RCA preps iPod nano competitors

RCA has developed two new music players that compete directly in the mid-range market currently led by Apple's iPod nano portable media players. RCA has introduced its updated Lyra players under the Thompson brand, bringing the American company back into competition with other digital media player manufacturers. The EM2802 bears the closest resemblance to Apple's Nano, according to Electronista, holding 2GB of flash memory and featuring a 1.5-inch color OLED screen (versus the Nano's LCD). The device supports MPEG-4 video beyond the more conventional MP3 and WMA audio formats. The company has offered no estimated ship date, but has priced the EM2802 for less than $150 after tax.

RCA is taking a different approach to higher capacities with its EH308 model. Rather than using more expensive flash memory, the company is opting to lower prices by using a one-inch 8GB hard drive such as those previously found in the iPod mini. The EH308 similarly gains a more readable 1.8-inch screen and is directly compatible with both Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. This upgraded model will likely be available for $200 in the U.S. when it ships.

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