Love the player but hate the weak buttons
Written: Mar 25 '04
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Pros: Size; radio
Cons: Weak buttons; poor navigation
The Bottom Line: If you are gentle on the buttons, this is the best player around.
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| jthoni's Full Review: iRiver iFP-390T (256 MB) MP3 Player |
I love this MP3 player. I waited years until I could find one that held a decent amount of data, and also had a radio (NPR junkie).
I have one major and one minor complaint, and both have to do with the buttons. If you open the unit (gasp!) you will see that the round buttons depress a switch that is mounted on the circuit board. There is no support below the switch. The only thing holding it on are the two soldered connections. You will also note that there is nothing to stop the decent of the round button (the one you press). If the switch was not there, the button would depress something like 1/8." This leads to the possibility of pushing the switch right off the circuit board. This is especially true if you use the plastic case (i.e. you have to apply more pressure to press the button through the plastic, and it is also hard to gauge your pressure).
After using the unit for about 2 months, the mode change / record button broke. I was able to get it replaced free of charge. I used it again for about 6 months. The same thing happened again. I decided to live with it (as I could still use the MP3 player, I just couldn't change to the radio). Now the same thing happened to the power button. I contacted iRiver and they are again going to replace it. I am a bit wary, however, as I will soon have had this for a year, and I would bet that it will happen again. I think that this time I am going to cut holes in the case for the buttons.
My other complaint (which I have seen in other reviews) is that it is too easy to hit a button accidentally. This most often means hitting Record when listening to the radio, or turning on loop options in MP3 mode. I now always keep the buttons locked unless I am actually doing something with the buttons.
All in all, I think this is the best player out there... I just wish it was a bit more sturdy.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 199
Recommended for: Athletes - Lightweight and Portable, Perfect for the Gym
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Epinions.com ID:
jthoni
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Reviews written: 1
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