Crave

iDespair

(Credit: CNET Networks)

OK, so I get the iMac, the iBook, the iPod, iTunes, and even (grudgingly) the iPhone. Apple thought up the moniker, so we can't begrudge them for expanding on the very successful franchise. But the iTrip, the iRiver Clix and Cowon's range of iAudio products tested the limits of my patience. And I could have held my tongue if BMW's iDrive had been the end of iOpportunism.

But when I noticed the iLoad--a device for ripping CDs and DVDs to iPod without a computer--on Senior Editor Donald Bell's desk this morning, I felt the need to vent. Is the future of consumer electronics destined to be prefixed with "i"? Do product managers and marketing departments have so little imagination as to think they can get away with tacking an "i" in front of anything they dream up?

We are working on a roundup of iGnominy here at Crave, so please feel free to share any more egregious examples you may have come across.

(Credit: Jasmine France)

Update: I just got word from iRiver that--unlike with the Sansa-Rhapsody deal--you will not need to buy a new 2G Clix in order to enjoy the Rhapsody DNA experience. Current owners of the player will get access to a free firmware update, which is expected to become available on the iRiver Web site sometime in July. Very nice.

This morning, iRiver officially announced a partnership with Rhapsody that optimizes the second-generation Clix for use with the music service. Although the player was already compatible with subscription tracks from on-the-go services (Rhapsody included), it now includes Rhapsody DNA. This new software integration adds Rhapsody-related interface options (see pics) and lets To Go subscribers transfer Rhapsody Channels to the player. Also, Clix players sold after today will come in new Rhapsody-branded packaging. The partnership is basically all about branding--though you won't be seeing an "R" attached to the end of the Clix (as with the Sansa e200r). Still, although the Clix interface was already great, the optimized experience does make it a bit better for Rhapsody To Go subscribers.

(Credit: Jasmine France/CNET Networks)

Story originally published 5:01AM July 9, 2007.

(Credit: Clixhere)

It's coming, I swear. I've gotten several e-mails lately asking about the status of the 8GB version of the iRiver Clix, most of them concerned that its existence on the site was a mistake. Apparently, iRiver customer service has responded to individuals stating that they "don't make an 8GB version." Well, it's not available yet, but it will be. My contacts have confirmed that the device will go on sale in the States sometime "this summer," once iRiver has perfected the Rhapsody DNA integration. Apparently, the company wants to launch the 8GB Clix with co-branded packaging. No word on whether there will be any design tweaks, such as the red band shown in the Clixhere image pictured here. Regardless, the gist is this: if you want an 8GB Clix, hold out for a couple more months--it's a-comin'!

(Credit: Akihabara)

OK, OK, I'm harsh. I know. The recently launched Clix Cradle from iRiver isn't all that unattractive. Indeed, it looks to be reasonably useful. It includes a single speaker and seems to prop up the player at a handy viewing angle for video watching. But is it just me, or does this new dock look like a serious step down from the original Clix cradle?

First of all, the old version (pictured below) included dual speakers for stereo sound and had a cool snooze button on top for using the player as an alarm clock. It also came with a remote and added line-in recording as a feature. Finally--and, yes, this is the girl coming out in me (puppies! kittens! stickers! sparkles!)--it was darn cute, turning the Clix into a retro-looking mini TV. Call me jaded, but this new dock thingie just doesn't stack up.

Ah well. It is reasonably priced (about $30) and should come out in the United States in the next month or so (it's Korea-only for now), so if you have a new Clix and are itching to accessorize, I guess it's worth a look. And how does that saying go? Don't knock it 'til you try it?

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

Yep, the second-generation iRiver Clix has displaced--or at least matched--it's predecessor as the highest-rated MP3 player on CNET. Why didn't it beat out its sibling completely, you rightly might ask? The answer is that the new Clix isn't really a noticeable improvement on the old version. It offers a slimmer, longer design, but not a bigger screen. And it will be optimized to work with Rhapsody rather than Urge. So is it better? Not necessarily. But still, it's one sweet multimedia device. Check out the iRiver Clix review here, or click on the photo at right to launch a slide show.

