Drive-based players take on iPod nano
updated 09:05 pm EST, Tue December 20, 2005
iPod nano competition
Taiwanese makers of MP3 players are planning to late this month or next quarter in order to avoid direct price competition with Apple's flash-based iPod nano, Digitimes reports that 2GB flash memory is about $100 more than the $60-65 for 2GB microdrives (miniature HDDs), which will allow the smaller manufacturers produce music players at a more competitive price. "Micro-Star International (MSI) will launch two 4GB HDD-based MP3 player models for sale in the Taiwan market later this month with each at a recommended retail price of NT$5,990 (US$180), slightly cheaper than a 2GB iPod nano and about 25% lower than prices for the 4GB version of the popular MP3 player, the sources indicated." While prices are cheaper for 2GB microdrives, the report notes that there is currently a short supply due to fast growing use in handsets, PDAs, and GPS products.
