The reader/writer from Ariston Technologies allows users to transfer music that has been loaded on a PC or retrieved from the Internet much faster than alternative methods. The MP3 reader/writer from Ariston attaches to a Mac or PC USB port.

"The device can write data on MMC (Multi-Media Cards) at up to 25MB per minute and can read at up to 40MB per minute. This can be up to 400 percent faster than some MP3 players that require users to attach the player directly to the PC to transfer music files," said Steve Fulgham, CTO for Ariston Technologies.

MMCs are also used in Palmtops, PDAs, Smart Phones and Digital Camcorders.

Ariston is committed to playing a key role in the burgeoning digital audio market by offering solutions that assist end users to quickly and easily download their own MP3 and G2 compilations and by working with retailers to bring these solutions to market quickly.

Semico, a leading market research firm, recently produced a forecast for solid-state music players. The study concluded that nearly 3 million units would be sold worldwide in the year 2000, 7.8 million units would be sold in 2001 and more than 13 million players would be sold in 2002.

About Ariston Technologies

Established in 1995, Ariston was named No. 15 on the Dun & Bradstreet/Entrepreneur Magazine list of "Hot 100" fastest growing companies for 1998.

Ariston is an Apple Premier developer, a member of the USB Implementers' Forum (USB-IF) and manufactures USB and FireWire peripherals for use with Mac and PC systems. Last year's launch of its USB line created the most comprehensive line of peripherals for Apple's iMac.

Ariston has headquarters at 16892 Bolsa Chica, Huntington Beach, Calif. 92649. Phone: 714/846-7676, Fax: 714/846-3546, e-mail: [email protected]. Ariston's East Coast Sales office is in Boston. Phone: 508/836-4268, Fax: 508/898-1933, e-mail: [email protected].