IRiver H10 5 Gigabyte Versus IPod Nano

The terms ‘MP3 player’ and ‘iPod’ are used almost interchangeably anymore, and nearly everyone knows what an iPod is. There are virtually no mp3 players on the market today that can compete with Apple’s iPod, which is thin, sleek, and lightweight. Many players have tried to compete with the iPod, and each has died its own unique death. It seems that the iPod is a force that can’t be stopped.

So what would happen if a new mp3 was introduced to the market that could actually hold a light to Apples iPod? An uproar, no doubt. Korean company iRiver is trying earnestly to take the iPod down a couple of notches in the world of electronic music players. With the release of the iRiver H10 5 gig, you may want to rethink purchasing that iPod Nano (which comes with a max of 4 gigs.)

It’s the smallest things that make the most difference when it comes to objects like mp3 players. Convenience can be a major deciding factor, coming second only to price. What are some of the conveniences of the H10 that the Nano doesn’t afford? The first is battery convenience. The Nano comes equipped with an internal battery, and after it wears out, you must send the entire unit to Apple to have a new one installed. With the H10, you can take the battery out manually and install a new one. Battery life is still in favor the Nano, however, with 14 hours of straight play in comparison to the H10’s 12 hours of battery life.

Already sounding good? It gets better. The H10 comes with an FM tuner and FM/voice recorder, something I absolutely desire in an mp3 player. I get tired of my songs after so long, and occasionally desire the randomness of the radio. With the H10, I can satisfy that desire; with the Nano, I cannot.

Apple iPod’s also take great pride in their click-wheel navigation system and its ease of use. H10 knows this, and developed their own simple navigation system. A strip that extends from top to bottom, you simply run your finger up to move up and down to move down. Press when you are ready to select.