Smaller, Faster and Sexier: iRiver iGP-100

Convenience, Continued

The folder browsing system is by far the best we've seen. After Windows automatically detects the player and recognizes it as a removable drive, you'll find it really convenient to have the same arrangement as on your computer, instead of in the form of play lists requiring hours to compile.

The iGP is versatile since, in addition to MP300 - which the iGP reads at a rate up to 320 kb/s - and WMA, it also reads ASF and OGG Vorbis, which some claim is the format of the future. The screen displays the format, sampling rate and compression rate. Sound restitution is good, although not outstanding. In completely neutral mode, the sound is a bit light, but this is easy to rectify. It's a bit short on fullness, but that is a very minor flaw.

On the other hand, the earphones are, as usual, not wonderful, but not too bad either, although it would be better if iRiver were to one day offer a more powerful model. This is a good time to explain the way we judge the sound quality of a player. If you use the earphones supplied and these earphones are middling, you won't be able to tell the difference between this player and another. But with good quality earphones, or if you plug the player into a Hi-Fi stereos system, you'll be able to tell immediately.

The iGP has a range of feature controls, such as SRS and WoW. The bass control, however, leads to a flashy, artificial sound, which is totally unnecessary when listening to music with earphones.

Good In The Round?

In the end, the iGP100 has charm. Some will like its looks more than others. But its ergonomics and big screen are beyond reproach. It's a bit bigger than its rivals, but 100 grams for 1.5 GB is not to be sneezed at. Detected by Windows as a USB connected hard drive, the GP100 is also handy and performs more than adequately. A good plus is its embedded FM tuner. Music quality is on the whole satisfactory. For just around $200, it is a good choice.