US memory specialist Transcend has extended its fancy-looking T.sonic MP3 player range with its first colour-screen model. It also sports a cute curvy design with a stand-out swirly pattern on the front.

The Flash-based T.sonic 530 is available in 512MB and 1GB versions. Both come with an FM radio and a battery that Transcend claims will provide 15 hours' music playback. There's a voice recorder but the karaoke-style lyrics display mode sounds much more fun. There are six EQ pre-sets and a custom equaliser to help you adjust how your MP3, WMA and/or WAV files sound.

The 5.1 x 2.6 x 1.9cm player can double-up as a USB Flash drive, complete with software to lock off part of the player rendering your data accessible only to those who have the magic word.

Transcend said both versions of the 530 are available now. It did not provide pricing information. Check the company's website for updates. ®