iriver CXW-4G Clix 4 GB Digital Music and Video Player (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am a tough reviewer and rarely give 5 stars, but this product earns it.

When I first opened the package and saw the Clix, I thought that it was too small.How can they put much into a small and light package like that?

Well, they definitely did.The interface is better than the iPod's.You push an edge of the screen to navigate and set options.It is very intuitive and I have done a lot without reading the manual.

The FM capabilities are amazing.The auto-tune to set the presets automatically picked up all the stations in my area perfectly -- no mistakes.I could then delete the ones I don't want.The high-resolution display does a great job of displaying all the presets with a verticle line and indicators where each station is.When reaching the highest setting, just push up again and it goes to the lowest, which is what one would want.ALL the stations in my area came in very clearly.

For Audible books it's great, and loading to the device doesn't require iTunes (desktop) which is inferior to Audible's [...] desktop program.With 4G of storage, I can put all of my audio books on it.

It works great as a MP3 player. The sound seems better than my 5G 80gig video iPod.

For me, I am going to use it for audio books and FM.I use the iPod for music because I can store 80gig on it.

I definitely recommend this product.

Click Here to see more reviews about: iriver CXW-4G Clix 4 GB Digital Music and Video Player (Black)

Product Description:
The iRiver Clix features an eye-catching, direct-click interface that makes it easy to fly through your media collection and find the right song, video, photo, or video game. The unit is centered around a vivid 2.2-inch color LCD display, which delivers remarkably clear 320 x 240 (QVGA) resolution for watching videos and playing flash-based games. With support for MP3, WMA, ASF, Ogg, JPEG, MPEG-4, and Flash Lite 1.1 files, users can choose from a ton of other audio and video formats. The iRiver Clix even works with Windows Media Player 10 and its variety of affiliated online music stores and subscription services, including PlaysForSure services such as Napster and Rhapsody.
Measuring just 2.7 by 1.8 by 0.6 inches and weighing a mere 2.5 ounces, the Clix is about the size of a business card. But don't be fooled, as the unit features 4 GB of internal flash memory, which is capable of storing approximately 64 hours of CD-quality MP3 music (encoded at 128 kbps) or 128 hours of WMA tracks (at 64 kbps). The Clix also plays MPEG-4 Simple Profile (SP) files at a maximum of 384 kbps and 15 frames per second, with audio encoded in MP3 format. Should you need to convert other formats to MPEG-4, simply download the free iRiverter utility and you're set.
The display also doubles as the control interface, so you don't have to mess with any cumbersome buttons or controls. And unlike the touchscreens normally found on PDAs, the Clix's direct-click feature responds to gentle fingertip pressure, eliminating the need for pens or control keys.
Meanwhile, a built-in microphone makes the iRiver Clix an ultracompact dictation machine. The recording quality is freely selectable and is controlled automatically. And listeners who hate to miss their favorite public radio program will dig the built-in FM tuner. Finally, the unit comes with several free Flash Lite games, including Launch Fighters (a Space Invaders remake, Log Jam, Barn Baron, and Sudoku.
Audio-wise, the Clix offers 10 EQ settings along, a user-defined EQ option, and SRS WOW virtual surround sound, which creates a 3-D soundscape and a superior bass performance. In addition, the Clix, which is compatible with Windows XP operating systems (SP1), sports a fast USB 2.0 interface for speedy file transfers. The device comes with a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery that delivers up to 25 hours of battery life per charge and is backed by a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box
iRiver Clix media player, earphones, carrying case with screen cleaner, USB 2.0 cable, Easy Start installation CD, user's manual

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iriver Clix Rhapsody 4 GB Digital Music and Video Player (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Player that has it all.This player does more that most any other.MP3, WMA music files I can drag and drop AND use Windows Media player AND use Rhapsody for subscription music (Napster subscription service works too, but doesn't have Rhapsody's awesome channels, which are like having a personal DJ)Just about any other music service out there will work, and you can still rip and copy your own files.

