We have all been waiting for the Toshiba Gigabeat S Series release. Its size, design, GUI, and storage space (30gb/60gb) all earned the Gigabeat its many admirers who posted many times in anticipation here and here. One user even made a cute little google picture page.

Originally, back when it was first announced, we were told "Spring 2006". Ok, that is a pretty generic release point, so no use putting stock in it. Could mean march, could mean may. Its February, and Spring is soon!

Then a few webshops start giving the Gigabeat its own page. Eager potential buyers started calling up stores. Computerbrain and hideflifestyle tell them March 1st. As it gets close, place like Hidef move the release date back, but we still have Computerbrain! Sure, its not an authorized dealer, but what the heck! ...Closer, closer,...darn, no cigar! Oh well, March 1st seemed a little ambitious anyway. Computerbrain quickly says March 6. Maybe theres hope! ...Alas, turned up empty again. Of course, they then claim March 11 and we have firgured out their scheme.

By then, all the reputable shops have the dates listed around March 27 to March 31. Crutchfield, a company many of us love, had it listed for March 27 and even offered a $ 50 dollar off deal! Many, including myself, rushed to reserve our unit. Feeling confident, we are all quite pleased with ourself. My signiture even states that the review is "coming soon".

Then disaster strikes again. On March 23, 2006 @ 2:41 PM (EST), mygigabeat posts news stating that hideflifestyle has told them: Sadness.

We still have good ol Crutchfield, though. Maybe they'll get units earlier than others. Sadly, later that day, Crutchfield pushes back their release date ... to MAY 1ST!!!!. The gigabeat-faithful are furious! The worst is yet to come...

On March 28, 2006, we find out Crutchfield has delayed the release yet again ... to MAY 31ST!!! More anger erupts from the loyalists.

This all probably has to do with the release of Windows Media Player 11. The two products may well end up being released on the same day for all we know.

I contacted Toshiba's PR agency and they sort of side-stepped the issue, so, sadly, I have no new news to really report.

This is all rather ridiculous especially considering that the Creative ZVM may actually be superior in terms of features and GUI. Why wait, when we can have a better or at least equally satifying product in the ZVM?

The saga continues ...