Remember cassettes? In case you are one of the people who still owns tapes and now wants to digitize the content for eternity, the so-called HIDEOTO might be the right thing for you. It’s not the first gadget out there that can get the job done, but it’s certainly the most compact and stylish we’ve shown you so far.

Made by Japan-based Tec [JP], the HIDEOTO can help you digitize tapes by plugging it into your PC via USB and using “cassette mate”, a special piece of software (for Windows XP/Vista/7) that comes with the device. The music can be saved on your computer’s hard disc in MP3/WAV or WMA (32kbps〜320kbps bit rate).

The HIDEOTO doubles as a cassette player (it comes with a stereo mini plug) and is powered via USB or three AA batteries.

Tec plans to start selling the device in Japan next month (price: $57). If you’re interested but live outside Japan, I suggest you contact import/export specialists like Rinkya, Geek Stuff 4 U or the Japan Trend Shop.

Via AV Watch [JP]