Here is some exciting news from Cowon. Their latest PMP, the N3, is expected in early 2008. Now with more information from Cowon, themselves, this great portable media player will make any traveler happy.

Here are the specs:
- DMB TV streaming
- GPS navigation
- Alchemy AU1250 600MHz CPU
- SIRF III GPS chip
- Microsoft Windows CE 5.0
- 4 watt Stereo Speaker
- 2x SD/SDHC Card Slots
- 7-inch screen made by Samsung
- 191 x 120 x 26 mm
- 128MB RAM
- Watch TV with navigation in PIP
- 32MB FLASH memory
- AV In, Video Camera In, Line Out
- FM Transmitter
- Video: AVI, ASF, WMV, MPG, OGM, DivX, XviD, MPEG4, WMV9
- Audio: MP3, WMA, ASF, OGG, WAV, FLAC, APE, MPC
- Picture: JPG, BMP, PNG, RAW

The N3 is due out by the end of January 2008 and with a big screen, laptops can be left for business travelers.

Tags: cowon, n3, pmp, gps

A Korean company by the name of UPOP just released what it calls a PMP. However, the U48S is more like a UMPC because of all the features and computing power. With a Sidekick form factor sans the flip-slide, this is like a mini-laptop.

Here are the specs:
- 30GB or 60GB of built-in memory
- 84 x 157.7 x 24.4mm
- USB 2.0
- Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 Professional
- MP3, WMA, MP4, ACC, AC3, Ogg, and WAV
- AVI, WMV, MPG, DAT, ASF, MP4, MT and VOB
- JPG, BMP, GIF, TIF
- SD/MMC expansion slot
- 4.8-inch TFT touchscreen
- Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g
- DMB Tuner
- Audio and Video recording
- Office Applications and TXT reader
- Built-in Dictionary

With a full-blown CE 5.0 OS and a slew of ports, this thing can really do anything, too bad it will stay over in Korean.

Tags: upop, u48s, umpc, pmp

Here is yet another example of a company that can create a sexy-looking and feature-packed media player without copying Apple. The i-Station U43 should be considered as a mini-computer because it really does everything and it even has a Microsoft operating system!

Here are the specs:
- 4.3-inch WQVGA (480 x 272) screen
- Microsoft Windows CE 5.0
- T-DMB receiver
- Built-in GPS chip and software
- E-dictionary
- 30GB / 60GB hard drive
- Play most file types under the sun
- Full touch-screen

The U43 comes in 3 versions, Standard, DMB, and NAVI. Not much else is known about the player, but it will cost about $500.00 USD when it does appear on the market.

Tags: i-station, u43

Ramos shows off a pretty hot looking media player called the RM970. With a black front and white back, it is iPod-ish, but this player opted for all screen and no buttons.

Here are the specs:
- 2GB of built-in memory
- 3-inch TFT LCD
- 200MHz ARM7 processor
- 200MHz Rockchips DSP
- MP3, WAV, WMA, and Ogg
- FLAC, AAC, APE, MPEG4, Real, and AVI
- JPG image viewer
- NES emulation included

There are no words on when it will be available or for how much. The RM970 looks nice and seem to have a sweet interface. However, coming from an Asia manufacturer, there is a lack of storage and functionalities.

Tags: ramos, rm970

Slacker is an internet radio service provider that just introduced their latest add-ons, the Portable Radio Player. Slacker’s service is free with ads and allows you to pick from many different channels, including by artist. So when you purchase this player, you can use its Wi-Fi or USB port to hook up to the Slacker’s service to record your stations. Then you can take that on the go, no need for any kind of connectivity on the go.

Here are the specs:
- 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB versions
- 4-inch screen
- Touch strip
- MTP over USB connection
- MP3, WMA, and AAC playback
- 10 hours of play time
- Scroll wheel
- Wi-Fi for Slacker.com only

The music is recorded onto the player in a hidden folder that is protected, so you cannot do anything further beyond listening. They also offer a premium service for no ads and skip-able tracks, will cost about $7.50 per month. The price of the player will be $200.00 USD, $250.00 USD, and $300.00 USD depending on memory.

Tags: slacker, portable radio