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Home  Portable Devices |
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iRiver iHP-120
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Last update: 11-29-2003 |
Submitted by
Kenny Ngo |
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The versatile iRiver iHP-120 (20GB) is the first hard drive-based MP3 player we've seen that brings advanced features into a casing only a hair larger than the iPod's. It has just about every input and output that the power user could ask for, excellent battery life, a fully functioning in-line remote with an LCD, and excellent playback/recording quality. This combination doesn't come cheap, but if you're in need of all these features, the iRiver's $400 retail price is money well spent. (Currently, the device offers only limited Mac support; iRiver is pledging to expand the device's Mac capabilities "soon.")
The iHP-120's design is a tour de force, if only because the player squeezes so much into such a small (2.4 inches by 0.75 inches by 4.1 inches; 5.6 ounces) package. Its understated black-and-silver case is scratch resistant, and the overall construction is durable, typical of iRiver's recent releases. The blue-backlit, high-resolution (160x128, 16-bit grayscale) LCD shows off icons and graphical sliders well, but some users might find that the small font causes a bit of eyestrain.
 |  | | The iHP-120's padded case affords access to the screen and all the controls. | This is the first hard drive-based MP3 player to ship with a remote control with an LCD. |
All the durable buttons have contextual functions, so it's worth perusing the manual. We found the multidirectional joystick control on the front easy enough to use for navigating the deep menu structure, but compared to the iPod's scrollwheel, it makes going through long lists of songs a tedious chore.
We're happy to see that iRiver included the first in-line remote control for an HD-based player to incorporate a display (also backlit in blue). It doesn't show artist names, but we appreciate being able to access all functions when the player is stowed in a bag or clipped to the hip. The included carrying case has a firm belt strap for the latter option, and its padding offers protection against impact. Every control and most of the ports are accessible while the device is in its case, which also permits a full view of the display. Hold sliders disable the controls on the device, the remote, or both, to prevent accidental operation.
For higher-fidelity mono voice recordings, iRiver includes an external lavalier microphone with a clip; if you want to record live music, pick up a powered stereo mike to use with the line-in jack instead. Many third-party headphones are unusable with the step-down iHP-100 , so this time around, iRiver wisely bundled a four-inch headphone extender that renders them compatible. An AC power adapter, a USB 1.1/2.0 cord, and an installation disc round out the package.
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