Multimedia hardware company Creative has introduced the Creative Zen Stone, a featherweight 1GB MP3 player priced at $39.99. The Stone will be available on 14 May.

The device features a smooth contoured design so as to feel naturally comfortable in the hand, and users can personalise the Stone with translucent skins available in five colours.

Users can drag and drop up to 250 songs to the device and then choose 'Play' or 'Random' and listen to up to 10 hours of music on a single charge. The device also has the option to build playlists.

"The Creative Zen Stone, at just $39.99, opens up a huge new market for MP3 players," said Sim Wong Hoo, chairman and chief executive at Creative.

"This is an incredible price for everyone to get a superior quality MP3 player capable of holding up to 250 songs. Whether it's your only player or a second player to take with you anywhere, the low price lets you think of MP3 players in a whole new way.

"You can loan it to a friend just like you would a CD or a mix tape and not have to worry about it, but you'll like it so much that you'll want another, so you always have one with you."