few questions from a newbie about firmware

[omergrigg]

Hello Everybody,
After much online research, I decided to purchase an IFP-899 (my first mp3 player!).
I was wondering if there is a website or forum post that can help me get oriented in the wide world of firmware.
I'm interested in understanding more about the manager vs UMS issue (I heard something about total commander...?), with their pros and cons, I'm interested in independent software also. I also have a lot of very high bitrate mp3s (also VBR mp3s), and I'm interested in strategies to use them with my player.
Lastly, any tips or usefull links that you guys/gals out there might think to recommend this enthusiastic newbie will be appreciated very much!

Thanks!!! (but also a little )

[pizzavernichta]

hi!

Originally Posted by omergrigg

I'm interested in understanding more about the manager vs UMS issue

UMS (original):
+ use Player as normal Mass storage Device
+ no fileprotection (you can share files between PC and Player without problems)
- Records only up to 96kBits
- no Radio Name Function

UMS [MOD (look iFP700-1000 Forum)]
+ use Player as normal Mass storage Device
+ OGG Vorbis from 60 - 230kBit
+/- Records up to 128kBits (...without problems)
- no Radio Name Function

Manager:
+ Records up to 320kBits
+ Chance to name your Radio Stations
- only Iriver Music Manager can transfer files (or total commander with PlugIn)
- MP3,OGG,WMA can't copy back to the PC!!! -> "Fileprotection" (only *.REC)

this have both Firmwares identical (UMS (original) + Manager):
+ nice sound quality!
+ MP3 up to 320kBits (;-p)
- OGG 92 - 230kBit
- WMA DRM is not supported
- slow Filetransfer (~ 1 - 1.5 MB/s)

Originally Posted by omergrigg

I also have a lot of very high bitrate mp3s (also VBR mp3s), and I'm interested in strategies to use them with my player.

should work without Problems...but sometimes there are Problems accouring MP3 VBR...the player crashes and restarts...but this happens extremly seldom!!!

hope i could help a bit...cYa

[omergrigg]

Thanks for the reply,
Can you tell me more or direct me to the appropriate place where I can learn more (and get) total commander. I'd like to be able to use UMS+manager together
Thanks!

[pizzavernichta]

sorry..i've never used total Commander...

and: you can only use one Firmware @ same time...UMS or Manager...
(or did i understand something wrong )