Lo and Behold, the SlimX!

The MP3 and the WMA formats have been around for a few years now and in spite of the many lawsuits filed against MP3 and WMA trading websites, it has remained popular as an alternative to retail CDs. By using the DAE method of extracting information from the CDs, and then compressing that to MP3 or WMA formats, you can get as much as ten times more music then you would otherwise get from a normal CD. Additionally, due to the highly compressible nature of these music formats, they are commonly used in the cyber world as a way of promoting independent music bands, which otherwise will be largely unnoticed by music lovers. This is largely due to the low cost and ease of transfer for songs that are compressed.

As such, we now come to the review of a CD player that does not only play normal CDs but other music formats as well (for example, MP3/WMA/ASF). Without much further ado, let me introduce you to the iRiver SlimX (iMP-350). This player can arguably be considered a high end product amongst the iRiver range of players. Though, it cost about S$375 dollars, which is high amongst the iRiver product line, it is not done frivolously. One reason for this would be that it comes with all the features that its little brothers (the iRiver2 and ChromeX) have plus more. In fact, it can be said to be one of the thinnest player in the market right now.

As you read on, you will find out why this is so and perhaps come to the same conclusion as we have, that this product deserve your serious consideration, if you are in the market for a light weight yet feature packed product.

Here are the specifications of the player:-