Patrick Naltet, Director of e-Vehicle at Sony Europe comments: “People are used to the simplicity of ‘drag and drop’ for their MP3 players, so why do they have to waste time burning their music collection onto CD for the car? The Sony GIGA Panel brings MP3 functionality into the car stereo.” - I couldn't agree more.

The Sony GigaPanel MEX-1GP has an impressive 1GB of flash memory. It can store up to 500 music tracks (MP3 - 4 minute tune encoded by 64 kbps). Thats enough for approximately 60 hours of music. Transferring music is as simple as saying "Drag and Drop." The USB transfer cable is supplied as well.

Sony MEX-1GP Product features include:

-1GB Flash memory
-Front + Rear/sub
-Supplied IR Card Remote Commander
-Mini USB Port (front panel)
-Supplied USB Cable
-USB Connecting LED
-4 x 52W Power output
-24 Bit DAC converter
-BBE MP high definition sound enhancer, MP3 sound enhancement (CD playback)
-EQ3 Stage2 sound equalizer
-Supports Windows 2000 XP OS

Available in February 2006 for around $350.

Manufacturer website: Sony

(See the extended entry for another picture.)