Olympus enters the MP3 fray
with its M:robe series
Olympus M:robe 500 and M:robe 100
The product: Known best for its cameras and lenses, Olympus has entered the MP3 fray with its M:robe series. The M:robe 500 is an innovative, 20GB MP3 player with a 3.7-inch touch-screen interface. It is also a 1.3-megapixel camera and has the ability to intelligently mix and synchronize photos and music in a look that is both futuristic and elegant. The M:robe 100 is a 5GB MP3 player with a similar touch-screen display as well as mesmerizing red LED backlighting. Both players ship with docks and are USB 2.0 compatible.

• Both play WMA and MP3 files
• Both have a rated battery life of 12 hours
• Both have a not-great signal-to-noise ratio of 75dB
• The M:robe 100 displays lyrics to your favorite songs
• The M:robe 500 includes a remix mode that offers users a more visually and aurally appealing show

The price: The M:robe 500 and M:robe 100 are available for $499.99 and $249.99, respectively.

The prospects: Both products make wonderful eye candy, but a touch-screen interface isn't always the best for many people. Still, the industrial design and the elegant software displays give Olympus a good start in the MP3 business. A couple of caveats: the PC software and the cabling are proprietary, and on the M:robe 500, the 1.3-megapixel camera lacks a zoom and a flash. The M:robe 100 appears promising for those who like its flashy good looks.

By James Kim, senior editor, CNET Reviews