As I'm living in Finland, I decided to finally check out iRiver's Nordic website. There is a totally new series of flash-based MP3 players, which is not shown on their US website. It looks to have similar features to the iFP-39x series with a few additions. Main new features (that I've noticed):

- available in 256/512/1024MB
- built-in Li-ion rechargeable (can be recharged through USB)
- mic-in, line-in and optical out
- USB 1.1
- sound detector system for recording from mic (only records when sound is present)

Still no Ogg Vorbis support, although it is mentioned (again) in the firmware specs that it may be future upgradeable to add Vorbis support (AAC is also mentioned).

Biggest disappointment is the USB 1.1, I can't believe some companies still build NEW products with USB 1.1 chips.

You can find all info here:

www.irivernordic.com (in English)

It's on the international site too: http://iriver.com/company/news_view.asp?idx=353

These look really cool! And small!!

But USB1.1 !???

Well, the size is hard to compare to the "old" 39x series... the new ones are shorter but wider, and thinner. Weight is probably pretty close to the same, new one is 60g with battery, old is 35g without battery... though I'm not sure the weight of a typical AA alkaline. The main improvements seem to be the magnesium case, higher capacity of the 1GB model, and rechargeable battery. I don't see any real advantages, at least for me. I like the fact that the 3xx series will run from a garden-variety AA cell, especially for travelling.

I imagine the price will be a bit more than the 3xx series, if not something more like 100 $/€...

iFP-39x series: 91 x 35 x 26.7 mm

iFP-5xx series: 64 x 51 x 19.1 mm

... and I still think I'm going to go for the iFP-390/395 and wait and see about the Rio Karma...! If the quality and design are as good as it looks, then I'll be buying one of those sometime next year... or whenever they become available.