iriver slim-x imp-350

[Funyuns101]

okay i know this has been done before, but i'm looking to buy the iriver's slimx sometime in the near future. only thing is that iriver will be releasing a newer model imp-400 shortly; it's already out in the asian market. aside from more languages, does anyone know if there is a good reason to wait and spend extra money on the newer, and slicker model?
one thing i did notice, is that the newer slimx will have a function to fully discharge the batteries before you re-charge them in order to get the most battery life. it's about $130 on amazon... the newer one is on pre-order for $200; both have free shipping...

which brings me the questions: what are the cons about this player (imp-350) (besides the included earphones)? i've heard mixed reviews especially about battery life w/o the external AA battery pod. i've also heard that some people have had problems updating the firmware, is this true or just for computer illiterate? any other comments are welcome. i've done some research on this product, and yes i'd love to get an ipod but i simply can't afford one. thanks all...

review for old model

the new one!

 

[bluntman]

I've had the 350 for a few months and I haven't had any problems updating the firmware. Of course, I've only done that once and I still haven't updated the player to the latest version. Updating the firmware, from what I remember, was a "no brainer" - just burn the file to a CD-RW, pop it into the player, press play and let the player do the rest.

As far as the batteries go, they are Nickel Metal Hydride batteries and typically those types of batteries take several cycles to get into peak performance.

 

[daimon]

I had this player for a few months. Here are my lists of weakness on it:]
1) Battery life could be alot better
2) External battery pod is useless.
3) Remote clip easily broken.
4) No A/M radio (no a problem, if you don't want it)
5) Crappy earbuds.

Aside from those, this is a great player.

 

[Patchmaster]

Originally posted by: daimon
I had this player for a few months. Here are my lists of weakness on it:]
1) Battery life could be alot better
2) External battery pod is useless.

Could you expand on these two points please? Approximately how many hours of use do you get from one recharge? Why do you say the external battery pod is useless? Is it too bulky? Does it provide little additional usage? Why exactly is it useless?