iRiver H10
Photograph: Marc SimonEarlier this year iRiver launched its 5GB H10 audio player--and we liked what we saw, awarding the svelte little player a 4-star rating. Now the company has launched a 20GB version of the same player; but even though we found plenty to like about the new roomier H10, this version is simply too bulky to have the same allure.
The H10 isn't dramatically larger than the other players here; but when compared side by side with Apple's iPod or Toshiba's Gigabeat, it feels notably bigger. The H10 has loads of features--among them an FM tuner/recorder and an integrated voice recorder--but the skinny, pocketable 5GB version has all that, too (plus a user-removable, rechargeable battery, which the 20GB version does not have). And although iRiver throws in a usable, highly protective rubber case, the unfortunate side effect is that it contributes even more bulk.
The H10's icon-based interface, combined with its touch-strip and multibutton input, is fairly easy to use and represents a huge improvement over the company's earlier products. The color screen looks good, but the unit doesn't display album art. iRiver doesn't provide its own syncing software, but does include Microsoft's Windows Media Player 10. I'm not a huge fan of that application, but if you like it you'll be right at home.
One advantage that the H10 has over the other players here is official support for Real's $15-per-month Rhapsody to Go, which lets you download songs from the Web's best subscription-based audio service and take them with you. After suffering through a spotty launch, the portable service now seems to be up and running properly, and for my dollars it is reason enough to seriously consider buying the H10.
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