iPod killers invading Japan

For a couple days from now, the "new generation" flash players are available, and they are on a commercial killing spree in the nation of the rising sun!
Unexpectedly, the most attractive players, aka "iPod killers" are not the Sony ones, but the RIO Unite 130.

It features a LCD screen and a very high-end design; it's available in a range of colors similar to iPod mini, with some "dream" techspecs: 26mm wide, 70mm high, 18mm thick, 40 grams, 27h autonomy, reloaded by USB2 or sector, and including FM tuner, voice recorder and cables to connect to a Hi-Fi system. Transfer speeds are at real USB2 rates, unlike the Sony one.
It can deal with MP3, WMA, ASF and WAW!!
And check out the prices:
256 Mo : 15 800 yens = 113 euros
512 Mo : 19 800 yens = 142 euros
1 Go : 28 800 yens
2 Go : 36 000 yens
Sony's famous iPod killer, available in two version, should be available around April, 21st, but it seems it cannot play MP3 directly: "SonicStage" software should be used to convert MP3 into Sony's format. Furthermore, prices haven't been made public yet, but they might be over the RIO Unite 130 ones, for lower techspecs.
Panasonic's one should already be available.
Anyhow, RIO seems to be leading, with the best quality-price ratio.

Martin, from Tokyo.