Second-generation iRiver Clix on sale in the U.S.

You know, I was pretty comfortable with the latest iteration of the iRiver Clix being called the "Clix2"--it's simple, short, and quite to the point. Wouldn't you agree? Sadly, we're going to be relegated to yet another generational product, with the new Clix being the "next generation of the iRiver Clix," or "iRiver Clix (second generation)" for short (or rather, for long). Sigh. What will logically follow is the fazing out of the old Clix, so start looking for killer deals on that product and even--hint, hint, hint--product giveaways. But you know what's even better news? The 2G iRiver Clix is currently available on the iRiver America Web site, which means you can get your hot little hands on one before the review units even become available. (If you sense a hint of jealousy in my tone, you are not mistaken.) Currently, just the 4GB version ($199) is available, but the player will also come in 2GB ($149) and 8GB ($249; coming in June) flavors. The product will also be rolled out to select online retailers in the coming weeks. Here are some specs for interested parties:

• Continuous Playback Time: Approx. 24 hours (MP3, 128kbps, EQ normal, Vol 20, display off)
• Video: 5 hours (AVI, 15fps, Video 384kbsp, Audio 128kbps)
• Connection Type: USB 2.0
• Equalizer: User EQ and SRS WOW HD
• Dimensions: 80.3x46.8x12.8 mm
• Weight: 55 Grams
• Main Set Display: 2.2" QVGA AMOLED; 260,000 color
• Battery: Internal Li-poly rechargeable battery
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz
• Headphone Output Power: 17 mW(R) + 17 mW(L) (16 Ohm) at max. Volume
• S/N Ratio: 90dB : A weighted
• Audio Support: MPEG 1/2/2.5 Layer 3, WMA, OGG
• Bit Rate: MP3, WMA : 8 kbps ~ 320 kbps, OGG : up to Q10
• Multimedia support: WMV9, MPEG4 simple profile QVGA (30fps), Macromedia Flash Lite 2.1, TXT, non-progressive JPEG
• Windows requirement: Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP (MSC), Windows XP SP2 (MTP)