But wait, I'm just getting started.This thing plays videos on it's beautiful QVGA screen.If you think you can't stand a tiny screen, you haven't seen the Clix's OLED display.It's crisp, bright and easy on the eyes.Some of these small screens show pixels and ghost images, not so with the Clix2.I can watch for hours and not mind at all.

Okay, I'm not even close to done yet.We also have Audible capabilities.Audible is a great audiobook service that gets all the latest audiobooks and makes them available for download, these transfer over to the Clix2 in a snap and provide hours and hours of enjoyment for everyone who likes books but has trouble finding the time to read.

Want more?Sure!The built in FM radio is easy to use and picks up more stations than any of my portable players, it has something like 20 presets and will set them all in no time.

What's the catch? you must be thinking.Don't ask me, I'm still looking for one.Good volume output with buds or full size headphones, great equalizer presets, a manual EQ and SRS WOW magic stuff that makes headphones and speakers sound like they cost a bundle of cash.

Oh, wait!You want more?Really?OK, Clix delivers.You can look at pictures, browse through or see an automatic slide show (while listening to your tunes, of course)and if you got some time to kill, it comes with 4 great flash games you can play.If you look around you can find more on the web.

So, I must say that I'm really pleased with the HUGE array of features, the sound quality and overall operation of this player.It has NO equals in it's category.

Click Here to see more reviews about: iriver Clix Rhapsody 4 GB Digital Music and Video Player (Black)

Product Description:
Freshly updated with a sleek design, a vibrant 2.2-inch full-color AMOLED screen, and 4 GB of internal memory, the redesigned second-generation iriver Clix Rhapsody plays music, video, photos, and more. In addition to supporting MPEG1/2/2.5, WMA, ASF, WMV9 SP, MPEG4, Macromedia Flash Lite 2.1, TXT, and non-progressive JPEG multimedia files, the Clix Rhapsody has been specially tuned to work with the Rhapsody To Go subscription service so that millions of songs are available to you at the touch of a button (subscription fees apply). To allow users to try the Rhapsody music service before paying any additional fees, the device comes with a 30-day trial membership to Rhapsody To Go.
Up to 24 hours of battery life.
In addition to robust audio, video, and still picture playback capabilities, the Clix sports a voice-recording mode--a great feature for students and business users. It even offers seven preset EQ settings so that users can listen to their music exactly the way they want. Other great features include a digital clock, an alarm, a digital FM tuner, and a timer. The Clix is compatible with Windows 98SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista operating systems (and the player is compatible with both MTP and UMS modes).
With an internal Li-Poly rechargeable battery, the Clix offers users up to 24 hours of playback battery life. Sporting speedy USB 2.0 connectivity, the Clix measures 3.16 x 1.82 x .5 inches and weighs a scant 1.94 ounces. The player comes backed by a 1-year limited manufacturer's warranty.
Rhapsody
Feature requires Rhapsody To Go membership. A free 30-day trial for new members is included, then $14.99 per month.
Rhapsody To Go membership allows access to even more music.
What's in the Box
iriver Clix Rhapsody 4 GB multimedia player, earphones, installation CD, 30-day trial membership to Rhapsody To Go, printed quick start guide, and a USB 2.0 cable.

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Cowon D2+ 8 GB MP3 Player (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is the best audiobook player. I also have an Ipod 80GB Classic and had a Zen Vision M. It leaves both for dead.
- superb sound quality.
- excellent bookmark function- 256 bookmarks. It returns to the bookmark and continues to the follwing tracks (unlike Zen which just stops, as do many other players, and windows mobile players).
- the touch screen is very nifty and the smart menus pop up nicely. Navigation quickly became intuitive.
- the standard folder structure makes loading books and tracks very simple. I am over Itunes and do not miss it.
- 16GB or 8GB or 4GB of internal memory, then an SD slot which means you can have as many SD cards as you want. bookmarks work on the current SD card no worries.
- excellent for music albums.
- the video function works well when I test it, although I am not interested in using it routinely.

If you're looking for the best portable audiobook player, you've found it. But if you just want to listen to audiobooks on your computer get ViddyMP3 for free. Or if you want to tinker get Rockbox free software for various portable players. I think the D2 is great for music too as its sound is clearly superior to Ipod and Zen to even my untrained ear.

