All this may keep the cost of the units down, but if you want to store more than a few tracks, you'll have to Inexpensive for between £30 and £60 more for extra memory.

The SoundMaster Writer connects into a PC parallel port and powers itself from a connection into the keyboard line. It comes with reasonably good database and ripping software, so you can compile your own selection of MP3 tracks. Ripped MP3 tracks played back through the Player give fair reproduction for MP3, but it's not as detailed or bright as from a premium player like Diamond's Rio.

Absolute - Outrageous SoundMaster MP3 features - Verdict

Absolute's Outrageous SoundMaster MP3 player is a novel take on the idea of a portable, solid state music system. Splitting the writing and playback functions makes for a very small player, but the cost of memory cards means you're initially very limited in the amount of music you can take with you.

Absolute - Outrageous SoundMaster MP3 price

£34.99 inc. VAT for Player, £54.99 inc. VAT for Writer, £79.99 inc. VAT for both