Have you ever seen a PSP clone? How about a Wii clone? They're hilarious. A PSP clone is nothing like the genuine thing. It doesn't use UMDs, it comes with preloaded games and don't even get me started on the display.

Anyway, the thing is, clones are usually bad. They are designed in order to enjoy some success by banking on the level of fame achieved by the genuine device. This is why I had a problem when I first discovered the QQ K819 MP3 player. This is an iRiver SPINN replica with an added bonus. QQ says it has achieved a lighter MP3 player (compared to the SPINN) by using not only aluminum for the casing, but rather a plastic/aluminum alloy. In my book this actually translates into a cheap case, but, then again, only a hands-on might provide the truth. The player is 15 grams lighter than the iRiver SPINN, but considering the original weighed only 70 grams, I really don't think this is a plus.

It's interesting how the manufacturer praises the product design and the overall quality, especially considering it's a 100% SPINN ripoff. The 3.0- inch LCD comes with a 16:9 AR and has WQVGA resolution which is below the SPINN's resolution (480x272). Also, if I remember correctly, the SPINN uses an OLED monitor, which in return provides far better image quality.

Granted, the K819 comes with a soft pouch that would have been nice to see with the SPINN, but this doesn't excuse QQ for making a clone of a successful device from a well respected brand.

The one thing the K819 does have and the SPINN doesn't is an integrated camera. Why? What for? Is it an MP3 player or a digital camera? Does it want to be a multimedia phone without the phone itself?

But here's one extremely useful feature that the SPINN had and the K819 doesn't: Bluetooth headphones pairing. Wireless freedom is much more important in an MP3 player then having a low quality camera. At least in my opinion.


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