The Best of Both Phone, and Tablet-
"FANTASTIC MULTI-FUNCTION PLAYER/RECORDER" on by KyleKoehler
Pros: Does everything I ask and more
Cons: Takes a while to learn menus
Summary: I purchased this MP3 Player after looking at iPods and other brand players. I initially picked this one because of price ($199) for the size (1GB) and the battery type (single AA that lasts 40 hours instead of rechargable battery that needs to be charged via USB port).
What I got was a powerful tool that has overcome every obstacle I have thrown at it. YES the menu is hard to learn but that's because it is does SO MUCH.
The desktop software for both MAC and PC are easy to use and intuitive. I found it easy to use for loading the player with songs and files from my computers (both MAC and PC).
The battery lasts a good long time 30+ hours but uses more battery when recording using the mic or inline port.
I bought this before I went on a cruise and loaded it up with songs and about fifteen 25minute talks by speaker that my wife and I wanted to listen to while relaxing on vacation. With 1GB of space I have still got over 40% of my free space left.
MY FAVORITE FEATURE. I got frustrated when I purchased a bunch of files from iTunes and they all arrived as MP4 files instead of MP3 files. Found lots of links on internet on how to convert these but none seemed to work. Basically if it's MP4 (basically a protected MP format) you can't load them onto MP3 players. This is where the iRiver SHINES. At first I was frustrated when I had about 20 files on my desktop that I could get to player and I was leaving the next day!!!! That's when I remembered that the iRiver has an Line In plug and cable (included). I simply plugged the iRiver to my headphone jack on my computer and started playing my MP3 files on my desktop. I set the iRiver up to record from Line In port and got them right onto the MP3 player. The iRiver to be able to "sync" with "dead air" which allows it to automatically record one song after another to seperate files each time it recognizes that a song has stopped. The music still sounds great and it was so easy.
On the cruise, I also used it to record the comedian who appeared (o.k. probably not legal but I wanted to test the built-in mic). This worked great!!
Basically you can load the player via USB, internal mic, external sounds via Line In plug (which could be a microphone) and finally straight from FM radio (more below).
O.k. I have little kids who like a favorite kids radio program that plays every Saturday moring for 1/2 hour on local FM station. I have set my iRiver to record from 8:00-8:30 every Saturday and have collected all these programs for my kids to listen to... either on the MP3 player or off my desktop or off CDs that I can burn if I want to.
The many menus on the iRiver let you adjust all sorts of input levels for all the different ways to record or loud files/songs. You can shut the thing off and it always comes back to where you left off.
I love this MP3 player. It does everything I could ask and once loaded can go anywhere without having to worry about having a special battery (uses regular AA battery) or finding a USB port to recharge.
I can find nothing negative about this computer except the fact that it does so much that it's hard to figure out all it can do in just 1 day.
I highly recommend this player. -
"simply the best" on by 10102668
Pros: good sound quality, long battery life, useful features
Cons: looks cheap becoz it is,
Summary: most important, for a mp3 player, u want a long battery life with changeable batteries, a strong durable body, this player has it all and more useful features. the sound may not be as good as the ipod, but i think it's becos of the earphone.
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"Very Nice Mp3 Player but could be better" on by coppertop65
Pros: Sound, size and storage
Cons: plastic case
Summary: I exchanged a 1gb Samsung Yepp for the iRiver because of the crummy case Samsung provided. It was a coin toss between the Sandisk 1gb player and the iRiver. Sandisk worried me because right out of the box I'd have to update the firmware to eliminate static.
I like the iRiver. The sound quality is just as good, if not better, than the Samsung. The case is practical with a belt clip or an armband attachment. The design is easy to navigate and it's amazing how many songs you can store on 1gb.
The only downside to this player is the plastic it is made of. I'm sure it is sturdy but it feels cheap. Why has so many manufacturers gone away from light metals? I wouldn't feel comfortable carrying this device around without the protective case.
Basically, this is the top end of the mp3 players in my opinion. The ipod line is nice but the limitations on wma files will hurt the ipods in the long run. Especially with the quality products such as the iRiver being available at a lower price. -
"This Mp3 player just so rocks!" on by Wolfwoodspromise
Pros: Quality Sound, Line-in and Mic recording, easy to use menu system what more can you ask for?
Cons: None Zero Zilich Nadda
Summary: I went to Best Buy and was looking amongst the Mp3 players they had and decide i wanted the iRiver which i heard was not to bad at all. When i looked around i saw the 800 series but i was looking for the 700 series but said aw the hell with it and bought the 899 1gb iRiver.
When i opened this puppy up i loaded the firmware unto my computer and BAM i was loading music up into the player like nothing! and later that night i spent a few minutes with the manual and SHAZAM i was recording music off of my cd player! the sound on the recording was just awesome it was like CD quality! i am not sorry i bought this Mp3 Player at all! I recommend this the iRiver 800 or 700 series player if you want a good player thats not a ipod.
Best Buy is selling the 800 series for 179.99 and lower! -
"Holds A Good Amount" on by Infectious
Pros: Sleek Design, Sexy Red Color, Perfect Size
Cons: Battery Life.
Summary: Doesn't Hold All My My Music, but knowing that I'm just in high school there's really no need for the 20GBs, yet! The fact that we are limited with using electronics at school. I will be purchasing a 20GB in a few years from now, once I gradutate. At this time I will be travelling with many friends.
iRiver iFP-899 user reviews (1GB)
Where to Buy
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