SlashGear Japan
iRiver’s SPINN PMP keeps pulling in the kudos, and our hands-on at IFA 2008 didn’t do anything to make us doubt it. Even a strange leather flip-case that looked like it was held on with medical tape couldn’t disguise a casing that, arguably, is more attractive than that of the iPod touch. It’s the interface, though, which makes the SPINN such a joy, and a lot of that is down to the incredibly tactile scroll wheel.
Couple that one-handed operation with the convenience of a 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen, and you have a PMP that can be used on the move (even in a pocket) or, scrolling with the right hand and tapping with the left, more leisurely when you’re standing still. If sheer storage is your guiding light then the iPod touch will best the SPINN – right now the iRiver’s memory maxes out at 16GB – but look beyond that (or, alternatively, wait until iRiver inevitably upgrade it) and you’ll have certainly a more interesting media player.
iRiver are planning a global launch in September and October, with the SPINN already proving popular in Korea. This could be the first real competition the iPod has, so we’re hoping they’re busy working out the accessory and support ecosystem the SPINN will need to survive.
3 Responses to “iRiver SPINN hands-on at IFA 2008: watch out iPod touch”
traffic August 31, 2008
Are you on the same drugs that Amy Winehouse is on, cause’ that thing is HIDEOUS. Seriously if someone tells you to go to rehab you better say yes yes yes because judging from this review you may need it.
+1Leo August 31, 2008
I disagree….. i think it looks pretty sexy and as a current ipod touch owner i have been waiting for the next big thing. Chris Im as exited as you are. Thanx
NeutralBryan September 1, 2008
I would argue that anyone that owns an iPod needs rehab. Apples products are designed for people with a basic technological literacy level and don’t realise when they are being ripped off features wise. iRiver have always been provided great features and options, with lovely design thrown in. I really hope the Ipoo gets knocked off its perch. Its just a great shame the SPINN’s memory limitation will hold it back.
Neutral