Tech Shout!

Creative Technology Ltd. has unveiled three skip-free flash memory-based models of 512 MB, 1 GB and 2 GB as well as a 6 GB hard drive-based model that stores as many as 3000 songs to its Zen Neeon series. The new flash-based models possess duo-tone OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) screens, which exhibits bright and clear characters that can be viewed from any angle.

Apart from this the company has also launched a new range of Creative Stik-On decorative skins that include 12 limited edition “Face” series Stik-On skins (each bundled with a matching Zen Neeon sling) and 16 new designs that fall under four thematic categories labeled “Bold”, “Classic”, “Gutsy” and “Chic”.

Joseph Liow, vice president and general manager of Creative Labs Asia said, “We continue to build on the success of our best-selling Zen Neeon 5 GB by introducing a whole new series of Zen Neeon players to suit each individual’s lifestyle. The latest range of high-capacity flash memory-based as well as hard drive-based players provides greater choice to consumers. They will also be able to personalize their players and put a face to their music with our latest collection of “Face” series Stik-On skins and matching Zen Neeon slings.

Key features common to all Zen Neeon MP3 Players:

- Integrated FM radio/recorder and voice recorder
- Direct line-in recording from CD/DVD players, turntables and cassette tape players
- Pint-sized: measures 79.9 x 46.9 x 15.9 mm
- Works as a plug-and-play removable portable mass storage drive
- Easy drag-and-drop of files between PC and player
- No software installation required, except for Windows 98SE. Drivers are included
- Elegant, reflective piano black finish

Features specific to Zen Neeon 512 MB, 1 GB and 2 GB:

- Duo-tone OLED screen
- Re-chargeable Li-ion battery delivering 32 hours of continuous playback per charge
- Weighs 55g
- Choice of 3 backplate colors (512 MB in purple, 1 GB in blue, 2 GB in silver)

Features specific to Zen Neeon 6 GB:

- 7 selectable backlit display colors
- Rechargeable Li-ion battery delivering 16 hours of continuous playback per charge
- Weighs 75g
- Choice of 6 backplate colors (blue, pink, silver, green, orange, red)

Creative Stik-On skins remain firmly on to the Zen Neeon, but peel off easily when changing. The 12 limited edition “Face” series Stik-On skins are individually packed with matching Zen Neeon slings. Creative also introduced four new series of Stik-On skins, which are available separately in four-piece packs. The new design themes include “Bold”, “Classic”, “Gutsy” and “Chic”.

A wide range of companion products for the new Neeon series has also been announced by Creative. Some of the recently introduced products include the ultra portable TravelDock and TravelSound speakers, Vivid 60 lifestyle speakers, as well as the family of I-Trigue speakers, especially the I-Trigue 3400 and I-Trigue L3800 speakers. Also available are matching earphones such as the EP-480 and EP-880 earphones and HQ-1700 headphones.

The Creative Zen Neeon 6 GB is now available for a suggested retail price of $229 with a free “Rainbow” Stik-On skin. The new Zen Neeon series is also available in the following capacities: 512 MB ($119), 1 GB ($159) and 2 GB ($219) and each comes with a free “Face” series Stik-On skin.

The standard package includes the Zen Neeon player, High-Fidelity Earphones, USB 2.0 Cable, Line-In Cable, Pouch, Neck-Strap, Quick Start Guide and Installation CD.

The 12 individually packed limited editions of the “Face series Stik-On skins with matching Zen Neeon slings is available as well at $9.90 each. What’s more…the four new series of 16 Stik-On skins (”Bold”, “Classic”, “Gutsy” and “Chic”) are available at $14.90 for a pack of four.