April 23rd, 2008

It has long been thought that if anyone was likely to knock the Apple iPod off the MP3 top-spot that it would be iRiver. After all, the company has released more players in the last 4 years than just about any other company.
That said, the iRiver E100 has clearly been designed as a rival to the Creative Zen, with audio and enhanced video playback. In terms of size, it’s the same depth as a Zen but slightly narrower and longer. So, it comes as something of a shock to find the player generally feels bulky in the hand. It needs this depth to fit the 2.4-inch (QVGA) screen that is the main focus of the player.
The look is simple but the plastic used gives it a rather cheap and dull effect. It is available in a range of colours, including pink, brown and green. Beneath the screen you’ll find a four-way directional pad and enter button. With function lock and volume controls moved to the side of the player. It may not look or work as slickly as the iPod but it’s easy to navigate.

 

More info at pocket-lint.co.uk