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stars
"The best in function and feature...out performes the iPod" on by jasonbeckett
Pros: Good size display, easy to use interface, packed with features.
Cons: EXPENSIVE! expensive, expensive.
Summary: It is completely reasonable for people to compare compact media players to the iPod and suggest that they may be better. As we all know, iPod rules on the mp3 front...but I suspect that a majority of the iPod users are actually PC users as well. With that in mind, you must admit, the new iRIVER is a possible iPod killer for the PC users.
This is a great device. It features everything you want in a portable media player and then some. Long before the iPod Video, iRiver was giving us video, pictures, radio and more in one device. The new U10 is the culmination of a great concept.
The user interface is equal (if not better than) the iPod disk because the unit can have a larger display without making room for clumsy buttons. The speed of the device is great and it seamlessly transitions from one function to the other.
The learning curve to control the unit is very short and most people will be using this player right out of the box. Although the iPod enjoys a nearly endless supply of accessories, the new U10 has some great options that expand the uses of the device including the clock dock and controller.
In the end, the devout iPod users will never think anything could unseat their beloved media player. But for the rest of us...the iRiver is a real contender. Just using it once is enough to convince you that this is a real cool device with a ton of features and just may win back all the PC users who jumped to the iPod.Updated
When I originally posted my comments on this product I assumed that everyone realized how tiny this product was in dimensions (2.7in x1.8in). It is smaller than the iPod NANO (which is way longer) and I think more substantial to work with. I don’t feel like I’m going to break it if I put it in my pocket or in my bag (I can’t say the same for the iPod).
I can’t over emphasize what a great device this is! The user interface is great and easy to use. The 2.2in screen fills most of the actual unit so you don’t feel like there is a bunch of wasted space on the unit.
For those who complain about the size…1gb is plenty for this type of player (after all, this is not a music archive device, it’s a player). The price is in line with iPod and the unit is a definite competitor. I don’t think people give this unit its due because iRiver have been terrible at promoting it.
On the whole, I still love this unit and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an awesome MP3 player and easy potable video player.
- 2 replies to this review
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The iPod is designed for music with video playback as an enhanced feature.<br><br>Plus it holds 30 or 60GB, which is more useful for music and the odd few videos than 1GB.<br><br>But it's your money, and your choice.
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Are you kidding me? This in anoverpriced peice of junk. Why would you want to play video on something that is only 1gb???? Thats what? 1 full length movie, maybe 2? Why would someone pay $250 for this, when they can pay $50 more for 29GB MORE ipod? Oh, and the rest of you only counts for like %25 of the market.
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