Toshiba Gigabeat SHas it been done? Has the iPod finally been ousted from its throne? CNET awarded the Toshiba Gigabeat S with its editors’ choice ranking and gave it the highest rating yet of any mp3 player (8.3 out of 10). That’s right, besting the iPod 8.0 rating.

As an iPod devotee since the 4G B&W, like others, I’ve oohed and ahhed over the stylish curves and clickwheel design, but been frustrated by the battery life falling way short of expectations. Just last week my seven-month-old 5G Video’s battery drained in less than five hours of playing music - after a full charge. If Apple ever makes a generator, don’t buy it.

Even if Toshiba has created a superior product, can their player surpass the iPod’s profitability? It’s unlikely unless third-party accessory makers embrace the Gigabeat. The popularity of the iPod has created businesses, many of which primarily sell iPod gear. I’ll admit, seeing Toshiba’s new media player has me wanting to get my hands on one, but after investing a few hundred dollars in iPod accessories, I’ll be waiting to see if some of my favorite accessory designers jump on the Gigabeat bandwagon.

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