Compaq to launch MP3 players

Compaq is to launch a series of MP3 players later this year as part of a new range of consumer devices.

"The digital music craze is an important extension of the way people use PCs," explained Sean Burke, vice president of Compaq's consumer division, who confirmed that the company will have MP3 offerings by the end of this year.

"An important wave of personalisation is coming with music, and you will see it with video," added Burke. "The concept that these digital devices are linked is key to the future, especially via wireless."

Compaq's research has shown that consumers have quickly taken to the idea of recording their own music, storing it on PCs and other devices, and burning CDs to play back their favourite tracks wherever they are.

Burke said that this year consumers will see more personalisation and styling in technology. "We call it the fusion," he said. This will include computers and devices in an array of colours and shapes, but the traditional old grey boxes will not disappear that quickly. "I don't think we can kill them off just yet," said Burke.