Note: We may earn commissions (at no cost to you) if you buy through links on our site. Learn more.
NOTE: This model is discontinued and may no longer be available to purchase new. See the latest mobile phones or compare used prices.

iriver Story HD review

5.6/10 AVG.
RATING
Compare Compare  
Compare Compare  

iriver Story HD
iriver Story HD
iriver Story HD
iriver Story HD
...


5.6/10
Informr score
The iriver Story HD currently has an Informr score of 5.6 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 9 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The iriver Story HD is one of the latest eReaders to enter the market. This eReader boasts an HD display and a very powerful eReader processor. iriver also has a partnership with Google Books, similar to the partnerships between the Kindle and Amazon and Barnes and Noble and the Nook. This way there is a clear medium through which books can be purchased onto the Story HD, which is not the case with a few other eReaders on the market.

Aesthetically, the Story HD actually seems as if it was created about ten years in the past. The device is similar in looks to the first generation Kindle, and the appearance is not helped by a mini USB port on the side. In terms of the High Definition aspect, the iriver Story HD does not play HD video or anything the sort, it just has a superbly crisp and bright six inch screen for reading books. The resolution is 768 x 1024, which is far higher than the Kindle or the Nook that both support 600 x 800 resolutions. This resolution results in much sharper images and text, which may be a plus to some users. Since this eReader is used mostly to read books, however, some users may feel the HD capability is not as important.

There are many positive aspects to the Story HD. Google has a wide selection of books and most are available at relatively low prices, meaning that once you buy the Story HD, you will not have to spend very much on individual books. This eReader is priced at about the same level as the Kindle and the Nook, which is unfortunate as they have features that the Story HD is lacking, such as a web browser.

Need to Know Facts: iriver Story HD

1. Bright, sharp display. (The Good)

2. Google Books integration. (The Good)

3. Poor industrial design. (The Bad)

4. Slightly heavy. (The Bad)


6"
Screen Size
Screen Size
6"
No
Backlight
Backlight
No
2 GB
Storage
Storage
2 GB
No
3G
3G
No
-
Reading Time


What the Critics Are Saying...


Expert Reviews
Expert Reviews

The Story HD has some interesting features and a refreshingly clear interface, but the lack of Wi-Fi and built-in store puts it at a disadvantage. Its keyboard seems wasted, and it's not as good value as the Kobo Wireless eReader or the Amazon Kindle, both of which cost about £20 less.

- Barry de la Rosa, Expert Reviews
The eBook Reader
The eBook Reader

It is a decent device with plenty of potential but it leaves much to be desired. The higher definition screen is nice, and so is having Google eBooks onboard, but that's not enough to counter the competition. Hopefully iriver will continue to develop the firmware to add to the functionality of the d...

- Nathan, The eBook Reader
Cnet
Cnet

Now, if the Iriver Story HD cost $99, things would get a lot more interesting. But it doesn't (not yet, anyway), so it's hard to recommend. That doesn't mean it's not a relatively well-designed e-reader that we actually liked in a lot of ways. But the competition has become pretty fierce in the e-re...

- David Carnoy, Cnet
The Verge
The Verge

Still, given the very simple interface of the Story HD and the sometimes disappointing Google ebookstore, the Story HD presents a fairly satisfactory overall experience, and while it's not able to compete point-for-point with the Nook or Kindle, it also doesn’t completely lose against those co...

- Laura June, The Verge
Laptop Mag
Laptop Mag

At first glance, the $139 iRiver Story HD seems like a solid eReader contender. The HD display differentiates this device from the Kindle and Nook, as does the wide document support. However, these features don't balance out the uncomfortable design or the inability to make notes and highlights. The...

- K.T. Bradford, Laptop Mag


Prices (Where to Buy)




Ask the Community


No questions for the moment.


Resources


Manuals / User Guides Helpful Links Share / Embed

Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.


Quick view

Screen Size
6"

The iriver Story HD's screen size is 6 inches with x pixels resolution.

Backlight
No

There is no built-in backlight.

Storage
2 GB

Internal memory is 2 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

3G
No

This model has no 3G wireless capabilities.

Story HD Specs

Overview
Release Date July 17, 2011
Regions Available USA
Networks
SIM Card Size No
Operating System No

Compare Custom Smartphones

Processor Freescale i.MX508 800 MHz
Internal Storage 2 GB
RAM No
ROM No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Languages No
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included Data Cable, Manual
Power & battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 1800 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 4 hours
Reading Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 42 days
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Brown
Dimensions [H x W x D] 19.1 x 12.7 x 0.9 cm (7.5 x 5 x 0.4 in)
Weight 207 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Display / Screen
Type Grayscale
Technology E-ink
Colors Unknown
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 6 inches
Backlit Illumination No
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock No
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Anti Glare No
Additional Display Features -
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen No
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Page Turn Key No
Physical keyboard Yes
Text-to-Speech No
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock No
External Volume Control No
Fingerprint Sensor No
Web / Email / Messaging
Web Browser No
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth No
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Wi-Fi Encryption No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC
PC Synchronization No
Audio / Video
Audio Playback No
Audio Formats No
Video Playback No
Video Playback Formats No
Streaming Video No
External Speakers No
Headset Jack No
Vibration Alert No
Content Formats Supported
Content Formats Supported No
More
Additional Information
Related Links Manual (PDF)
iriver Story HD Reviews
Where to buy iriver Story HD
Suggest a correction