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iPod-killer from Compaq? Hardly [Updated]


Updated 05 December

This is a rebranded device, available under several different brand names. CNET rated it the fifth-best MP3 player… the iPod was #1

A well known Dutch computer magazine recently referred to a new ‘extremely small MP3 player’ that will hold 6 GB worth of songs. When checking out the site mentioned, it turned out to be an alleged “iPod-killer,” designed by Compaq. According to the site “The Personal JukeBox is the only hard disk MP3 player to be given a 10/10 performance rating by What MP3 magazine”.

Compaq PJB-100 Titan portable MP3 player

Here’s the lowdown on the Compaq Personal Jukebox (PJB) 100 (iPod specs are in parentheses)

  • Size: 6.0″ x 3.3″ x 1.0″ (2.4″ x 4.0″ x 0.8″)
  • Weight: 11.5 Oz (6.5 Oz)
  • Pricing: US$399 (US$399)
  • Connection: USB (FireWire)
  • Display: 128 x 64 green backlit LCD (160 x 128 white backlit LCD)
  • Battery: Lithium Ion (Lithium Polymer)
  • Skip protection: 10 min (20 min)
  • Software: JukeBox Manager 1.0.b11 (iTunes 2.02)
  • Accessories: leather case, car adapter, RCA cable! (hmmmm)
  • Options: 3 colors, 2 HD sizes, Windows-compatible (FireWire disk mode!)
  • Design: See for yourself (Apple)

There’s also a 20 GB version which ‘ll set you back US$595. PJBox availability in Holland:

HarrysTrading
Hendric Dirckszstraat 3
1135 HK Edam, The Netherlands
E-Mail: info@pjbox.nl

The iPod is available in Holland from X Marks The Spot.

More information on the Compaq PJB100 is available from the Yahoo Group and Compaq research site. You can buy one in the United States at several on-line retailers including MP3factorydirect.com, musiccompressor.com and thinkgeek.com

By Jason O'Grady

Founded the PowerPage in 1995.