMC), it also has a built-in speaker that allows you to enjoy your favorite song/ video by yourself or share it with your friends.

Besides serving as a player for songs, this player also has video and photo playback functions. This enables users to watch their favorite movies or view photos anytime, anywhere. The 1.8” 65K color TFT LCD display screen, FM tuner and recording, and one-touch voice recording will win you over. This device also supports multiple languages and has 7 equalizer modes for you to tweak the music to suit your mood.

Read [Shiro]

This ultra-compact, go-anywhere portable speaker system has a built-in iPod dock and FM tuner. It runs on 6 AA batteries and includes an AC power supply for added flexibility. It’s also a clock radio alternative that features a built-in alarm clock with snooze function, a date display and if that doesn’t seem different enough from every other iPod speaker, this one has a room temperature display.

Read [PC World] Read [JVC]

So the Zune will cost $249.99 but what about the must have, long list of accessories...check ‘em out:

• Zune AV Output Cable: Connects to a TV or stereo for $19.99.


• Zune AC Adapter: power for $29.99.


• Zune Sync Cable: Connects to your PC or AC Adapter for $19.99.


• Zune Car Charger: Works with the FM Tuner for $24.99.


• Zune Dock: For Syncing or displaying next to your TV when using the AV Output Cable for $39.99.


• Zune Wireless Remote for Zune Dock: self explanatory, but you may need the on-screen menu as well to see the menus $29.99.


• Zune Dual Connect Remote: An in-line remote that hooks up to your Zune and your headphones for $29.99.


• Zune FM transmitter with AutoSeek: AM, FM, XM, Sirius, and ZM...Zune radio? (once your transmit it over) $69.99.


• Zune Gear Bag: A bag for $29.99.


• Zune Premium Earphones: Admitting that it comes with crappy headphones for $39.99.

And remember, these are only the first party accessories, just wait till Belkin, Griffin, DLO...you get the point...get their hands of the Zune.

Read [Microsoft] Via [Gizmodo]

The folks over at I Review Electronics (creative name), had an opportunity to have some hands on time with Creative’s Zen Vision: M, also known at Apple’s 5G iPod direct competitor. They really like this 2.5-inch screen at 320×240 resolution, 30GB hard drive, 4 hours of video playback, 11 hours of audio playback, FM tuner, voice recorder, MPEG-4, WMV, Motion JPEG, DivX, and XviD supporting player. This player surely packs a lot of features!

Read the review [I Review Electronics]

Sony recently released three new boomboxes, but this one caught our eye. With its durable body construction, the new heavy-duty ZS-H10CP boombox is just one of the guys. With a sturdy design and convenient protective handle bar, the water and dirt-resistant player is ideal for hard-hat work areas, a less-than-clean garage or rugged outdoor use. With an AM/FM tuner, line input for digital music players and MP3 playback, this player lets you enjoy the radio or your own music mix in the open air. The is available for $129.95.

Now this is a Father’s Day present for a hardworking dad!

Update: Corrected a typo in the last line (misplaced a G for a D in Day)

Product Info [Sony]
Product Page [Sony]

Sandisk unveiled today their new Sansa e200 portable audio player.  The device will come in 2, 4, and 6 GB models and will be expandable via MicroSD memory cards (of the Sandisk variety).  The e200 supports PlaysForSure and has a built-in FM tuner.  The screen is a 1.8 inch TFT, and the players are 1.7” x 3.5” x 0.5” and come in titanium and Liquidmetal casing.  They will run $200, $250, and $300 respectively.

[via Engadget]

Read [Press Release]