Digital music server and portable player

An audio storage and reproducing apparatus, comprising:

• storage means for storing one or more encoded audio data files;
• data expansion means coupled to the storage means for decoding the one or more encoded audio data files;
• audio output means for producing audio corresponding to an encoded audio data file that has been decoded by the data expansion means;
• a personal computer network interface adapted to facilitate transfer of encoded audio files from the storage means to an external storage device;
• and
• a personal computer bus for transmitting data from the storage means to the data expansion means and the audio output means or from the storage means to the network interface.

An audio storage and reproducing apparatus capable of selective operation as an addressable member of a computer network, a standalone audio player, and an in-vehicle audio player, said apparatus comprising:

• a storage medium for storing one or more encoded audio data files;
• a data expander coupled to the storage medium for decoding the one or more encoded audio data files;
• an input key operably connected to the data expander;
• an audio output adapted to produce audio corresponding to an encoded audio data file that has been decoded by the data expander;
• a network protocol adapted to allow other members of said network to access the storage medium when said apparatus is operating as an addressable member of a computer network;
• a network interface adapted to operably connect said apparatus to said network;
• and
• one or more fasteners adapted to cooperate with structural members of a vehicle audio system to allow rapid connection and disconnection of said apparatus to the vehicle operating system.