iFP-599T (iRivers Premier Product) Reviewed by CNET

[Poltergeist]

CNET review of iFP-599T Here

Finally CNET has realised that the *Premier* iRiver player exists! Better late than never, eh?

Without doubt, IMHO this is the best MP3 device that iRiver has yet released...

The best that is, for those who...

A. Can bear to go around without carting the bulk of their music-collection with them everywhere they go.
B. Don't want a remote-control the size of a small flash-player, clipped to their clothing.
C. Want a player-recorder that will also record from the in-built radio with a simple button-press.
D. Like to be able to copy a CD, putting gaps in-between the tracks automatically.
E. Prefer their electronic device to have a substantial, all-metal, die-cast casing.
F. Like the idea of instant start-up and totally skip-free playback.
G. Need to be able to delete files to free-up space, without needing to connect to a pc to do so.
H. Appreciate a recorder that doesn't 'glitch' at regular intervals whilst storing data.
I. Have a desire to use their player whilst jogging, skipping, working-out or bungee-jumping.
J. Want a joystick that doesn't need any modification before it's comfortable to use.
K. Want a protective, fully control and port-accessible case that doesn't snag on anything when removed.
L. See the convenience of having an in-built battery that charges while-ever the machine is connected to a pc.
M. Need a multi-function device, the size of a matchbox, that can be carried and used discreetly.
N. Prefer to hear no mechanical noise whilst their machine is in operation.
O. Want the most reliable device that iRiver have so far produced.

There's no prize for guessing which series I have...

Not that I'm at all biased in my views, you understand!

[FlameGrilled]

On the matter of O. :-

Lets see if one can withstand the Cat Test of broadcast source abuse for nearly year of on-demand playback, rapid-dire repetitive use of the controls for navigation..

If a 5xx series could, it might just outflank the iMP-250/SP250 as the undesputed toughest endurance deck they built to date. A 5xx could technically last longer, having no mechanical drive, but will the controls stand up to such abuse..?? :P

Sorry... but it's gotta a lotta proving to do.. before it can earn the 'most reliable device iRiver has produced so far' title...

FG

[Poltergeist]

Only one person willing to query my appraisal of the 500 series?

Aww, this forum ain't no fun no more!

FG... Think of the number of posts bemoaning the mechanical and electronic failures of iMP's, iHP's, iFP1xx's and iFP3xx's. Think of the number of times that unhappy posters have been advised 'Send it back to iRiver under warranty', how often has this advice been given concerning the 500-series? Not once to my recollection... though I may perhaps have missed one or two... I've certainly seen a multitude of complaints about the failings of the others!

There's a possibility that the 500-series controls, comprising 4 comparatively large buttons, a positive-action, short-travel joystick and a smooth-sliding 'hold' switch, could withstand quite a bit of your type of 'abuse'. Looking at some detailed disassembly pics, the buttons are travel-limited, activating what appear to be fairly substantial operating switches, not the usual SMT 'pads' that you generally find. The buttons themselves are rectangular, have about a half-millimetre or so of movement and require very little pressure to activate. I suspect that the designers may have learned some lessons from earlier models and applied them to their latest creation.

Glad to see that you seem to be in agreement with points A to N, anyway!

[tristan]

Sorry to annoy you PG, but I agree with all your points (and I don't even have a 599T, I've got a 390T). Just judging from various forums, there seems to be a very high level of satisfaction with the iRiver flash players compared to the HD players. I personally think my 390T is a brilliant little gadget, all it needs are a few minor firmware improvements to make it just about perfect

[FlameGrilled]

All i will say in defense of the iMP series is.. that most of those items about mech failures, were related to post 250 model items (i.e. late release 350 models, through to the 550, when corners were cut.. and looks were more more important than build quality).

Switches :-

Hmm, i'd have to put such switchs through the treadmill, to see if the improvements you mention really would stand the pace.

Satisfaction
-------------
Once the iFP 1xx/3xx series got the UMS firmware (which lack of UMS was the biggest source of criticism from unsatisfied customers), i'd have to agree that the overall satisfaction was good even wondeful with the exception of people who simply want everything.. regardless.

As much as the iMP was the iRiver product for me, when i had one or two.. or four of them, the iFP is definately remembered fondly too. And the proceeds from the sale of my off-loaded iRiver equipment is burning a hole in the old hip fur ;P :P

FG