Toshiba's revamped Gigabeat V won't win any awards for
beauty or packaging efficiency, but it does offer some notable improvements
over its predecessor. The first-generation Gigabeat V launched late last year
with a 3.5” screen and 30GB/60GB capacity options.
The new
Gigabeat V weighs in at 8.6 ounces for the 40GB model and hefty 9.3 ounces
for 80GB model. For comparison, the 80GB 5.5G iPod weighs in at just 5.5 ounces
and the first-generation Gigabeat V weighs 7.4 ounces.
Toshiba's latest offering makes up for the difference in
weight somewhat with a larger screen -- the Gigabeat V packs a 4"
(480x272) widescreen display whereas the iPod and first-generation Gigabeat V feature
a 2.5" (320x240) display and 3.5” (320x240) display respectively .
The Gigabeat V is capable of WMA, WMA 9 Lossless,
MP3, WAV and WMV playback. Battery life is listed at a generous 28 hours
when playing back audio and eight hours when viewing videos.
According to Impress
AV Watch, the Gigabeat V will launch on June 1 in Japan at a price of
49,800 Yen ($410 USD) for the 40GB model and 59,800 Yen ($492 USD) for the 80GB
model. It will be available in white, black and Bordeaux Brown.
As you may recall, Microsoft's Zune is basically a repackaged version of
Toshiba's Gigabeat S. Some have jumped to the conclusion that the new
Gigabeat V foreshadows what's to come with Microsoft's second-generation
HDD-based Zune. This likely won't be the case as Microsoft has committed
to building its next Zune from the ground up.
"There are definitely some cost efficiencies, but the
more important thing from our perspective is the flexibility and control we
have in creating a device from scratch and making it down to the last component
what we want it to be," said Jason Reindorp, Microsoft's marketing
director for Zune.