Cowon D2 2GB Portable Media Player (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After about a couple of years looking in the market for a digital audio player (DAP) I finally found everything I wanted in the Cowon D2. Part of what was really important for me was the Ogg Vorbis and FLAC support as a big part of my collection is in those formats (Besides MP3, WMA and many other common formats).

I don't like hard disks in mobile devices, so I was looking for expandability and was really amazed to found that the D2 is one of the first devices to fully support SDHC cards (4GB to 32GB!!).

Including FM radio and video playback at 30fps are other of the characteristics that makes this device even more desirable. And don't forget the touch screen! And the 50+ hours in music... Also the amazing audio processing engine that Cowon is famous for... There are a lot of stuff I could be writing about regarding this amazing device, but let's just say now for a quick review that the wait for the 99% perfect digital audio player is for me over.

Some friends say that if Cowon releases a DAP just like the D2 but with WiFi access (For retrieving your music collection across a wireless network or just quick checking a RSS feed, or controlling the device via a web interface... The possibilities are endless!), there would not be need for any other DAP in the market.

For a tip, I'malso using this device in Linux, and using MPlayer's mencoder for transcoding any playable video to one supported for this device, for those interested in knowing if this device is multi platform compatible, it is just a USB Mass Storage device, no needed applications or middleware is required to transfer data from or to this device.

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iAudio X5 20 GB Portable Multimedia Player with FM Tuner & Voice Recorder (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Cowon? You may not have heard of them (yet) but they make the best audio (iAudio U2) and audio/video (iAudio X5) players on the market. Their products put them in the same league as Sony and Apple.

Positives:
The first thing you notice about the iAudio X5 is the high-quality feel of its aluminum shell and how everything fits together perfectly, with solid controls.

The size is about the same as an Ipod Photo, but with the addition of a video display. The TFT type LCD is not the best you can get on a portable player, only 1.8 inches and 160x128 pixels, but the screen is bright and clear. Video playback at 15fps is good considering the display size.

Navigation is from a 5-way joystick, which is as good as Ipod and more comfortable than just about everything else.
FM reception and audio quality is excellent, close to gapless MP3 playback. Charges over both USB or AC adapter is a plus.

Negatives:
Does not support ID3-tag database.
Cannot view photos and hear music at the same time.
No video recording
No external volume controls
No video output!

Conclusion:
At its current price, the iAudio X5 has no direct competition.
I can only think of two reasons NOT to buy it:
1 - you want a TINY mp3 player (get a JetAudio iAudio U2)
2 - you want to output videos to a tv (still waiting)

Click Here to see more reviews about: iAudio X5 20 GB Portable Multimedia Player with FM Tuner and Voice Recorder (Black)

Product Description:
Sturdy, versatile, and remarkably compact, given its voluminous storage capacity, iAudio's X5 portable multimedia deviceis sure to be a hit. The 20 GB audio/video player and recorder can store about 5,000 songs (4 minutes each, 128 kbps) i n a nearly unparalleled choice of formats, from MP3 and WMA to linear (uncompressed, CD-quality) WAV files, Ogg Vorbis f iles (which sound a bit better than MP3 for files of comparable size), as well as FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec, compr essed but designed for 1:1 encode/decode). The X5 can recognize up to 2,000 folders and 10,000 individual files, and itssuper power-saving circuit provides up to 14 hours continuous playback on a full charge.
Coolest of all? You can import photos taken from most digital cameras and view them on the player's 160 x 128-pixel, 260 ,000-color TFT LCD thanks to OTG ("on the go"), the player's USB host feature. (Certain digital cameras are not supporte d; see www.iaudio.com for compatibility.) Create your own logo or download logos from the iAudio web site. You can also set a picture of your choosing as wallpaper.


Click here to view a detailed list of parts.
The player also offers FM radio listening and recording (with one-touch tuning presets), audio recording through either a built-in microphone or analog line-in input terminals, and the ability to read text as well as images--you can even vi ew text, though not images, while listening to music.
Use the included JetAudio software to convert various video files to MPEG-4 (up to 15 fps), then enjoy the transcoded vi deo files on the X5. Another program, JetShell, performs CD ripping and file conversion and facilitates music playback.< P>The X5 provides direct encoding, too, by which you can capture the output of an external audio device. This means you co nnect the output terminal of an external audio device to the recording (input) terminal of the X5 using a bidirectional stereo cable (supplied), letting you load material from components like a DVD player, a cassette deck, a minidisc player , a turntable, or a TV.
And, with the unit's built-in, high-fidelity microphone, the X5 can record speech with the quality of dedicated voice re corders--perfect for important meetings, lectures, and notes to self.
Onboard sound processing includes BBE Sound enhancement, BBE Mach3Bass, MP Enhance (designed to compensate for sound los t in MP3 compression), a 5-band adjustable equalizer, and 3D Surround (3-dimensional sound that gives the sound a wide s ense of space).
What's in the Box
iAudio player, stereo earphones, a subpack, an installation CD (JetShell and JetAudio), a USB 2.0 cable, a line-in recor ding cable, a USB host adapter, an AC power adapter, a user's manual, and warranty information.

