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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating - Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 21 reviews
- See all user reviews
Product summary
The good: Inexpensive; compatible with wide range of files and discs; good antiskip protection; remote control.
The bad: Large; some parts feel flimsy; remote can come unplugged.
The bottom line: The ChromeX is an attractive MP3 CD option for the listener on a budget.
Specifications: Device type: CD / MP3 player ; Flash memory installed: No ; Battery: 2 x AA type Standard battery See full specs
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 06/18/2002
Large, modern design
The ChromeX isn't nearly as thin as its pricier counterpart. In fact, at 5.4 by 5.8 by 1.2 inches, it's on the large side, but it does have a nice gray-and-black-matte finish and a smooth, round shape. We weren't thrilled that we could slightly jiggle the top of the unit from side to side, and we were disappointed that the battery door exhibits a similar flimsiness. But we should note that these small design flaws didn't cause any problems during our two-week evaluation period.
You get an in-line remote to handle all playback functions, but you'll have to take the ChromeX out of your bag to access more complicated features since the remote lacks its own LCD. As far as the interface goes, it's not quite as intuitive as it should be, even though the unit's display lists lots of song and settings information. We found ourselves wishing that there were a jog dial for navigating the menus, and we weren't crazy about the idea that many of the buttons have two functions depending on the length of time that they're pressed.
Manual is mandatory reading
After a bit of button experimentation and some studying of the manual, we found that it wasn't too difficult to locate songs by directory or playlist, set Shuffle/Repeat modes, change the EQ settings, and program new playlists on the fly. Holding down the Navi/Function button brings up the Settings menu, where you can make all sorts of tweaks, including choosing from 35 languages; activating Resume and Fade-In modes; and selecting among scores of other superfluous options that select users may find useful.
Like the SlimX, the ChromeX offers comprehensive disc and format compatibility, supporting different brands of data CD-Rs and CD-RWs that can be filled with MP3, WMA, and ASF files burned in the Joliet and the ISO 9660 formats. Future formats and file types will be supported through firmware upgrades.
Clean sound, no skips
When it comes to performance, the ChromeX does quite well. Our MP3s and WMAs sounded crisp, full, and free of hiss over our reference headphones. (iRiver includes a set of mediocre earbuds, but you can swap in your own pair and still use the in-line remote.) The company rates the player's antiskip protection at 120 seconds for MP3s and 40 seconds for regular CDs. These figures jibe with our test results, as we didn't encounter any skipping. iRiver should have included rechargeable batteries, but two AAs offer an impressive 16 hours of MP3 playback, though you'll get only 7 hours when playing audio CDs. However, the company did throw in an AC adapter for when you happen to be near an outlet. Our only performance quibble was that like the , the ChromeX's remote connects to the unit via a small, round plug that can come loose easier than the slotted remote connections that we prefer.
When all is said and done, probably the most attractive aspect of the ChromeX is its affordable price tag, which largely offsets the less than slick construction and interface. At $99, this MP3 CD player may not be a steal, but it's priced right, and if you don't mind reading a manual, you won't be disappointed. If you're working with a bigger budget, consider one of .
User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 21 reviews
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
