When the first Walkman portable tape player was introduced more than two decades ago, it set the market on fire. Listening to music "on the go" became a craze to rival the hula-hoop.
Now digital formats such as Windows Media Audio (WMA) and MP3 have changed the way music is stored - and the devices that are used to play them have become more diverse and functional.
Michael Hann, a business manager at Rectron, looks at what consumers can expect from this vibrant sector of the market in the coming months.
The growth in the handheld audio/video player market is heralding a general expansion in the digital media arena. This is partly due to cost savings and convenience. For example, music and movies are readily available on the Internet and can be downloaded and stored at minimal cost with the appropriate equipment.
What`s more, today it`s easier to create your own movies - and watch them - than it was five years ago, thanks to the wealth of video cameras on the market and the range of portable players available - in addition to PCs or notebook computers.
One of the revelations of recent times has been the iPod and the iPod Photo that anticipated a number of MP3-based multimedia products that accommodate music, photos and video.
There are technological advances everywhere you look. Speakers and earphones are particularly "hot" areas of development as sound quality is key to customer satisfaction.
Colour is also an important aspect. Companies are now taking bland-looking products and customising them on behalf of the vendor. This is a growing niche market, which - for now - seems to be focused iPod type products and gaming consoles.
Ferrari red? No problem. Cotton-candy pink? Sure. A mixture of both? It can be done.
The developments in this market space are incredible as highlighted by the almost limitless selection of multimedia products. The shelves at the "toy stores" around the country are well stocked with products such as: Creative`s Zen Vision Digital Media Station
This is the definitive choice for media buffs - it boasts oodles of space, a high-resolution, high quality screen and a host of functions, including: MP3 audio, WMA audio, FM radio tuner, photo storage/viewing and of course movies. With 13 hours of battery life, this device does everything and still manages to look really funky and stylish while doing it.
This multifunction device features a 3.7-inch high-resolution "transflective" display with a capability of 270 000 colours. It delivers excellent definition, even in direct sunlight. It also features 13 hours of audio playback time together with five hours of video playback.
There is a "TV-out" function that will let you display movies and photos directly on any television set which makes it perfect for carrying around those family movies or showing pictures of the latest holiday.
Creative`s Zen NEEON Skin-able MP3 Player
MP3 players might seem commonplace today, but Creative`s latest offering can be customised in terms of its visual presentation - via interchangeable decals - to suit its owner`s mood or dress style.
With 5GB of storage capacity, the NEEON is an MP3 Player with the features, style and attitude to suit any owner.
Its compact size and excellent battery life complement this already stunning unit.
Creative`s Zen MP3 Player
Opt for tranquillity with the ZEN MP3 Player. This is for the serious audiophile. Huge storage space accommodates up to 12 000 songs, while its excellent battery life of up to 14 hours of continuous listening meets the most demanding requirements for on-the-go music.
Transcend`s T.Sonic 620
Small and portable yet colourful and functional, this MP3 player is designed for those users who do not need to store thousands of songs but rather want to listen to their favourite CDs without having to transfer them to a hard drive.
Its features include drag-and-drop music selection and long battery life. Visually, the player comes in a variety of colours, which are linked to its capacity. Funky!
Transcend`s T.Sonic Photo
This is a multifunction device that`s designed to appeal to those who want to carry photos for their spouse, last holiday or important family gathering - and at the same time listen to a few favourite songs that remind them of those special people and times.
This easy to operate device makes perfect sense to the nostalgically inclined among us.
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