Offering a unique combination of design and features to set itself apart from the competition, TrekStor GmbH, Germany's top-selling brand of digital portable media players, has introduced the i.Beat organix line of ultra-portable flash-based MP3 music players for the U.S. A stylish and robust standout in the crowded flash MP3 field, all i.Beat organix models offer a rechargeable batter for extended playback, an easy to read OLED (Organic Light Emitting Device) display, and sophisticated Sennheiser earphones for hours of musical enjoyment. Additional features include an integrated FM tuner, voice recorder, stopwatch, and alarm. All models are Windowsฎ and Macฎ compatible, with memory ranging from 512MB to 2GB.

"Offering premium features not found in other flash MP3-based players, the organix line is a cut above the competition," said Hana Arad, president of Data Station, the U.S. marketing arm for Germany-based TrekStor GmbH. "Our i.Beat organix line will help establish TrekStor as a leader of technologically advanced, yet user friendly, flash MP3 players in the U.S." Unlike virtually all other flash MP3 players that get power from AA or AAA batteries, the i.Beat organix incorporates a powerful, rechargeable lithium polymer battery that provides very robust battery life. It can be charged in about three hours via the included USB cable and provides up to 25 hours of playback.

Although it is less than three inches long and an inch-and-half wide, the i.Beat organix incorporates a two-color OLED display for ID3 tag viewing and easy folder navigation. With its high resolution and high luminosity screen, it's easy to read even in direct sunlight.

The i.Beat organix can play back music files in any number of popular formats, including MP3, WMA, WAV, ASF and OGG. For superior sound reproduction, TrekStor added several powerful audio tools not available on ordinary flash MP3 players. For starters, TrekStor offers users uncompromised audio playback from Sennheiser earphones, the well-respected and world-renowned maker of high quality headsets. To reproduce a robust sound, the i.Beat organix incorporates SRS WOW, giving the user impressive sound quality similar to surround sound. In addition, the player also offers user-defined equalizer settings as well as five additional pre-sets for such as rock, classical, pop, jazz and bass that allow you to individually adapt the sound. Those who want to share their music will appreciate the dual headphone jack that allows two people to listen to music or the radio at the same time, and the stopwatch function will prove useful to the sports enthusiasts. An integrated mic is handy for recording and saving telephone numbers, important information, or new songs on the fly. Those models with an integrated FM tuner can also record directly off the radio.

The 2GB i.Beat organix has enough memory to store about 40 CDs, with data transmitted quickly from PC via a high-speed USB 2.0 interface. WMA-DRM9 compliant, all players support secured files for music purchased on the Internet. To take the hassle out of managing a player's music collection, TrekStor has bundled in MAGIX's MP3 Maker SE with every i.Beat organix. The i.Beat organix can also be used as a standard USB storage device. Operating systems recognize it as a removable storage device after it is connected to the USB port of a PC or laptop. The small, multi-featured device is a light 1.4 ounces with its lithium polymer battery and measures 2.95 x 1.26 x 0.63 inches. The i.Beat organix comes bundled with Sennheiser headphones, a neckband, both a USB and a line-in cable, and software CD (including a manual in PDF format and a Windows 98 driver).

Availability and Price

Now available at Amazon.com, J&R Music and Computer World, and TheStorStore.com, the i.Beat organix is backed by a one-year warranty and comes in three colors: silver, red, and black.

Manufacturer's suggest retail price:

• i.Beat organix 2GB with FM at $149.99; without FM $139.99
• i.Beat organix 1GB with FM at $119.99; without FM $109.99
• i.Beat organix 512MB with FM at $99.99; without FM $89.99