Some people just can't stand the iPod and  companies such as Microsoft, Samsung, Sony, Creative, and others are all jumping at the chance to be your iPod rebound for an mp3 player. Cowon has maintained a niche following with customers who value sound quality and extensive format compatibility above all other concerns. Cowon's latest portable media player, the iAudio 9, is the company's spin on the Apple iPod Nano. Sharing the Nano's same basic shape, with a 2-inch screen and 8GB ($129) and 16GB ($169) capacities. For those of you who were mesmerized by the iAudio 7, take a seat while we present the new Cowon iAudio 9.  While the front face of the iAudio9 is rather different to its predecessor, the rear face of the player is bordering on indistinguishable. The big change is video support. It looks like not one but two of the company's snack-sized media players are finally hitting the big time.

First off, the iAudio 9 PMP is due to hit the states within a week. Available in 8GB and 16GB denominations, for some reason the domestic version will be available only in black. Aside from supporting the usual compliment of media files (MP3, FLAC, Ogg, WAV, APE, WME, XviD, and WMV videos) this guy sports composite video out. Get your hands on the 8GB version for $129, or go wild with 16GB for $169. If video isn't your bag, the enigmatic iAudio E2 (all 2.5-inches of it) is also available. Sporting a bevy of EQ presets, 4GB of storage and a not entirely terrible 11.5 hours of battery life, this is the keychain you've always wanted -- but never wanted to pay $65 for. The iAudio9 is equipped with a 2-inch screen display which is navigable via the smooth, tactile controls situated underneath the display. While the storage size is yet to be specified, the device supports MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, APE, and WAV audio types and AVI, WMV, XviD, and ASF video types. Additional features incorporated into the device include an FM tuner, a microphone, JetEffect 3.0 effects, a TV output control, and a purported external speaker. With dimensions of 42 x 95 x 8.9 mm, the iAudio 9 is one slick and slender player.