Iriver 40GB MP3 Player with FM Tuner H-140

As well as looking here for reviews and opinions, also look at the iHP-120 because the two machines are identical in most respects. The 140 has a bigger hard drive and the case is a millimetre or two thicker, but all the controls, firmware and features are the same.

This really is a remarkable piece of kit, and the only reason to not buy it is if your music collection does not justify all the extra disc space. On an iHP-120 I loaded up about 450 CDs, using the WMA format at 64k and only used up about 12Gb of the disc. If you don't have enough music to fill up a 20Gb drive there would be little point in buying the 40Gb model unless money is no object, or you intend to encode at much higher bitrates (I find 64K WMA perfectly adequate, but I know a lot of people want to go as high as possible). To put it in perspective, the iHP-140 is 50% more expensive than an iHP-120.

A brief word about the batteries: they are lithium ion polymer and do seem to last a long time. I can play music for at least 10 hours and still have one quarter of battery charge showing. Recording does seem to use power a lot more quickly. As others have pointed out, the battery is not removable, but already there are kits available from reputable sources for about £50 - albeit for slightly inferior lithium ion bateries. As the life expectancy is several years, I would expect the replacement ones to be even more widely available, cheaper and maybe even better long before replacement becomes necessary. (Note that playing OGG files will be harder on the batteries than MP3 or WMA)

The price on this might seem a bit steep - but you do get what you pay for!

Here are some of the features the IHP-140 has to offer:
-40GB hard drive
-16 Hours Playtime
-Supports MP3, WMA, ASF, WAV & Ogg Vorbis
-Firmware Upgradeable
-Remote with 4 line LCD display
-FM Radio Stereo/Mono

-Microphone/Dictaphone
-20mW Outeffect
-Digital Optical-in/out, analogue-in/out & Mic-in
-SRS 3D Sound Support
-ID3 Tag Info Support
-WinAmp Playlist Support
-Supports .txt Files
-MP3 Encoding
-6 EQ Settings (including user defined)

This all adds up to one fantastic player. After a few cycles, the battery can achieve up to 16 hours playback and can also be charged whilst listening to music from the provided ac plug. The IHP-140 also supports the much hyped ogg format. It is firmware upgradeable meaning that you can upgrade its features when iRiver release new firmware products on their web site. These often add exciting new features and make your IHP all that more interesting. You also get a remote with a 4 line LCD display and almost every task can be performed using the remote so you may never have to disturb your player if it's in your back pack or pocket. With optical in and out you can be sure of getting excllent sound quality if hooked up to a compatible sound system. You can expect to hear quality sound and it will probably replace your old stereo system. If you a true music enthusiast, this is definitely for you.

Pros-
All above features.

Cons-
-No on the fly playlists meaning you cannot queue songs as you please. Although, future firmware upgrades should be able to solve this.
-Battery is non replaceable

Conclusion-
I have been researching what HD player to buy for about 5 months now. I had the IHP-120 on order but cancelled it because I heard the IHP-140 was coming out. For me, it is quite expensive so I wasn't just going to go out and buy and HD (hard drive) player. After all the research the IHP-140 comes out miles ahead of the competition. You will not be disappointed after buying this.

For anyone who also has a limited understanding (eg doesn't havwe a clue what an ogg file is) read this review...

I bought an Iriver (40gb) and have had it for 5 days. IT IS AMAZING!!! some of the reviews on tis site say that it is hard to use. It is not!!! As stated above, i am rubbish with all things technic and was very nervous I would struggle. I did not. If you have a knowledge of windows explorer and so can move folders around files, you will find it a doddle.

I use my housemates computer and have already copied all of his mp3s and started on my music collection. it couldnt be easier. just move a folder from one file to another and Bob impregnated your mum's sister a while back.

I havent yet got to grips with everything it is capable of doing but that is not cos it is hard, i just havent yet had the time. The instruction booklet is easy to use and tells you everything you need to do. I find the folder and file system very easy to use and my radio gets perfect reception.

Its awesome to have all this music on one small box, and whislt it doesnt look as good as an ipod, it does a far better job. the remote is useful and discreet, the buttons take a while to get used to but after 5 days i have it down to a T

So for anyone who is thinking of it but nervous cos of the technology, don't be!!! Get it now!!!!!!