You know, I was pretty comfortable with the latest iteration of the iRiver Clix being called the "Clix2"--it's simple, short, and quite to the point. Wouldn't you agree? Sadly, we're going to be relegated to yet another generational product, with the new Clix being the "next generation of the iRiver Clix," or "iRiver Clix (second generation)" for short (or rather, for long). Sigh. What will logically follow is the fazing out of the old Clix, so start looking for killer deals on that product and even--hint, hint, hint--product giveaways. But you know what's even better news? The 2G iRiver Clix is currently available on the iRiver America Web site, which means you can get your hot little hands on one before the review units even become available. (If you sense a hint of jealousy in my tone, you are not mistaken.) Currently, just the 4GB version ($199) is available, but the player will also come in 2GB ($149) and 8GB ($249; coming in June) flavors. The product will also be rolled out to select online retailers in the coming weeks. Here are some specs for interested parties:

• Continuous Playback Time: Approx. 24 hours (MP3, 128kbps, EQ normal, Vol 20, display off)
• Video: 5 hours (AVI, 15fps, Video 384kbsp, Audio 128kbps)
• Connection Type: USB 2.0
• Equalizer: User EQ and SRS WOW HD
• Dimensions: 80.3x46.8x12.8 mm
• Weight: 55 Grams
• Main Set Display: 2.2" QVGA AMOLED; 260,000 color
• Battery: Internal Li-poly rechargeable battery
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz
• Headphone Output Power: 17 mW(R) + 17 mW(L) (16 Ohm) at max. Volume
• S/N Ratio: 90dB : A weighted
• Audio Support: MPEG 1/2/2.5 Layer 3, WMA, OGG
• Bit Rate: MP3, WMA : 8 kbps ~ 320 kbps, OGG : up to Q10
• Multimedia support: WMV9, MPEG4 simple profile QVGA (30fps), Macromedia Flash Lite 2.1, TXT, non-progressive JPEG
• Windows requirement: Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP (MSC), Windows XP SP2 (MTP)

(Credit: Crave UK)

Back for a second spin, the popular iRiver Clix gets a makeover and a fashionable '2' in its name. The iRiver Clix 2 builds on its predecessor's unique design and meritorious feature set. It's a flash-based 4GB MP3 player that'll play your videos, read content from SD cards via a built-in card reader and is even kind enough to incorporate an FM radio.

We're glad to see that the Clix 2 has also retained its intuitive navigation system--simply push the screen to navigate the player's menus. The resulting absence of navigation buttons leaves lots of space for a screen to dominate. And oh, does it dominate. The 56mm (2.2-inch) colour screen is magnificently large for a player of this size and we're expecting video to be as crisp at it is on the original Clix, if not better, thanks to its use of AMOLED screen technology.

iRiver has also built Flash support into this new player. Don't confuse this with flash memory--Flash content is found all over the Web in the form of games, videos and photo slideshows. The Clix 2 allows you to download this content directly to its memory for playback on the device. Does this mean YouTube videos can be downloaded and played back? Theoretically, yes. Practically, we're not sure yet. A full review will reveal this secret and you can expect one soon.

The Clix 2 is on sale now for 139.99 pounds (about $277). It's a gorgeous-looking chap with loads of cool features, and it boasts a highly affordable price tag. Clix 2, you have impressed us so far. We implore you not to disappoint us in the flash. Sorry, in the flesh.

(Source: Crave UK)

The Clix2 has a bright 2.2-inch AMOLED screen

(Credit: Mike Kobrin)

The original iRiver Clix was a design success if not a commercial one, but the new Clix2 looks to do well in both respects. It's got the same clickable-screen faceplate, but the device is much thinner and a bit longer than its predecessor, and the 2.2-inch QVGA screen sports new AMOLED technology (oy, how the acronyms do grow) for extra brightness.

Much thinner than the original Clix

(Credit: Mike Kobrin)

You'll be able to view video (now at 30 frames per second in MPEG-4 and WMV9 formats), photos, and album art; audio support will include WMA, MP3, OGG, and Audible formats. It will come in 2, 4, and 8GB capacities. Nice touches include an FM tuner, voice/FM recording, 25-hour battery life, and switchable MTP/MSC modes. Look for this sexy little number in spring 2007.

Even thinner than RAZR-thin

(Credit: Mike Kobrin)