When I’m on a plane, the last thing I want to hear is the roar of the engines, let alone the yapping of the guy next to me. However, the sounds of silence don’t usually come cheap.

Now Sony has announced the very affordable NW-S700F digital music player, which actually allows you to enjoy every sound ~inside~ your MP3 player, without the clutter of outside noises.

The unit packs noise-canceling technology right into the player. And just in case you have a loudmouth destined to make you listen, the headphones will also enhance that silent treatment.

Two models are available: the 1GB holds about 685 songs and comes in the very girly violet and pink, while the 2-GB black model claims to hold 1,350 of your favorites. Both are available next month.

• $169 (1GB), $199 (2GB)
• Available in November 2006
• Supports ATRAC, ATRAC Advance Lossless, MP3, AAC (non-DRM), WMA (non-DRM) & Linear PCM music files
• 3-line display with cover art
• Built-in FM tuner
• Up to 50 hours battery life
• Headphones include built-in microphone

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.