I've done something naughty...

[slycat]

I've given in to my temptations and ordered an Iriver IHP-140 which is a 40gb hard disk MP3 player (I currently have 32gb of MP3s and wanted something which can hold them all). I've been using a pocket radio as my source of music since my MP3-CD player decided not to understand CDs back at the start of the year and I wanted a hard drive unit to replace it. I looked over many web sites, many different devices, iriver, iPod, Creative, Rio and the others but in the end it came down to 2 models, the Creative Zen Xtra MX 60gb and the Iriver IHP-140. I wasn't considering the iPod mainly because of it's elevated cost and emphasis on style and lack of a decent inline remote (I'd be keeing the device in my bag for the majority of time so looks were not important, however a remote with LCD display was). The main thing going for the Creative one was the capacity and price (£280) while the Iriver had much more versatility (format support, firmware upgrades, FM radio and ability to record on the go) and a much higher price (£390).

As this was just after Christmas, I didn't have much cash to go around, I decided I couldn't really afford them and so I put the idea on hold and used my radio for portable music. Now, 4 months down the line, I've seen the price of the Iriver device slowly but surely reduce in price on a frequent basis. First £359, then £329 then £314 and now Amazon's price has finally broken through the £300 barrier and is currently £299. I really doubt that this will reduce much further comparing it with the prices of other models. It's finally the price it should be. I still can't really afford it so I was going to wait a month and then re-evaluate my financial situation. However, I was browsing sites this evening and found a company selling them for £280 with free next day delivery. Call me a fool but I was sold and so the order has now been placed. I should hopefully receive it on Friday!

Comments

[a-skunk.livejournal.com]

I absolutely love my iRiver Mp3 player, and they keep coming out with new firmware updates all the time! My player does quite a bit more than when I got it already. And iRiver continues to support and update thier older products. Phone support is also good.