Packard Bell jumps into street-ready MP3 players

Not normally known for its music devices, Packard Bell today introduced the FunKey Town, its flash-based player for the street. The company builds the player around a scratch-resistant aluminum chassis but also a silicone skin that both improves the user's grip and softens the blow for a potential drop. A hook latches the player on to a back or around the neck, while a retractable USB 2 plug lets it attach to a PC for sync without exposing the port to damage or requiring an easily misplaced cap.

Other features are basic and oriented primarily towards music, with MP3 and WMA playback (including protected files) from either 1GB or 2GB of built-in flash. Battery life is so far unavailable but should be lengthy due in part to a monochrome display. Packard Bell is selling the FunKey Town in the UK and Europe today starting from £33 ($67). [via Pocket-lint]