It does not do playlists, but really who needs them? I mainly used to use them to work around Itunes bugs.(maybe I like compilation albums, but I can just compile a folder of MP3's any way I like).

Wishlist- on the fly erase & click for more details on the bookmarks (but still the best for bookmarks), playlists (OK already).

Tips- use the stylus supplied for navigating the touch screen.
- when you first ever turn it on, be careful as the first thing you do is set language and I accidentally clicked Korean!! It took a while to return it to English, ha ha.
- If you're not sure just buy the 4GB Black version [...], and later expand it with an SD card.

Note that Cowon also make the S9 which I have not seen. It is more expensive and uses a different screen technology.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cowon D2+ 8 GB MP3 Player (Black)

Product Description:
Video and audio player with FM tuner, voice recorder, and text and photo viewer 2.5-inch, 24-bit QVGA (320 x 240) touchscreen LCD with 16 million colors Up to 52 hours of music playback (10 hours of video) on one charge SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC-plus card memory expansion DRM-protected content and BBE+ support What's in the BoxCowon D2+ (Black), stylus, earphones, USB cable, Quick Guide, installation CD.

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Creative Zen V Plus 2 GB Portable Media Player (Black/Green) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought two of these (one for my wife also). I've owned a 15GB 3rd gen iPod and a 60GB 5th gen iPod (video). I returned the iPod video to buy these two and get some money back. I don't care what they say; iPods never have worked and played well with Windows.

I've never owned an iPod nano, so can't compare to it. Maybe some of this is better to be viewed as a hard disk versus flash based player review.

The Zen Vs so far have done well with windows. It's not quite as easy as drag-and-drop as they indicate on the site, but it is close. You have to open the Zen explorer (set up like the Windows explorer) and drag them into that.

I use Foobar2000 for a music player. When a good song comes on, I just drag the song from the playlist into the Zen explorer and it transfers it without a problem. Or, you can select a bunch of songs and drag them all in (from file or Foobar or where ever).

The player's screen is nice and bright and sharp, but the resolution is apparent when looking at photos. The zoom comes in handy for photos, but it never looks as good as when viewed on a high res screen, as you would expect. I put a custom background on it as soon as possible to get rid of the butt-ugly default background.

I haven't been using the cheap bag they include with it. It's too big and too ugly. But even without the bag, I haven't noticed any scuffing or scratching so far. I haven't intentionally tested it, but I haven't been gentle with it either. I always kept the 5G iPod in its case, but seemed to scratch it anyway. I'm still puzzled about that.

Navigation is easy and intuitive; click right to move deeper into the menu, left to go back to a higher level, until you hit the end (play a song or view a picture), then the back button is used the get into the menus again. Holding the back button will bring up the options menu. There are plenty of settings to play with, which I like.

The player has a solid feel to it. I like how all the buttons feel. The joystick is a bit small (and I'm a big guy), but I don't have too much trouble getting around with it. I don't think about it at all now, just a few days after getting it.

From my few days of listening to it, the sound is very good. Most of my mp3s were transcoded using high quality settings, so they are a good test. You would have to be pretty picky to complain about the sound quality. That wasn't the case with my two iPods in my opinion. I should mention that I used a good set of studio headphones to form these opinions. They sound excellent with this player. The bundled earbuds are fine, but not great.

The recorder works fine; easy to use, sounds just ok.

Haven't tried the inline recorder.

I've been surprised at how many songs I've been able put on it. I was used to 60GB of space and thought I'd really miss it. But now I realize I just had a bunch of crap I didn't listen to on the old player; I was constantly fast forwarding through songs I didn't like. I have 234 tracks on it and have it ~half full.

The scroll wheel on the iPod was better for running through songs, but the Zen V has a keyword search and quick way to get to the start of a section (like the songs starting in M section). It's different, but just as effective. Honestly, with 60GB of stuff, the scroll wheel still took forever to find anything. I think I like the keyword search better.

