iRiver has been producing quality portable audio players for some now and is rated in the same league as Creative as far as MP3 players go. What we like about iRiver is that while it focuses a lot on the design, it doesn’t compromise on features either. The same holds true for their iFP-599T player that we have with us today.

iRiver nicely wraps the player in a small box that lets you see the unit from the front while listing some of the specifications and features on the back. We like the fact that iRiver has the specs listed in several different languages on the sides of the box but unfortunately Arabic isn’t one of them.

Inside the package, iRiver provides you with quite a few goodies. Starting off, you get a pretty decent User Manual that describes almost all the features of the unit. A pair of earphones is also provided which is decent, however, Audiophiles will probably use something better. For carrying the unit around, iRiver bundles a carrying case as well as a wrist strap and a neck strap allowing you to show the unit off. Of course, an AC adaptor is provided for recharging the internal battery.

For PC connectivity, a USB cable is present along with software CD. Unfortunately, the player interfaces with the PC using a USB 1.1 connection and not 2.0. While this may be ok for the 256MB unit, it does seem slow transferring a GB. Another thing we didn’t like is that unit required drivers under Windows XP- you cannot simply plug it in and access like the recently reviewed Creative MuVo or the countless USB Flash disk MP3 players. On a positive note, the unit can charge itself while connected thru USB saving the hassle of carrying an additional power adapter if traveling with your Notebook.

Besides the drivers for Windows and Mac, the CD features iRiver Music Manager which has a File-Explorer like interface and allows you to create folders on the unit, transfer files to and from the player along and update the firmware. This software can also convert audio recorded on the unit to MP3 format and set radio stations. Another software included on the CD is “MoodLogic” that allows more comprehensive management like creating ID Tags. We’re not sure why iRiver doesn’t put all the features in just one application.