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iRiver's New Additions
Products:
iMP-350 SlimX / iMP-150 ChromeX / iDP-100
Specifications:
SlimX
-Directory Navigation
-Shock Protection
-35 Language Support
-16.7mm thick
-Supports MP3, WMA, & ASF
-Firmware upgradeable
-23 hour play time
-FM Tuner
-Bult-in Recharger
-Remote Control
ChromeX
-Plays both CDs and CD-R/CD-RWs
-Supports MP3, WMA & ASF
-Upgradeable firmware
-Shock Protection
-16 hour play time or AC Adapter
-Remote Control
-Supports ID3 tags
IDP-100
-Supports Dataplay
-Firmware upgradeable
-USB Support
-11 hour play time or AC adapter
-Supports MP3, WMA, AAC, & QDX
-Optional Remote Control
Cost: $369.00 Retail (iDP-100)
Best Price:
Cost: $199.99 Retail (SlimX)
Best Price:
Cost: $99.99 Retail (ChromeX)
Best Price:
Testing
Unfortunately we were unable to get a review unit in time for this article;
however, this will be updated when the unit becomes available.
Editors Opinion
I have always been a fan of hybrid technologies
and an even bigger fan of MP3 players so when I was sat down to complete this
review I was excited. iRiver's new line of music devices are not your average
MP3 players. The iRiver SlimX and ChromeX are a combination between a standard
CD player and a MP3 player. The difference between the two comes down to $100.
The ChromeX is by far the more affordable of the two at $99.99; however, it
lacks the built-in FM-tuner and battery life of its more robust cousin.
The design of these two products is excellent.
They are all sleek lines and curves. They reminded me of Nomad's player except
iRiver's line is somewhat thinner. All in all, they seem like perfect companions
in the car or on vacation even if I would not suggest that you take them jogging.
"What about the iDP-100!" you might
ask. When I first say this product I was a bit taken aback by its price ($369.00).
However, I have concluded that it is well worth it if you have the money to
burn. Unlike its CD playing brothers, the iDP-100 uses a new technology that
I love, Dataplay. Dataplay disks are about the size of a quarter and are capable
of holding 500Mbs of -- in this case, music. The disks are a good buy at around
$9 a piece and it is my humble opinion that they will be the leading format
for digital media in years to come.
When all is said and done I would have to suggest
the ChromeX as the best buy for your money. It has most of the same features
as the SlimX, and it costs $100 less. For those who wish to be on the cutting
edge or those who happen to have a great deal of disposable income, I would
whole-heartedly suggest you look into the iDP-100.
Overall Score(s) (Out of 10)
SlimX
Price: 5
Reliability: N/A
Design: 7
Wow Factor: 7
Overall (not an average): 7
ChromeX
Price: 8
Reliability: N/A
Design: 6
Wow Factor: 5
Overall (not an average): 7
iDP-100
Price: 4
Reliability: N/A
Design: 8
Wow Factor: 9
Overall (not an average): 8
