The iFP-390T is a great player for active people.
Written: Jul 12 '03
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Pros: Size, menu system, sound quality
Cons: None so far.
The Bottom Line: This is a great little piece of machinery! There are comparable products (Rio S35S, among others) but this one, in my opinion, is best value for the money.
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| chuckles33's Full Review: iRiver iFP-390T (256 MB) MP3 Player |
I just bought my iRiver iFP-390T a couple of days ago at Best Buy. I am starting to work out again so I thought I'd check out what's in the market. After a lot of research online I decided on the iRiver 256MB player. Here's what I like about this player:
1. It's really small, just a little bigger than a cigarette lighter. I can strap it to my arm with the included band (or hang it around my neck with the included strap) and go running or lift weights with no problems.
2. Controls/Menu system is really functional and intuitive here. You can browse through the sub folders and root menu with the nice jog button, which also controls the volume and many other things. Also, shuffle/repeat options are very good. Has EQ options but the Rock setting is good for most stuff I've found.
3. 256MB of built-in flash memory is a nice amount. iRiver sells a 512MB version but 256 is enough for most people. I can get around 60 tracks in mp3 format (128 kbps encoding) which is plenty for at least a few workout/running sessions. If you don't want your portable music for working out but for long trips and stuff like that, then go with a larger Giga capacity player like an iPod.
4. You can listen to FM radio (works so-so, but what can you expect from these tiny things), record your voice for memos, and it even has a line in jack for encoding your cds directly to the player in mp3 format. FM radio can be recorded as well if it floats your boat.
5. You can use rechargeable or regular alkaline batteries. I think the regular ones are better for this, but if you do use rechargeables make sure you change the setting to that in the menu system.
6. iRiver Manager software is simple to use. Easy to create folders and organize them.
7. There's a hold button in case you accidentally hit something.
8. Player firmware can be easily updated through the website. Mine was already latest version when I got it.
Here's are some things that might be an issue for some people out there, but they don't really matter to me.
1. The included ear pieces are decent but I bought some Sony w.ear for $20 and they are better.
2. Like was mentioned, FM reception is not that great. But you won't be buying this for that purpose so it's no big deal.
3. Memory not upgradeable. If you think you will want more than 60 songs at a time then you can shell out an extra $180 for the 512MB version.
4. You can't upload your mp3's back to your computer (why would you want to anyway?) Just format the player and download some more songs.
5. Some plastic parts may feel a little cheap for a $200 gadget but it feels pretty solid to me.
6. It took me a while to figure out how to open the friggin' arm strap. You have to slide out the metal bar on the cylindrical part. They should have put that in the manual!
7. I wish they had put the USB port on the top instead of the bottom but that's just a minor quibble.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 199.99
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Epinions.com ID:
chuckles33
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Reviews written: 1
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