More Bytes for the Buck
February 2001
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Samsung had some working devices. One was a boombox/MP3 combination. Tentatively called it the Samsung Combi-YEPP (S-DP490), this minisystem has a built-in docking station for a portable digital audio player that uses DataPlay for storage. A spokesman for Samsung said the CD drive in the boombox could rip tracks as MP3s and send them directly to the player. The combi-YEPP's projected availability is fall of 2001. Pricing was not announced.
In addition to manufacturing, distributing and marketing DataPlay blank media, Imation also has plans for transfer and drive products. The company showed a non-working prototype transfer device that allows for the digital files to be moved from CompactFlash and SmartMedia cards to a DataPlay disc. The device is expected to be available in the fall at a price somewhere between $200 and $300.
VaroVision showed a gaming and portable video device that has the ability to display MPEG-4 video, playback MP3 and AAC files and view eBooks. It is projected to be available in October for an estimated price of $399.
Even with such innovative devices, DataPlay will have an uphill fight because of its late introduction this year, but if the consumer market is as price sensitive as it has been in the past, solid state memory makers may have to start lowering their prices to compete.
Samsung S-DP490 Combi-YEPP. Call (800) SAMSUNG.
Imation's prototype CompactFlash/DataPlay transfer device. Call (888) 466-3456.
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