Day 1: The Newbie
To use this baby, I needed to charge it first. Hmm, why can’t the company pre-charge it so we don’t have to wait? Stupid question, but inevitable when you’re dying to use a gizmo. I had to wait eight long hours while I let it charge…
Day 2: Problems Already?
The iRiver is charged, and I’m eager to connect it to the PC. I connect it and it’s detected as a PNP USB Mass Storage Device. So far, so good. Next, I try to install the bundled software and face my first problem. It just doesn’t install, because InstallShield has a problem.
Day 3: Music, Music And More Music!
After a lot of troubleshooting and Web browsing, I finally manage to resolve the issue. This little palm-sized device can play WMA, WAV, AVI, ASF, MPG, FM radio and display JPG and BMP files! Whoa, time to get cracking! I copy a humongous amount of music and movies to the player. After all, I need to utilise all the 40 GB of space on the drive.
Day 7: More Buttons Than I Can Handle
Yes, everything’s copied and playing fine, even the DivX files. But some files, such as those with the .DAT extension, need to be converted before I can play them on the iRiver. Such a pain! And why on earth are there so many buttons on it? I would’ve been happy with just three.
Day 12: If You Have Got It, Flaunt It!
I’ve decided to debut this thingy on the bus I do my daily commute on. One part of my brain is strictly against the idea. The other just can’t wait to flaunt it. I give in to the temptation… The bus is crowded and at an opportune moment, I take out the iRiver right in the company of my co-passengers. I can understand the ogling and salivating that follows. I also see some people turning green. Is it just me, or are the aliens finally taking over the planet?
Day 18: Protecting The iRiver And My Sanity
My brother has miraculously managed to delete everything there was on the iRiver. Great, I say-at least he didn’t throw it on to the floor and stomp on it! Apparently, he was just trying to watch a movie. I make a mental note to keep it away from hazardous humans who cause pain to men and devices alike and make sure the ‘Hold’ button is on when I am not using the iRiver.
Day 25: Time For Some Fun
Today’s a holiday. I decide to check the iRiver’s recording capabilities. I connect it to the TV and start recording. Pity-it can only record voice and not video. After 10 hours of continuous recording, I need to take a break. The iRiver does what it promises on the manual. However, I need to charge it once more. Later, I get my family to watch a movie from the player on the TV. They still can’t believe this tiny gadget costs a bomb!
Day 30: All’s Well That Ends Well
I’ve been using the iRiver for a month now, and it still feels like I got it yesterday. I don’t take it on the bus any more, much to the chagrin of my co-passengers. The ‘portable’ tag does not apply to the iRiver since it stays home, at least for now. Moreover, I don’t mind the power outages during weekends anymore. I can get cosy and watch my favourite movie anytime, anywhere, at my own convenience. Thank God for the iRiver!