CES 2008

(Credit: iRiver)

The iRiver B20 may be new, but it looks awfully familiar. In fact, it looks eerily like the first-generation Clix--not that that's a bad thing. The most obvious cosmetic difference is the telescoping antenna attached to the back of the device for receiving DMB content (no word on whether the antenna will attach to the models sold in the U.S.). I'm actually kind of fond of the antenna: it makes the B20 look even more like a cute, mini TV. The other major difference between this player and the Clix is the microSD card slot, which allows you to up the memory. The B20 will be available with either a white or a black finish, and the U.S. will be seeing just the 4GB for $149 in Q1 of 2008. More spec goodness after the image.

• D-Click user interface.
• 2.2-inch QVGA TFT LCD screen (260,000 colors).
• Speedy Flash UI and Theme Skin.
• Built-in digital FM tuner.
• 22 hours rated battery life for audio, and 6 hours for video.
• Five EQ presets and a five-band user-customizable EQ.
• Supports MP3, WMA, ASF, MPEG4 SP, WMV, and JPEG.

When else will your kids get to twist Mickey's ears?

(Credit: iRiver)

Among the overflowing handful of MP3 players that iRiver is bringing to the U.S. is the Disney-branded MPlayer (Season II), a supersmall and cute MP3 player shaped like Mickey Mouse's head. Although the MPlayer has been floating around the Web for some time now, I've never seen it for sale in the States. The latest version will come in a rainbow of colors and is set to hit a virtual retail shelf near you in Q1 of 2008. The player is screenless and supereasy to use--it's an obvious choice for introducing your little ones to the world of digital audio. The MPlayer comes with 1GB of flash memory and will be priced at $70--a touch high for such a basic player, if you ask me--especially one that is clearly designed for fairly young children.

(Credit: iRiver)

When you have the highest-rated MP3 player on CNET, I suppose it's OK to rest on your laurels a bit. iRiver's latest Clix, the Clix+, isn't much different from its immediate predecessor. It offers the same great D-Click controls, the same gorgeous AMOLED screen, and the same extensive feature list. But the company made changes where it counts: The player is slightly slimmer and comes with a lower price tag attached. The 4GB will go for $149, while the 8GB is set to sell for $199. This is much more competitive than with the previous version. iRiver has also added a pink version to the lineup. The Clix+ is expected to hit the U.S. in the first quarter of 2008. Here's a spec refresher:

• Supports MP3, OGG, and WMA files, including subscriptions
• Plays MPEG-4 and WMV video, and displays JPEG photos
• 2.2-inch screen
• Text viewer and Flash game support
• FM tuner and voice recorder
• 12 EQ presets and a user-definable EQ.
• DMB functionality for certain regions.

(Credit: iRiver)

Now here's something you don't see everyday: an MP3 player with GPS capabilities. The new iRiver W7, one of a slew of devices the company has on display at CES 2008, doesn't come with a built-in GPS antenna. Rather, you have the option to buy a car mount cradle that adds the functionality. The fact that the antenna is part of the cradle and not the player is actually quite compelling: it means the player can stay relatively compact and impressively thin for pocketability during "on-the-go" use, while still offering a handy navigational feature for the car. Sure, more than a handful of cell phones offer built-in GPS features, but the W7's 3-inch touch screen puts most phones' screens to shame.

iRiver doesn't skimp out on the multimedia features, either. The W7 supports music, video, photos, text, and Flash games. There's also an FM tuner (not that you'd need that in the car), an E-Dictionary, and a microSD card slot for adding more memory. The player will come in two flash memory options: 4GB and 8GB.

The W7 is due out in the U.S. at the end of Q1 or the beginning of Q2, and pricing has yet to be determined for the States. Let's just hope the European price tag of 175 Euros for the 4GB and 215 Euros for the 8GB isn't something to go by, because that's going to make it one pricey player--current conversions put that at $257 and $315, respectively.

(Credit: iRiver)

As if to prove that it's not even close to backing out of the MP3 player market, iRiver debuted a whopping 12 new MP3 players at this year's CES. The company also introduced a sweet-looking, multifunctional home entertainment system as well as three E-Dictionary products and two GPS devices. Naturally, not all of the gadgets are available in the U.S., but it's still an impressive feat given the relatively small size of the company.

Watch the iRiver Spinn video on CNET TV.

It was hard to narrow it down, but I think my favorite is the Spinn, which is still under development and--sadly--may not make it to the States. This compact media player features a unique spinning hinge that lets you "flip" pages on the screen (a la the iPhone) and otherwise easily navigate the device using just one hand. If nothing else, you've gotta hand it to iRiver for its ability to think up innovative interfaces. And actually, the overall design of the Spinn is quite attractive. It's sleek and slim with a mostly brushed-silver finish, and the 3.2-inch WQVGA screen (featuring a 480x272 pixel resolution) looks nice. In addition to music, video, and photo support, this player will offer a built-in FM tuner, voice recording, a text viewer and dictionary, support for Flash games, and the ability to receive DMB content (in the regions where it is available). The Spinn will even have integrated stereo Bluetooth functionality for those who prefer to do their listening sans wires. As iRiver is undecided on whether this player will make it to the U.S. market, there's no pricing at this time, but we do know that it's set to come in three capacities: 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB.

(Credit: iRiver)