iAUDIO M3 Review

Engadget has posted their review of the iAUDIO M3. The M3 is the 20GB audio player that made the creative design decision to remove the LCD completely from the body and move all display to the wired remote. A choice like that probably isn't for everyone and Engadget does show where the M3 fits in the current and upcoming audio player marketplace:

The M3 is still a very strong contender. It's still cheaper than an iPod, and despite being on the market as long as it has, it's still very sleek, compact, easily carried player. The near-microscopic screen, lack of ports without the subpack, and total absence of song sorting features notwithstanding, it's a real pleasure to use. However, be warned: it is certainly due to be eclipsed by a new round of players very soon. While it currently stands up very well against the iPod (in my opinion even winning out against it) and is just shy of the Rio Karma (which ultimately stays my pick with its sorting and jukebox features), the M3 will have a hard time fending itself off against the likes of the Gmini400, and other such overachieving next-generation digital audio players that are due out in droves tomorrow or the day after. So let's put it this way. Right now it's still a great player, but I can't say that we're not expecting (read: greatly anticipating) iAudio's proper follow-up to the M3.

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