iRiver E100 sequel to go aluminum, toss speakers

iRiver's first update to the E100 jukebox will also be a major refresh of the design itself, if a leak from Crave proves accurate. The update is likely to be named the E150 or E200 and will scrap the metal-look plastic for real aluminum, similar to the iPod nano's front face or the Zune's back. iRiver will also address criticisms of the LCD by replacing it with a much brighter screen. However, the new body will also drop the speakers that define the player today.

In spite of a relatively short turnaround, iRiver is anticipated to launch the update as early as the summer in Europe. Changes in capacity or price aren't mentioned but are possible given the multi-month delay. US models are unlikely to follow until later given their official debut just last week.

Filed under: gadgets, audio
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