Absolutely Unbeatable...
Written: Feb 05 '04 (Updated Feb 05 '04)
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Pros: Packed with features, Thin & Beautiful, Electronic perfection
Cons: Cheap earbuds & case (You don't care & you know it!)
The Bottom Line: No function or feature was spared in this sleek musical bombshell. Treat yourself & bring your music collection to life.
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| hightechfool's Full Review: iRiver iMP-350 SlimX Personal CD Player |
~~ Intro ~~
I've never really loved any of my past CD players...but this thin piece of technology has won my heart & changed the way I listen to music. Complete with an intuitive electroluminescent backlit remote, this super-portable device gives you the power to keep playing your old CDs while still bringing your new MP3s with you. Or switch on the digitally-tuned radio for added variety. Anti-skip protection and all standard bells & whistles are included, even rechargeable batteries. I could never hope to address each and every special feature this powerhouse offers, although I will certainly now attempt to praise my favorites...
~~ Features, Features & Features ~~
Customizable equalizers, auto-detection of song genre for MP3s, editable/uploadable song lyrics, updateable operating system... this device is nearly ridiculous in how much it gives you for the money. Nearly ridiculous, but definitely not--somehow iRiver has managed to refine the controls of the iMP-350 so that absolutely anyone can learn everything from just pushing the buttons. The buttons themselves combine innovative and easy methods for interaction...jog-dial styled switches, classic push-buttons, and the good old sliding switch. When you're listening to one song...you can choose the next song to come on with the push of two buttons!! All features are accessed quickly and reliably through the compact menuing system from the remote. As many other reviewers mentioned, losing the remote would be rough--but you'll keep this thing close at your side, don't worry.
~~ Design & Included Accessories ~~
This would have to be the silver bullet of personal CD players. If you try hard enough, you can slip this thing into breast pockets, back pockets, or a variety of other quite convenient locations on your person. The most easy approach is to slip it in a bag or something and clip the remote close to a hand, for quick control. Aside from its go-anywhere shape & size, the cord of the remote seems to be an ideal length and control lock buttons seem to be right where you need them. The included case & earbuds are both somewhat cheap...although most of the newer players out there right now don't even include some of this stuff. Besides, with all of the great abilities of the player itself I'll sacrifice the extra $8 or $10 it'll take to get any decent case & earbuds. Most people buying portable players already have earphones anyway. Another big plus to this player is the included external AA battery pack. One of the biggest things I worry about rechargeable items is that when the device dies I can't jump to the store to buy batteries (especially if I'm in Europe or somewhere I can't recharge my baby). So in these cases I can just snap on my handy AA battery case thingy and I'm good to go from ordinary battery power. And by the way, to recharge the unit you can just plug it into the wall...it doesn't have some infinitely-irritating separate charger that you have to put the batteries into. Trust me, you'll be proud to sport all of these design features around your snobby electronic guru friends.
~~ Sound & MP3 ~~
My MP3s came alive with the surprisingly fast codec decoder built into this player. Unknown stereo effects and tiny percussion noises float from ear to ear...even on the cheap earbuds. Music CDs are just as good, and even the radio reception seemed above average. Selecting MP3's was a breeze with the instant scrolling list of tracks. Organization into folders is very understandable also, with little icons representing different levels of folders. The length of song names didn't seem limited either (like some players are). Look: I'll just assure you that the overall sound and functionality will leave you fully satisfied, now let me scream once more about its value before I go eat lunch...
~~ A word on its value & Conclusion ~~
Several of the expensive MP3 players out there today offer high capacities but lack all of these great features (and believe me you'll use all of them!). The price on this one is going down because iRiver is putting out new models. And these new models are all extremely similar to this first big hit...not really worth paying more, in my opinion. This is a groundbreaking piece of technology that will endure your years of music enjoyment. If you plan on picking this one up, better make sure you've got lots of music on hand--cause you won't be able to keep this thing in its off position!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 150
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Epinions.com ID:
hightechfool
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Member: John Mickus
Location: San Diego, CA USA
Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
I only like the good ones...
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