The MP3 mobile market is littered with hundreds, nay thousands, of players that range from the ultra-cheap generic models to designer chic, where image is perhaps the most important design criterion.

Creative is banking on image and style in a bid to differentiate its products from the homogeneous crowd.

It recently announced the ZEN Stone, an ultra-compact MP3 player that weighs just 18.5g, has a non-expandable 1GB capacity, and is available in a variety of colours (perhaps the most important feature).

Battery life is quoted as 10 hours. There's no integrated display, however.

The diminutive player, measuring just 53.7 x 35.3 x 12.8mm (WxHxD) retails for £27.99. Creative is taking pre-orders now.

The Apple iPod Shuffle had better watch out!