I like that it attaches with a standard USB cable (mini on one end). Cheap to buy a replacement or a longer one (the included one is short, but fine).

The Zencast software works great for syncing to the player, but it's not quite as intuitive to get podcasts as with other programs I've used.

I like the size and shape of it. It fits easily into my shirt pocket without making it droop badly like the iPod did. The earbuds are the hardest thing about pocketing the player.

Things that it doesn't do (picky stuff):
If the last song played was paused when the player shut down, it doesn't power up into the middle of the song, it restarts it. If you power it down while the song is playing, it starts where it left off.
Doesn't seem to count correctly when waiting to dim the screen, does it too fast for the setting it's on.
Doesn't have radio, wish it did.
Doesn't have video, but the screen is so small I don't think it would be worth watching.
Doesn't work as a USB drive - Doesn't do this right out of the box, but might be able to be configured as one.
Doesn't have that cool padlock style screenlock thing that the video iPod had
Doesn't use iTunes... oh, wait, neither do I (not a big fan), maybe that should be in the pros column.
Doesn't fetch me the newspaper or make me coffee.

One warning: Install the software before plugging it in the first time. Windows won't recognize the player if you don't.

All in all, I'm really happy with this player. I'm a really picky person, so that's pretty high praise from me.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Creative Zen V Plus 2 GB Portable Media Player (Black/Green)

Product Description:
With a tiny, eye-catching design, smooth contours, and a discreet size, the Creative Zen V Plus 2 GB Portable Media Player fits perfectly in your palm and slides effortlessly into your smallest pocket. With 2 GB of storage space,

A 1.5-inch OLED screen displays rich and vibrant photos, as well as the easy-to-use Creative interface. View all Zen V Plus features.

Not much bigger than a pair of earbuds! (black and orange model shown) See the Zen V Plus in 3D. the Zen V Plus holds up to 1,000 songs, and the 1.5-inch OLED screen displays rich and vibrant photos, full-color menus, and album art at any viewing angle. Another great feature built right into the Zen V Plus is the tiny device's ability to support subscription services and pay-per-download music. Plus, you'll never sweat formats--the Zen V Plus plays the broadest selection of MP3 and WMA music. And browsing your music collection has never been easier with Creative's innovative interface that enables effective and intuitive navigation and track selection. The Plus has an extra feature that it's predecessor lacked: the ability to play short video clips. With the Zen V Plus you can watch short clips in transcoded video format and impress your friends with the latest tidbits from the web or a brief glimpse of a home video.
Another great features is the Direct CD Recording function that allows you to record songs directly from a CD player or other audio source without using a PC as an intermediary. You no longer need to burn CDs to your PC then download to your MP3 player. Just connect an audio device directly to your Zen V Plus, and record your favorite CDs, records, beats and more, directly from the source. Meanwhile, automatic track detection separates each song for you--a handy feature when you're converting analog (records and cassette tapes) to digital. If organization is a high priority, the Zen V Plus's Personal Organizer will help you stay connected and in-sync with your Microsoft Outlook information. Just connect the Zen V Plus to your PC, sync your Outlook information, and you'll be ready to carry around your contacts, calendar, and to-do lists right in your pocket. Plus, the Zen V Plus uses a handy built-in microphone to double as a voice recorder, so you can capture notes, record lectures, and more.


No matter how you hold it, the Zen V Plus is just the right size. Creative knows that sporty is sexy, and this player is ideal for any workout junkie. The skip-free playback is perfect on your morning jog or your most rigorous workout at the gym. The optional armband and case fit comfortably on your arm and keep your Zen V Plus safe and secure while running or lifting. The Zen V Plus player was designed for people who appreciate style and function. Don't be surprised when people take notice of your cool, colorful music and photo player. You can proudly announce that your device carries up to 1,000 songs, and you can show off your favorite photos and video clips that you've stored on this pocket-sized powerhouse.

What's in the Box
Creative Zen V Plus, earphones, drawstring pouch, lanyard, USB 2.0 cable, line-in cable, neck strap, installation CD including user manual, and quick start guide.

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