Virgin Eletronics Player 5GB

Virgin Electronics is launching the Virgin Electronics Player 5GB, a hard-drive based digital audio player weighing in at just 3.1 ounces. The player connects to a computer via a USB 2.0 interface.

For desktop music management, the Virgin Player is bundled with the Virgin Group's own music software and service, Virgin Digital. The software will rip and burn CDs, synchronize music to the Virgin Player and offer consumers a choice of 99-cent song downloads or US$7.99 a month music subscription service.

With a built-in FM tuner and dual headphone jacks, the Virgin Player will reach the streets at US$249.