As we've seen, Sony sure doesn't hold back on its exclusive-to-China line of PMX PMPs, and it's just tossed yet another new model into the mix, with the PMX-U55 helping to fill out the low-end of the spectrum (and pick up where the PMX-U50 left off). This one apparently comes in only a 2GB version, and packs a decent enough 2.4-inch 320 x 240 display, a built-in FM tuner, and support for all the usual audio and video formats, not to mention a 7.5mm slim form factor. Of course, like seemingly every other entry in the line, there's no word of a release outside of China, but those there can apparently pick one up right now for 498 Chinese yuan, or just over $70.

[Via PMP Today]

iriver came to IFA with the usual collection of concept gear we crave. Unlike other manufacturers, iriver usually brings its prototypes to market, eventually, so you'll want to pay attention. First up is a concept horn speaker (pictured top) attached to an iriver SPINN. The device plugs into the existing headphone jack bringing a sense of gramophone nostalgia to this most-modern device.

As good as the SPINN is, we can't rave about iriver's newest PMP, the P20 launching today at IFA. Looks like our early excitement about the product back at CES was misplaced. First off, it's big -- a true brick by today's PMP standards. Also, we're not sold on the implementation of the SPINN interface here. The P20 uses a combination of vertical and horizontally placed thumb wheels, an "ok" button (why not just press in the thumbwheel like on the SPINN?), and touchscreen AMOLED -- a heap of overly-complex overkill based on our admittedly, limited time with the device. The touchscreen was also rendered unusable by menus only accessible by the thumbwheels as well as an incredibly high bezel framing the display thus inhibiting screen touches along the edges. As to the specs, it's everything we heard: 4.1-inch 480 x 272 pixel display, FM tuner, TV-out, voice recording, and integrated DMB TV option, 80GB or 120GB hard disk, and Li-Polymer battery for 12-hours of audio, 9-hours of video, or 8-hours of DMB in a 130 x 97 x 20.5-mm slab. Expected to launch in Korea next month at an undetermined price -- rest of world to be determined.