Considering the popularity of MP3 players these days, it’s really hard to come up with an original design. The Microsoft Zune and Apple’s iPod both have the screen/circular control deal going on, and it looks like Thomson’s EH308 Black Diamond has that, maybe.

I mean, look at the picture. What are those blue glowing lines there? Apparently, they are “tactile controls”, and I’m not certain what that means. Features that it definitely has are 8GB of internal memory, as well as a 1.8 inch OLED screen. It also has a rechargeable lithium battery with 15 hours of playing time. I’m not certain if this time applies to music or video, which tends to burn up battery time like no tomorrow. At least this is rechargeable via USB.

Anyway, this little PMP (Personal Media Player) allows MP3, WMV, and MPEG4. So what’s not to like? Maybe the price. The Thomson EH308 Black Diamond runs about $300, and should be available soon.