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Introduction

Artec I-Jungle Boxshot

Many of the most amazing gadgets originate from the Asian countries where technology seems to be a way of life and the pace of its advancement is almost ludicrously fast. The result is a slew of super slick, super high-tech products that would not be out of place in a science-fiction blockbuster film. Unfortunately, the North American market rarely gets a good look at these tech-toys from overseas, but today, we’re graced with a portable MP3 player originating from Korea that is nothing less than extraordinary.

The Jungle-i, from Artec, is an amazing blend of avant-garde design and amazing technology. This is, without a doubt, the most beautiful and visually compelling MP3 portable that I have ever seen. What makes this player amazing is its mix of amazing artistic design with a super slim, super lightweight packaging and high quality materials with great functionality.

The Jungle I lookin' sleek

The unit measures 8.7mm in thickness, and if you can’t visualize that, it is easily less than half as thick as the Diamond Rio 500, which is already a small player by our standards. It is also surprisingly light at 57g in total (including the integrated battery). This is astonishing, considering the fact that the materials used in the unit’s construction are sturdy and give the product a decidedly robust feel. Unlike many of the other players we’ve reviewed, the Jungle-i actually used metal in its construction, with real metal buttons and metal siding or supports. The casing is also made from a metallic plastic with a matte silver finish that feels convincingly sturdy. Overall, the player exuded a dignified quality of construction that added to its aesthetic appeal and rugged usability.

Jungle I's 9V Charger

In spite of its slim design, the player manages to slip in 48MB-96MB of built-in memory, a built in Lithium Ion battery, and a simple LCD display. Several versions of the player exist, with the difference being how much memory is included in the player (48, 64 and 96MB versions are currently available). Unfortunately, the player does NOT have any slots for expansion, so there is no chance of upgrading the players for higher capacity. Included in the package are a charger unit, a portable charger (that can draw power from a 9V battery and recharge the portable player in the process… weird!), a set of silvery sleek earbuds, and a carry pouch.

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