iriver U10 1 GB Music & Video Player

iriver U10 1 GB Music & Video Player Review

iriver U10 1 GB Music & Video Player Feature

• Amazingly small multimedia player with 2.2-inch screen--about the size of a business card
• 1 GB memory holds 16 hours of MP3 and 32 hours of WMA audio
• Plays MP3, WMA, secure WMA, Ogg Vorbis music files; MPEG 4 SP video; Macromedia Flash Lite video games (six included)
• Integrated FM radio with record function, built-in microphone with voice recorder
• Rechargeable lithium-polymer battery with up to 28 hours of battery life

The remarkable 1 GB iRiver U10 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 game. The U10 has a vivid 2.2-inch LCD screen for watching videos and playing Flash-based games. It supports MP3s, WMAs, ASF, OGG, JPG, and Flash Lite 1.1 files as well as MPEG-4 SP video at 320 x 240 pixels (QVGA). Plus, the iRiver U10 supports Microsoft Windows Media Player 10 and is compatible with a variety of online music stores and subscription services. It also features an FM tuner with recording and alarm functions.

Measuring just 2.7 by 1.8 by 0.6 inches and weighing a mere 2.5 ounces, the U10 is about the size of a business card. The U10 plays MPEG-4 Simple Profile (SP) files up to 320 x 240 pixels in size (encoded at a maximum of 384kbps and 15 frames per second, with audio encoded in MP3 up to 128kbps). Video can be converted with a free, downloadable utility called iRiverter.

It's so small, you can literally fit the U10 in the palm of your hand.

The centerpiece of the U10 is its brilliant 2.2-inch color display, which also doubles up as the control interface. Unlike the touchscreens normally used on PDAs, the U10's "direct click" feature responds to gentle pressure from the fingertip, eliminating the need for pens and control keys.

A built-in microphone also makes the iRiver U10 an ultracompact dictation machine. Recording quality is freely selectable and is controlled automatically. A built-in FM tuner, complete with real-time clock and timer-controlled recording function, delivers perfect radio sound on the move. It also includes six Macromedia Flash Lite games, including Launch Fighters (a Space Invaders remake), Log Jam, Barn Baron flying game, and Sudoku.

Files are transferred via super-fast USB 2.0, and the U10 is compatible with Windows XP SP1 operating systems. It offers 10 EQ settings along with a user-defined EQ setting, and it offers SRS WOW virtual surround sound for a 3-D soundscape and superior bass. The internal, rechargeable lithium-polymer battery provides up to 28 hours of playback battery life, and it is recharged when connected to a PC via the included USB cable.

Optional Cradle
With the U10's optional cradle, even more possibilities open up as the U10 combines with the FM tuner to provide a full-fledged multimedia alarm clock. It even includes a traditional snooze button for five minutes of extra sleep. When the U10 is sitting in its cradle, the line-in can hook up to other audio sources. Music from the stereo system, for example, can be MP3-encoded in real time and stored on the player. The cradle also includes a remote control.

What's in the Box
iRiver U10 1 GB media player, stereo earphones, USB 2.0 cable, printed operating instructions, CD-ROM with installation software, preloaded music tracks from eMusic, and preloaded Macromedia Flash Lite games. Includes: earphones, preloaded tracks from eMusic, preloaded Macromedia Flash Lite game, & USB 2.0 transfer cable. iRiver U10 Portable Digital Media Player - This portable media player lets you enjoy nearly any type of digital entertainment you have. Video, audio, photos and more! All of which can be played back on the stunning 2.2" ultra-bright LCD. Built-in Digital FM Tuner Skip-Free Listening Alarm Clock Audio Support - MP3, WMA - 8Kbps ~ 320Kbps / OGG - up to Q10 / ASF Multimedia Support - MPEG4 simple profile QVGA (15 fps), Macromedia Flash Player, TXT, non-progressive JPEG Built-in Lithium-Poly Rechargeable Battery Line In/Out (on cradle) Connects to a PC via USB 2.0 Requires - Windows XP (SP1 or higher), Windows Media Player 10, CD-ROM Drive, & USB Port