In use, the iRock 860 is quite intuitive and despite its small size and even smaller controls is actually very easy to use even for the biggest fingers. Powering on the unit by pressing the Play/Pause button lights up the main display with a cool blue backlight. You're then shown a '' logo before finally (in MP3/WMA mode) going to the top of your file list.
Navigation is accomplished via the fast forward/rewind rocker switch and the play/pause button for selection. Navigation when changing folders is quite slow (taking about 2 seconds), and even slower when using an m3u playlist file, however it isn't annoyingly slow but don't expect it to be instant. Navigation icons are for folders, files, and playlists and of course your root (or the selection to move 'up' a level). You simply move to the song/playlist you want and hit the play button. If you want to listen to the radio you push and hold down the mode button until the FM Tuner starts up. Using the IDDB Software you can save up to 20 presets, or scan manually/automatically with the rocker switch.
Five modes of equalization are available (Flat, Rock, Jazz, Classical, Pop) and are easily selectable by repeated pushing of the EQ button. If the HOLD switch is used then the Display will flash 'Holding ….' upon a button press and the button pressed will be ignored. A-B repeat mode can be setup via the mode menu, along with other settings such as the backlight timeout, deletion of files, contrast and scroll speed of the file name scrolling. It's all very simple stuff yet the player has a surprising amount of features for such a small device and limited controls.
Sound quality is very good although through using 4 different types of headphones I did notice that very high and continuous sounds such as a cymbal crash does have an undertone 'ticking' but other than that sound is pretty precise to the file being played. Volume is good and with the supplied headphones gets to a decently high level which should please those who like loud music (me included). Subjective listening tracks I used were Hybrid: If I survive, Police: Roxanne, Evanescence: Tourniquet, Linkin Park: Nobody's Listening and Rob D: Furious Angels. All of these tracks sounded as I expected them too, with highs, mids and lows being reproduced pretty faithfully, although the very low sub bass was obviously lacking. Sound quality was to my own personal tastes improved with the bass expanding EQ setting of Rock which added a bit more life over the Flat setting and almost made up for the lack of sub. It's a shame their isn't a user programmable EQ, as this could be accomplished in the same manner as the FM Tuner presets via use of a text file in the IDDB. I found the overall sound quality to be quite surprisingly good; with the right files CD quality sound and reproduction is available.
Just a FYI, VBR (Variable Bit Rate) MP3's and WMA files are supported and play fine. You'll get a flashing VBR symbol when playing them which rotates its display with the song time. I've used VBR, 56-320 bitrate files on the 860 and had no issues with any of them. With 256mb of memory (247mb useable) you should have enough space to store about 3 or 4 albums at 192bit MP3.
File transfers are managed by the IDDB or iRock Digital Download Manager (or you can use the included Music Match Jukebox Basic) which comes on the software disk. This software will allow you to transfer files TO the iRock 860 but not transfer the included 4 songs FROM the 860 due to copyright laws. However, you can explore the 860 via WindowsXP as a removable disk that allows you to read and write & oops! The IDDB will also allow you to setup the FM Tuner presets. Anyway, the IDDB is very easy to use, simple but does its job. Word of advice to anyone doing their very first transfer of songs, use the download list rather than individual songs direct to the device. You'll see why in a bit.
Testing
Testing of the device transfer rates has been done with the IDDB but for the record, incase anyone was wondering, the IDDB transfers at the same speed as Windows Explorer or music Match Jukebox (also included on the CD, the basic version).
As you can see, file transfers are slow and below average for flash media taking about 2 minutes for a 60mb album of MP3's. In comparison with the DiskOnKey 128mb the transfer rate is slower by quite a few seconds. It took me over 7 minutes to put 244mb of MP3's on the 860 which is quite a while but considering the nature of the product is not too much of an issue in real world usage. It's when you realize it takes over 7 minutes to fill it up you are thankful for the Download List window in the IDDB, as you can decide what you want to transfer (and even save different lists) before you actually transfer it. Once everything you want is in your list, hit the transfer button and go make yourself a drink, kick the cat, what ever it is you want to do for 7 minutes.
Conclusion
latest Digital Audio Player, the iRock 860 will please anyone who is looking for a cheap and tiny unit for some music on the move. Being a solid state unit you won't have to worry about tracks skipping, and with its support of MP3 and WMA (including VBR varieties) as well as an FM Tuner you should be all set for a long trip. Battery life obviously depends on the quality of battery but a singular 'el cheapo' AA Battery from the local bargain store (they don't include one) has lasted about 6 hours of continuous playback which is pretty good. A decent make like Duracell for example will give you about 8 or 9 hours of music at default settings for backlight, scrolling etc.
Sound Quality is pretty damn good, with only the real lows missing which is common in walkman style devices such as these. With five preset EQ settings you can have minimal control of your sound, but I thought it might be nice to have a 6th user set EQ. Still, the firmware on the device is upgradeable so who knows, perhaps iRock may introduce this later on, and with upgradeable firmware can easily accommodate a different format such as ogg.
File transfers can be accomplished by the supplied IDDB Software, Musicmatch, WMP or any software that supports external players such as these. Transfers are slower than your average flash media but isn't annoyingly slow in comparison.
Control is mostly intuitive but the supplied manual is very comprehensive, and for those who are not big on reading, iRock include a quick start sheet. Speaking of inclusions, the overall package is very complete with a neck strap, leather case with belt clip and some high quality earbud style headphones. iRock even include 4 songs preinstalled on the unit. For , the overall package is a good one if you're looking for a small and cheap player.
Pros: Tiny size, Complete and plentiful package, Intuitive controls, More than just basic features, Easy software supplied, MP3 and WMA and an FM Tuner, Good sound quality, up to 8 or 9 hours play on one battery, roughly 3 or 4 albums at 192 bit
Cons: Transfer rates can seem slow (over 7 minutes to fill), no battery included
Bottom Line: With its tiny size, overall complete package, easy to use functions and good sound quality you can't go far wrong with the 860 player if you're on the look out for a Digital player for music on the move. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to use our Forums.
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