If you’re not connecting with friends anymore, then Freecom hopes you’ll be attracted to its pal - or, more specifically, the MusicPal, a digital radio and MP3 streamer.

Freecom's MusicPal: internet radio and MP3 streaming

The MusicPal receives internet radio transmissions over 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, although an Ethernet port’s built-in too. Freecom claims the mains-powered device can access around 5000 online radio stations from around the world, but if you can’t find a station that quenches your musical thirst then MP3s can be streamed to the unit from a PC or a Mac.

Stereo ports, but a mono speaker

Music is ‘blasted’ out from a single 3W speaker, but it also connects to a stereo for better quality, or just louder, sound. Or you can remain tied to it through a traditional headphone connection.

A 128 x 68 pixel LCD display shows all the information you’d expect, such as the currently playing radio station. However, the screen also displays an RSS news ticker too, which can be set either via control wheels on the unit’s front or through software supplied by Freecom.

The MusicPal is only available from PC World and costs £100 (€115/$200).