Ultra-Slim iRiver E50 Sports Brushed Metal

The Korean company's update to the E100 is smaller, has better battery life, and gets wrapped in brushed aluminum.

For fans of iRiver’s swank-but-plasticky E100,  a sturdier version has finally arrived. Following dated rumors about an upcoming aluminum version, iRiver finally let word slip about the brushed-metal E50 this week, which will carry similar stats with an upgraded body.

According to CDPKorea, the E50 will come in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB capacities like it older brother, but get a smaller 1.8-inch screen, and also shed some thickness, dropping down to an incredibly slim 7mm thick. Other specs include a 176 x 220 display, built-in FM radio tuner, and iRiver’s standard wide compatibility with a variety of formats, including FLAC. Battery life will more than double from the E100’s expected 17 hours of playback to 52 hours.

Iriver plans to release the E50 in January, with a likely selling point of around €69, or $90 USD. The company hasn’t yet revealed if or when the player will be making an appearance in the United States.