Memory powerhouse Kingston has entered the PVP market with its K-PEX Personal Media Player, a compact flash-based device available in either 1GB ($130) or 2GB ($180) capacities. K-PEX, which stands for Kingston Personal Entertainment eXperience, includes a Mini SD slot for expanding the relatively low capacity. The K-PEX measures 3.7 by 1.8 by 0.57 inch, weighs 2.2 ounces, and is built around a 2-inch LCD (220x176 pixels). It's a bit smaller than, say, an Archos Gmini 402.

The device can play back MP3, WMA, OGG, and WAV audio (not sure if it's DRM compatible), and supports MPEG-1, MPEG-2, AVI, WMV, and ASF video. Video playback does require the bundled transcoder software. The multitalented device is compatible with JPEG and text files, includes an FM tuner and a built-in speaker, has a 17-hour audio battery life, and can be used as a voice recorder. The press release even states that this thing can play games, but we'll have to see about that when we get a review unit.

We're not sure what to think so far; the interface looks intuitive enough, but it will be competing against the likes of the Creative Zen V Plus, SanDisk's Sansa e series, and Cowon's iAudio U3. Check back soon; we're getting the device next week.

• Read also: MP3, portable audio
• Email to a friend | Print this post