Toshiba gigabeat U202 MP3 Player Rips CDs

Taking the computer out of the equation, Toshiba's new $99 gigabeat U202 music players can rip audio directly from CDs.

Toshiba has announced a new entry in its line of gigabeat portable music players: the gigabeta U202, available in silver and black. In addition to standard gigabeat features like an FM tuner and recorder, the U202 offers a direct-to-MP3 music ripping feature which enables users to transfer music to their gigabeat players without first having to copy it to a computer: just pump it into the line-in jack and activate the record feature.

“We are very proud of the new gigabeat U-Series. It’s the perfect straight-forward device for users who are looking for a way to take their favorite songs with them everywhere,” said Jeff Barney, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. Digital Products Division’s VP of marketing, in a statement. “And beyond being easy to use, it’s aesthetically beautiful.”

The U202s feature 2 GB of flash storage, support WMA, WAV, MP3, and Media Player 10 media. The units feature an FM tuner with 10 station presets, and a 1.1-inch color OLED display which can handle JPEG images. The units are driven by Toshiba’s “PlusPad” button controller which offers access to the unit’s menus and features; the players weight just 1.48 ounces, and offers a battery life of up to 20 hours.

The gigabeat U202s are available via ToshibaDirect as well as major consumer electronics retailers for a suggested price of $99.