iRiver SlimX- Now This Is What You Call A Potable CD Player!
Written: Apr 29 '03
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Pros: Great Design, CD/MP3 Windows Media player, skip control, light weight, battery life, much more!
Cons: Cheap lid, CD controls, ear phones.
The Bottom Line: I am thoroughly pleased by this CD player (and that's no easy task) and I believe it was worth every penny.
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| nailet's Full Review: iRiver iMP-350 SlimX Personal CD Player |
I am no portable CD player novice, and I was very picky about what I wanted when I was looking for my new portable CD player. Each time I thought I found what I wanted, it turned out to be missing something. I wanted CD/MP3 capability, CD-RW readability, AM/FM stereo tuner, long battery life, and fairly priced. I was heavily considering a couple other brands (although they didn't support MP3 capability since I have always been a fan of Sony) for the sole reason that the CD players that did come remotely close to what I wanted cost an arm and a leg. Although the iRiver SlimX doesn't have an AM tuner (not like I listen to AM stations anyway and it had a $50 rebate) I was willing to make the sacrifice, and I'm glad I did.
When I got it home from the store and took it out of it's packaging, I was amazed at how light weight it was. I honestly thought that something was missing and I kept staring at it and turning it upside down trying to figure it out. I checked to make sure I had put in the batteries (yes I did) but it was still light. I found this to be surprising also, the batteries were already charged. But, of course, it is always best to discharge and then fully recharge the batteries before the first usage (like the manual tells you). By the way, you will need to read the manual, there is a bunch of stuff that will take quite some time to learn on your own. I've had the unit for almost 4 months now and I still haven't figured out all there is to it.
Well, I read that it had 8 minute shock protection (not 8 seconds, which I though at first, as I figured 8 minutes was quite a while and not 60 seconds like most others), so I decided to test this theory, surely enough, it is not a theory. I could only manage to shake it for about 3 1/2 minutes since my hand got tired, but it did not skip in that time. By this time, I was slowly beginning to realize that I had made one of the best portable CD buying decisions of my life.
But having great shock protection wasn't enough to sway me, it had to be the total package. I tested CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, with regular music and MP3 files and they all worked very well. The only complaint I had was the time it takes to load for the MP3 files, but believe me, it more than makes up for it in quality. The radio tuner actually got reception. I really didn't expect it to as I'm not located next to any radio stations (but it picked up power 96 which is in a completely different city) and I thought "hot darn (explicative deleted), I'm listening to the radio!" Another perk is the battery life. I can't even remember the last time I had to recharge the battery (even though they recommend you discharge then recharge about every 3 months or something around that). You can even use the AC adapter they supplied if you don't really want to use the batteries.
It may take some time to get used to the remote control, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty neat. It is a bit small (especially if you have large hands or you're used to the on CD panel) and the LCD screen only lights up when you actually play around with the controls. There's no way to leave it on (at least not that I've figured out)if you're using it in the dark.
It's also upgradable, which is pretty interesting as I've never had to upgrade my CD software before. I might try that out. I doubt you'll ever use the "carrying" case which translates to a synthetic fiber bag (I must give credit though, it is pretty soft) with a drawstring. It currently serves as storage for my extra jewelry. Also, you may want to invest in a real pair of ear phones. There's nothing wrong with the ones they provide and it actually has pretty good sound quality, but I found them to be irritating. I never much cared for the "in your ear" or discreet ear phones although they came in pretty handy when I had to sit through one boring speech and noone was the wiser (until I started to bop my head).
Overall, you get more bang for your buck when you get the iRiver SlimX. I truly didn't expect as much as I got when I purchased it and I am extremely happy. iRiver is now on my most preferred list and has knocked Sony to the number 2 slot.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 130.00
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Epinions.com ID:
nailet
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Location: Miami, FL
Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 0 members
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