iriver T30 512 MB MP3 Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm giving this player 5 stars because it does what it promises and it does it properly. This isn't an exhaustive review, but a few things I've picked up that may be of help to people:

- I am running XP, service pack 2. I installed none of the IRiver software and, right out of the box, started using the player as any other removable USB device, so I can drag files into it from within Windows Explorer. Not having to install its own proprietary software is a big plus, IMO. I do have media player 10, but since I don't use it to move over any data I can't see that a person actually needs it.
- I cannot find a way to determine how much room is left on the device from within windows. On the device itself this information is available, but within explorer I cannot get properties to any files/folders on the device.
- The device can function as a data storage device and indeed comes with an empty "data" directory. Take note that files cannot be opened from the device, i.e. if one has a word file, it will have to be copied off the device to be played. This also goes for MP3 files; the only way to play them is through the device itself and plugging it into a comp won't allow files to be played off it (as far as I could tell) unless they are copied off the device back onto a computer.
- Its menu system is fairly intuitive and it's quite easy to navigate around to different folders and play the files within them
- I bought the $20 sports band and it's a good purchase
- I once dumped about 160 files onto it, all very similarly named (1 of 160, 5 of 160, etc.) and after copying, within explorer it seemed that a couple of files had been missed and a couple had been repeated. Upon turning off the device and turning it on again, the directory properly listed itself. I don't consider this a big deal but thought it should be noted.

This device isn't perfect, but it is a good MP3 player. The fact that it takes AAA batteries is perfect for me because I've no interest in replacing a unit in 1-2 years because its internal battery is toast. Furthermore, these AAA batteries will offer more life than a lot of competitor's built in batteries.

At the end of the day I wanted an inexpensive MP3 player that could cover the basics, with no "gotchas" or annoying things like having to put on the manufacturer's bloated software and for me the T30 covers that, so I'm happy.

I agree that it's silly to not support anything except XP, but since the box clearly states that, _stop lamenting the fact_!

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Product Description:
This unit is an incredible value in a small, ultra-portable design giving you instant, affordable access to millions of songs with PlayForSure to support subscription-based music download services. Featuring up to 24 hours of battery life on only 1 AAA battery, the T30 is also equipped with a voice recorder.Voice recorder Record music from any source (no PC required) Plays MP3, WMA and OGG music files Enhanced 3D audio (supports SRS WOW) System Requirements -Windows XP (SP1 or higher), Windows Media Player 10, CD-ROM Drive, USB Port Frequency Range -20Hz - 20KHz File Type Support -MPEG 1, 2 & 2.5, Layer 3, WMA, ASF and OGG Headphone output -Left 18mW, Right 18mW, 16 Ohm Bit Rate -Supports 8Kbps - 320Kbps (OGG -44.1 KHz, 96.1 Kbps - 225 kbps) Tag -ID3 V1 Tag, ID3 V2 2.0, ID3 V2 3.0, ID3 V2 4.0 Power Supply -1.5V AAA Battery Dimension -2.4 x 1.2 x 1.9 inches Weight -1.0 ounces