Snazzy iRiver

[John Bull]

In the Sunday Times (UK) today iRiver gets a favourable mention. In the Doors (IT) section, a reader asks if she should buy an Mp3 or a digital media player (DMP). The editor's advice is to 'stick to a good-quality MP3 device, such as a model from the snazzy iRiver range, or something like the Mpio HD200'.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is that he didn't mention the Ipod.

I suppose by 'snazzy' he means the additional functions iRivers tend to have as standard over their main rivals.

[Mike]

It's interesting to me that iPod has the U.S. market, but once you leave this continent, far from the case (and the opposite seems true in Asia).

[Kid-A]

it has the UK market as well pretty much

[Mike]

Sorry to hear that. Actually, I congratulate the other company, but at times it looks like it's marketing over all. Having said that, people are busy in life and the other company makes it understandably easy (as should such as iRiver, which is blowing its upgradeable firmware advantage and its toehold).

[TedJ]

Originally Posted by Mike

It's interesting to me that iPod has the U.S. market, but once you leave this continent, far from the case (and the opposite seems true in Asia).

iPods dominate in Australia too. Seems iRiver is only chosen by those "in the know", or via word of mouth recommendation from friends.

[mikey]

Originally Posted by TedJ

iPods dominate in Australia too. Seems iRiver is only chosen by those "in the know", or via word of mouth recommendation from friends.

i typed in ipod killer into google, and thats how i discovered iriver. after i read a minidisk lover have a rant against the iPod, i decided i didnt want one

[RexMundi]

It's amazing how many people in Melbourne (Australia) have iPods. I'm inclined to think half of them won the pods in contests, because every other contest has an iPod for a prize. It's insane. Either Mac is giving them away or their marketing people are working overtime. It might be both, though.

[NPswimdude500]

iriver offers functionality, which appears to be what iriver buyers want

apple offers style and "pizzazz", and looks good doing it. my friend just got the 4g ipod, and didn't do any research, he just ordered it. didnt even look at other players. funnt part is he keeps telling me "its better" than mine, when he hasnt touched mine, or even loaded music on his ipod yet (computer is down)

in fact, he told me ipods were better before he even got his player (and hadnt looked at mine either)