Offering a barebones media player at a fraction of the cost of the higher end iPhone, the iRiver E100 is a decent alternative for consumers who just want a no frill media experience. Being compatible with several different audio formats like MP3 and WMA audio as well as BMP, GIF, JPEG, and Xvid photo and video formats makes it an appealing option for those who object to Apple’s proprietary format technology.

Compatibility with a microSD card means that your storage options are easily expandable. Other highlights include a comparatively impressive FM tuner with the allowance for several preset channels as well as a recording option that produces decent quality files.

Unfortunately, the problems with the lower end product match its lower price tag. Sound quality through this player is definitely subpar, with distortion being a pretty major problem at higher volumes.

What’s worse is the messy, counter intuitive control panel. While similar products in this price range would hold a huge appeal for the user who’s not very technologically inclined, the awkward controls make this an awkward user experience. Buttons often don’t perform the functions that you assume they should and frustrating set backs will quickly be enough to turn off a casual media user.

Like any other product, the iRiver is a study in trade offs. In this case, you get an extremely low budget product, making it a media player that won’t break the bank. Of course, this means that you’re going to be sacrificing a fair amount of sound quality and a logical menu design. It’s ultimately up to you to decide whether the lower pricetag is worth it.

Leave a comment below to let me know if you think the monetary savings makes the design quirks more palatable.

IRiver E100 Deals !

4GB MicroSD TF Card for Iriver E100 MP3 Player + Reader US $21.99 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 10:18:49 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $21.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list	8GB TF Memory Card for Iriver E100 MP3 Player + Reader US $31.99 End Date: Saturday Sep-11-2010 23:10:26 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $31.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list
4GB MicroSD TF Card for Iriver E100 MP3 Player + Reader US $21.99 End Date: Thursday Sep-16-2010 8:47:22 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $21.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list	iRiver E100 8 GB MP3 Player & Video -Pink *Brand New* US $93.59 End Date: Thursday Sep-23-2010 21:05:43 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $93.59 Buy it now | Add to watch list
iRiver E100 8 GB MP3 Player & Video -Blue *Brand New* US $93.59 End Date: Thursday Sep-23-2010 21:05:45 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $93.59 Buy it now | Add to watch list	iRiver E100 8 GB MP3 Player & Video -White *Brand New* US $93.59 End Date: Thursday Sep-23-2010 21:05:57 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $93.59 Buy it now | Add to watch list