Player Blog Category Archives: iRiver → iRiver :: H300
February 25, 2005
iRiver H320 Review
Omar Shahine has written up his thoughts on the iRiver H320 and how it compares to the iPod.
Omar is a Microsoft employee and his review reflects a more Microsoft-centric mindset. For example, he pays special attention to Microsoft's PlaysForSure and MTP. Not to say that this is a bad thing, but it is worth pointing out.
Unfortunately for the H320, Omar didn't like it:
Lame- fails in some areas. Do not hand over your money for this device.
Seriously, I did not enjoy debugging and trying to fit this device into my lifestyle. I figure the 2 or so hours I spent hacking TDT to support WMA DRM'ed files was well worth it as I learned something new, but if you are looking for a device to replace your iPod or you are on the market for a new device I would wait till iRiver works out the issues above (or some one else ships a comparable device).
Previously we reported that most Microsoft employees own iPods and here is Omar's review adding anecdotal evidence to the idea. [Via Digital Media Thoughts]
Yeah, I read his review several months ago. After I got my H320 I didn't find it nearly as bad, but maybe that's because I don't care about DRM and I use Ogg Vorbis. Big difference I guess. Also, I was surprised that he completely failed to tout the stereo recording feature. Just buy a decent stereo microphone and your iRiver becomes a portable recording studio.
You can read my review if you like, it's a little more rounded I think, and I include recording samples.
Posted by: Tristan at February 27, 2005 12:22 PMSorry about that; the link got stripped out.
http://www.trisweb.com/archives/2005/02/13/review-iriver-h320/