Gaming PC specialist Alienware is to hop on the MP3 player bandwagon this Autumn with an extraterrestrial-inspired music machine of its own.

The CE-IV is a Flash-based device, and will be offered in 512MB and 1GB versions, though there's a memory card slot - the company didn't specify a format - for extra storage. It will ship in black and silver cases. There's an LCD screen for track data, and an FM radio. There's the obligatory equaliser with multiple pre-sets for greater sound customisation.

The player supports MP3 and WMA, the latter with DRM, though the device is not yet flagged up as Plays For Sure compatible product.

Borrowing from the iPod world, Alienware will also offer the HUB, a circular speaker system into which the CE-IV plugs - as, indeed, do "virtually all digital audio players and other audio devices", according to Alienware.

The unit incorporates left- and right-channel speakers, along with a sub-woofer to give the bass some welly. It's capable of delivering 30W RMS power, and can be driven by batteries as well as the mains supply. Sound is enhanced with SRS' WOW system which provides controls for TruBass, Focus, and 3D.

Both the CE-IV and the HUB are due to ship "early October", Alienware said. It did not disclose pricing. ®

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