Following the GPS watch introduced last week, Tokyo-based USB gadget maker Thanko is selling another product that actually makes sense. The so-called AV Bank [JP] is being marketed as a versatile media player that can be used as a music player, photo frame, video player and voice recorder. And it’s relatively cheap, too.
The device has a 4.3-inch screen with 480×272 resolution (aspect ratio: 16:9). It also features 4GB of internal memory, a microSD/SDHC slot, a USB port (needless to say as this is a Thanko product), built-in mini speakers and a retractable stand (so you can use it as a digital photo frame). The AV Bank supports AVI/FLV/3GP/RM/RMVB video files, audio in MP3 and WMA and JPEGs.
The main selling point here is the price: Windows XP/Vista/7 users can get the AV Bank for $78 on Thanko’s Japanese web site.
But there’s a problem now. International buyers will have to ask other stores like Geek Stuff 4 U to get one for them since Thanko has quietly closed their English online shop, which the company operated until last week. But I understand our friends at Geek Stuff 4 U are their connection to the Non-Japanese geek world, so today really isn’t that sad a day.