Lexar flash, MP3 players

today previewed its customizable JumpDrive Expression flash drive, a new 2GB flash drive with improved performance, and new flash-based digital music players. The JumpDrive Expression is a stylish, high-speed USB 2.0 flash drive, which it hopes will bring "an element of fun and personality to an individual's portable storage needs." Each JumpDrive Expression comes with three different colored "mood bands" available in a range of hues including Pistachio, Orange, and Periwinkle. The mood band wraps around the drive to form a durable protective cover that secures the USB cap to the drive so it won't be lost or misplaced. Due next month, the JumpDrive Expression will be available in 256MB ($50), 512MB ($70) and 1GB ($100) capacities.

Lexar also introduced JumpDrive Lightning, which combines fast data transfer along with massive (2GB) storage capacities and data security/file sync (Windows only) functions. The drive provides read/write speed rating of 120x (18MB/sec) minimum sustained write speed capability and 160x (24 MB/sec) minimum sustained read speed capability. It will be available next month in 512MB, 1GB, and 2GB ($280) capacities.




In addition, Lexar added two new models to its expanding line of digital music players: the high performance LDP-800 and the economical LDP-200. The new pocket-sized models support both MP3 and WMA music formats and are compatible with Microsoft Windows Media DRM for playback of downloaded songs from on-line music services.



Lexar's new LDP-800 utilizes Emersys EMX audio technology to provide a realistic 3-D sound stage while using 2-channel audio; it also supports Ogg Vorbis as an additional audio format, offers a digital line-out, offers line-in recording to connect directly to an audio source and convert music directly to WMA files, includes a built-in FM transmitter to transmit songs to any radio, and features a high-contrast display. Users can expand the on-board storage capacity of the LDP-800 using the built-in SD card slot. Other features include an FM tuner, FM recorder, voice recorder, a rechargeable lithium polymer battery and a high-speed USB 2.0 interface. It is due in March in both 256MB ($160) and 512MB ($200) capacities. Lexar expects to ship higher capacities at a later date.



The Lexar LDP-200 offers a convenient and simple management using around single and/or multiple SD memory card storage. The LDP-200 also serves as an SD card reader. The LDP-200 is expected to be available in February in four different configurations: Player-only (no SD card, $40), 256MB ($90), 512MB ($110), and 1GB ($150).

by MacNN Staff