Rating: 
Summary: Will break down within months
Review: I bought this player because, at the time, it was the only MP3/CD player that also had a radio, which was a must for me. Sadly, soon after I bought it (within a few months, max) it refused to play MP3s. Cds that worked fine in other CD/MP3 players would show up as "NO DISC" in this unit. I still use it to play regular CDs and CD-RWs, but only until I find the time to get another, better MP3 player. I have seen this same problem reported here at Amazon.com and at other sites, so this appears to be a basic design flaw. Avoid, avoid, avoid.
Rating: 
Summary: This is one hot MP3 player!!!
Review: Enought can't be said about this incredible MP3 player! The sound (with EQ) and features (loaded) are amazing! And with the upgradeable firmware, it will be a long time before this thing ever becomes outdated. The SP250 displays ID3 tags and is so easy to sort through your play lists. The FM radio gets decent reception too. The case and remote are a nice bonus as well. As far as MP3 discmans go, this is the cream of the crop! A little bit higher priced than some others perhaps but well worth the difference in price. You will not be disappointed if you get this unit. I've been enjoying mine for months without a problem! The rechargeable batteries are great and last longer than standard alkaline, just don't ever loose them! I have yet to find a replacement rechargeable battery that will recharge in the SP250. Most likely, if you do have to replace the batteries ever, you will have to buy a recharging unit if you plan to buy rechargeables. Of course you can stick with good old fashioned alkaline but plan to change batteries a lot. Alkaline power drains out quick with this unit (probably 6 to 8 hours at best)! I highly recommend buying two Lithium Ion AA's (you can usually get these at a battery store). They run about [$] a battery but it is worth it! I bought a pair two weeks ago and have been playing the unit a lot (more than 20 hours so far) - the battery meter on the SP250 is still at FULL!!! Get the Lithium Ion, you will be astounded at how long they last! The down side of the SP250 is that there is no car kit. Minor problem, just go buy one for [$$]and you're set. Make sure you get the right car power adaptor though; it's the one with the tiny plug. Hope these tips help you enjoy the unit better! I highly recommend it! Excellent unit! Very durable, nice looking, easy to use and sounds fantastic!!! A perfect choice for the MP3 enthusaist!
Rating: 
Summary: Wouldn't buy it if I could do it again.
Review: I have never been more frustrated by a machine, except for a rio mp3 player that I bought a long time ago. I just want it to play what I put into it, but the machine refuses! It will randomly reset your music when your listening to it. Also, the shock protection is sub par to the sony cd players that came out 5 years ago. Overall, the design of this machine is untested and juvenile - coming from an engineer...
Rating: 
Summary: solid MP3 player, ... of a car kit
Review: hi, don't know how many of you purchased the riovolt as part of a free car kit deal, but I've found the carkit causes my music to sound scratchy at times. (Yes, it's the kit's fault, because when I listen with headphones, the defects are gone). the remote control is a bit sloppy, and it takes some getting used to if you're trying to navigate menus with the remote. it's much easier to do this with the buttons on the cd player itself, but that's not always possible (eg, if you're driving). also, sometimes I've noticed it spins like crazy and hangs while trying to read my mp3 discs. It's not like I burned them in any obscure way. In those cases I would have to turn the system off and turn it back on again. but otherwise, a solid mp3 player.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect player
Review: I used to have the Genica player and didn't know what a real player was until I bought this one. Rio is a perfect player for all purposes, it never failed, skipped or did anything that could diminish its qualities. I take it everywhere and the battery lasts for a lifetime. It's incredible. I loved it !
Rating:
Summary: THIS PRODUCT IS NO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! DON NOT BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!
Review: If only I could give a rating of -10. This company and this product are horrible. When the device works properly, it's fine. But that is usually not the case. Mine has completely stopped playing MP3 files. I have had them replace it twice and have had the same exact problem every time. They refuse to send a new one albeit of the situation or refund my money. Hence, they have forced me to go to everyplace it has sold and give them a bad review. If you want an example of bad business practices, don't look any further. SIMPLY HORRIBLE....
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Unit
Review: I first Bought the RioVolt100 model and wanted the FM radio, but I got a great unit when I purchase this of My girlfriend. She loves it.. MP3's , WMA, CDRW no problem... Great unit,, I remommend this to anyone who loves Winmx and Kaaza...
Rating:
Summary: Nice features but not good for exercise.
Review: After looking around for a while for a quality cd/mp3 player I went with the SP250. On many websites the reviews for this player are outstanding which I agree with in some aspects. The features in the player are over the top. Everything you can ask for in a CD/MP3 player are here. My major complaint and it was a big one with me is the the player seemed to skip everytime I went running. Casually walking was fine but once you start moving in a running pace is was like playing a scratched CD skipping over and over. To sum it up... If you run a lot this player might not be for you.
Rating: 
Summary: great
Review: great product but i river is better built. i have tried out both and technology wise it is exactly the same thing as the iriver. setup on the screnn is exactly the same. one thing nice about this product is the accessories. the carrying case is great, well built and lines where the buttons are because it covers it up. there are two pairs of headphones, over the head and earbuds, but of course they are not that great (not that much to buy a good set) joggers might prefer the riovolt over the iriver and for people who also like to have a screen on the player not just on the remote like the iriver. overall most people probably prefer the iriver since its is 2 pounds lighter, half as thick (.6 in compared to 1.2 in) and has a better looking design. so this is a great product but i think the iriver is a better choice.
Rating:
Summary: Nice setup...
Review: SONICblue has put together a good little package here. When I was searching for a MP3 player I couldn't decide between a harddrive-based unit (such as the CreativeLabs offering) or a CD-MP3 player. In the end I decided that the fact that I own a CD burner and the low price of black CDs made a CD/MP3 player more logical. After owning mine for eight months or so, here is what I like:
1. WMA capability
2. Variety of modes and bells and whistles Here is what I hate:
1. The headphones (it comes w/ two pair, one of which is unusable w/o pulling hairs, and the other pair doesn't fit properly)
2. The 8 minute anti-skip doesn't mean that you can run with it. It cannot handle contuous jarring. I tried to put it on a treadmill and it worked for about three minutes, but then kept skipping (not a big deal in the end as I hate working out to music).
3. The interface is EXTREMELY clumsy. They should allow you to sort by something other than the artist (if you have fifty songs in a row by the Smashing Pumpkins, you'll see a long list of Smashing pump... and have to wait for the title to scroll across. A definite hassle)
4. The control that it comes with is equally akward. I never remember which button skips and which turns the vol. down.
5. The battery life is nothing near 13 hours. I can get maybe five or six out of it before the indicator begins blinking. Conclusion: Best unit that I have used. Has problems, but they do nothing more than hamper the experience a bit.
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