|  The HMP-A1, contains a 20GB hard drive, the contents of which are listed on a front-mounted 3.5in, 320 x 240 colour LCD - larger than the VGF-AP1's 2.2in display. The new unit is larger, too, and heavier: it's 13 x 7.6 x 2.2cm to the first model's 11.5 x 6.3 x 1.7cm. The two machines weight 250g and 195g, respectively.
The HMP-A1 plays back MPEG 2 and MPEG 4 files. Its software allows it to handle MPEG 1, AVI, WMV and DVR-MS, but these are converted to one of the MPEG video formats when they're downloaded from a host PC to the player. Likewise, BMP, GIF, PNG and TIFF files are converted to the JPEG files upon transfer. Not only does the HMP-A1 support MP3 natively, but Sony will ship it with MusicMatch's Jukebox software. The unit will ship with a Lithium Ion rechargeable battery capable of providing up to four hours' MPEG 2, six hours' MPEG 4 or eight hours' MP3 playback. Sony provides an AC adaptor, but the HMP-A1 can also charge off the host PC's USB 2.0 bus. The unit has an earphone socket, but it also provides all the ports punters will need to connect it to a hi-fi and TV. Primarily, Sony expects it to be used on the move. Indeed, it's pitching the product as a way to carry TV shows you recorded on your PC with you when you're out and about. While you might think the Vaio-branded model was intended simply as an adjunct to a home PC, Sony appears to be targeting the HMP-A1 at this kind of role, and the Vaio VGF-AP1 at a broader range of consumers. The new model also appears to be a follow-up to the GigaPocket PCVA-HVP20 portable video player (right) it announced last November The HMP-A1 will go on sale in Japan on 26 June for around ¥63,000 ($563/£310). ® | 