Fantastic

Author's Rating:

Pros: Excellent sound quality, incredible portability and durability, useful special features

Cons: It can take a little while for someone to learn to use it

The Bottom Line: 
I am extremely satisfied with my purchase of this player and I would recommend it to anyone.

Author's Review
I did extensive research on mp3 players before choosing this one, and even after purchasing it, it still greatly impressed me. The iRiver-795 embodies the qualities I seek in a music player:

1) Portability- It's about three inches long and one and a half inches wide, and weighs only about 37 grams. I just strap it on my arm and I'm good to go.

2) Durability- One of the reasons I chose a flash drive mp3 player over a more expensive hard drive player was because my primary purpose for it was for it to be a jogging companion (I didn't want to spend $300+ on a player that might not last). Not only is it small and light (much smaller than the iPod or iPod mini), it comes with a protective case and can take repeated shocks without ever turning off or skipping. I can jog, stretch, lift weights and bike with it on my arm, and the sound never falters.

3) Music quality- The first time I plugged my headphones into it, I was mesmerized. The sound quality is so crisp and clear, it's unbelievable. It also has about seven built-in equalizers (Rock, Jazz, Classic, Ultra Bass, Metal, 3D and Extreme), so you can customize the sound to your own taste. In addition, the volume is very powerful. I have never needed to raise the volume above 16, and it goes all the way up to 100!

4) Special features- It not only has a built-in radio, it has a built-in microphone that is very sensitive and records mp3 quality sound. It can also record directly from the radio or from an external source that you plug into it, such as a CD player.

5) Versatility- Not only does this player have great sound quality and useful special features, it doubles as a flash drive that can store other types of files. You need to complete a firmware update to do so, however, but that's available for free on the iRiver company website.

Other than those features, the battery life is also excellent. I have a tendency to leave mine running for extended periods of time, yet one AA battery STILL lasts me for weeks of very heavy usage.

The only possible downside: Because I am technically inclined, I didn't have too much trouble learning how to use it, but I would say that it's not the most user-friendly piece of equipment I have ever encountered. Controlling the different menus involves confusing combinations of pressing the different buttons, but once you get the hang of it, it's very easy to use while working out.

Overall, this is one fantastic little music player.