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Toshiba Gigabeat U101 and U201

By: Jenn K. Lee on March 19, 2007 4:04 AM

toshiba-gigabeat-u.jpg

Toshiba announced today its new Gigabeat U series of low-capacity flash DAPs. At first glance, the 1GB U101 ($118) and 2GB U201 ($144) look pretty ordinary. But beneath the 96 x 96 OLED display and inside the 3" x 1.4" x 0.4" casing are actually some refreshingly unique features.

The most notable, from what we can gather from the translated press release, is some sort of high sound quality conversion technology that's never been used before. Exactly what the digital audio processor does and how it does it isn't terribly clear, but the bottomline is that Toshiba is pretty pleased with the U series' output. The players are also equipped with "direct sound recording functions" and FM transmitter capabilities that seem to enable person-to-person sharing. Battery life is rated at 20 hours on a full charge and 3 hours on a 10-minute rapid charge.

The Japan-bound U series will be available in white beginning on March 28, with orange and blue (for U101 only) models to follow on April 7.

[Press Release]

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Comments

Lacene on March 19, 2007 8:20 AM

I'm a little skeptical when it comes to Toshiba spec announcements after the Gigabeat S debacle, so I'll wait to hear the actual performances. Any projections of a US release?

Utew on March 19, 2007 11:26 AM

Tosh does have a pattern of flexibility, when it comes truthful product announcements. This falls into the wait and see category.

Alex M on March 19, 2007 8:52 PM

it does seem pretty good but id wanna know if there would end up being a us release, whether there is a removable battery. and what was so bad bout the gigabeat? was it the navigation or something?

MikeC on March 27, 2007 4:29 PM

They have never updated any firmware for the S series, and there was a lot of false information about its battery life and almost no support. I love mine, it has a good interface and great video playback, I just wish it had a little more support

Dan on April 29, 2007 1:20 AM

Toshiba products?

I never trust them after I bought Toshiba laptop...
Their fake specs will never put me in trouble again..

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