Micro-Star International (MSI), a leading maker of motherboards in Taiwan, next month will offer a 4GB HDD (hard disc drive) based MP3 player equipped with a 1.8-inch color screen for sale at below NT$5,000 (US$154) in the Taiwan retail market under its own brand-name, according to local retail channels.

MSI has reportedly landed orders for 50,000 such own-brand MP3 players from European retail channels, the local retail channels pointed out. MSI, however, declined to comment on the report.

iRiver plans to offer 2GB and 4GB flash-based MP3 players next quarter and launch them in Taiwan in the first quarter of next year, according to iRiver Taiwan’s general manager James Yiin. Samsung plans to launch 2GB flash-based MP3 players and models of 4GB and higher capacities in Taiwan next quarter, Samsung Electronics Taiwan noted.