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Cowon D2 4GB Portable Media Player (White) Review

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(More customer reviews)This player is a very solidly constructed mp3 player (the weighty feel confirms this even though the unit is not that heavy) that has great sound, good interface, and a good mix of features and EQ settings for the price.

The battery life is stated at 52 hours music and 10 hours video, and this was confirmed by my research at CNet's review, who clocked in at 51 hours and a few minutes and roughly 9.5 hours of video time.I can say from practical use of this product that I do not worry about battery life like I did with my Samsung mp3 player, although that was hard drive-based.

The touch screen interface is a little gimmicky in my opinion, more of a "wow" factor.However, when looking at the overall design, the touch screen does help in enlarging the screen size, with all the other buttons on the top of the unit.The interface is fast and responsive, very important for mp3 players and for me since I'm always on the go.Its possible to operate this unit single handedly like iPods.

The quality of the screen is very nice, very clear text, although they are quite small sometimes.I've had to squint a few times to see what I was pressing while on the run.Don't let this be a turnoff though, since the video quality was nice when being played back (so far I have only viewed the promo video that came with the unit, none of my own clips).

Sound quality is top notch, and EQ settings can be individually changed, however, beware the radio.I have heard some problems with people receiving poor feedback through the radio feature (Cowon America's product forums), and personally have heard some occasional static when walking around the city.

The transferring of music went by quickly, and can be done with USB going through Windows Explorer.No need for specialized software that needs to integrate with the player.The ability to sync with specialized software is available, although I have never tried it.

Overall very impressed with the player. Forget the stylus, it doesn't really help keep my unit standing, not that I'd need to anyways.

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Product Description:
Cowon D2 4GB Portable Media Player (White)

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iAudio X5L 20 GB Multimedia Player Black Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had my iAudio X5L for several weeks now -- it's been with me through two road trips (on just ONE battery charge!) and many commutes to work.I am even *happier* with this purchase then I expected to be!Highly recommended as an incredible gift to yourself or someone you know.This is THE digital music player and then some.I'm thrilled with mine.

First off, I must confess that I was also debating between an iPod or other media players.After reading the reviews at Cnet.com, PCmagazine, and here at Amazon, I went with a 30gb X5L from iAudio.Here's what you get with iAudio that you won't get on the iPod:

- listen to radio AND record from radio
- 24 radio station presets (FM only)
- a built-in mic to record lectures, poetry readings, dinner conversations (you have to be close to the speaker, though, I'm going to expirment with the line-in and see if an external mike can be plugged into that)
- a line-in jack so you can record from old cassettes, records, minidiscs, you name it ... from anything with a headphone jack
- looong battery life, it really does give 35 hours
- much stronger case, a beautiful black finish with a texture that won't scratch and show fingerprints like the iPods; I don't even have a cover over mine, I just keep it in my pocket and it does fine
- oh yeah... and you can watch videos, but I use my X5L while walking or driving so this feature doesn't even matter to me

There are some good tips to know about your iAudio:

-almost all questions can be answered at www.iaudiophile.com/forums... a fantastic resource for all iAudio users
- sure, it doesn't have the sort-by-tag software of the iPods, but I haven't even found that I miss that. I keep my files organized in folders by Artist\Album\songs and I'm a playlist junkie ... iTunes never does auto-create a playlist that I like anyway.You don't even need to install the software that comes with the iAudio.I use MediaMonkey to organize my music, but I just use Windowns Explorer to drag 'n' drop files into my iAudio's music folder. The Shuffle mode keeps me very happy, and having my favorite radio stations just a couple clicks away is WONDERFUL.
- When you first receive your X5L, you'll have to charge it for 6 hours. Hey, long battery life requires some serious power to start with.But once it's charged, you'll find that you already have a sample song and some sample videos so you can show off your toy right away.(They're basically iAudio commercials, but they are good for showing how good this treasure sounds and looks.)
- using the little button control is pretty simple when you get the hang of it ... press it down briefly in order to see a list for your current mode (ie. list of presets for Radio, list of songs for Music, list of movies for Video...) or hold down the button for a couple seconds in order to get to the main menu.Some people didn't get that, but it really is easy.
- the power, line-in, and USB ports for the X5L are on a little supback that you plug into the bottom of the X5L; it also comes with a line-in cable that you can plug into the headphone (or line-out) jack of any other equipment.Some people complain about having these little "things" to keep with the X5L.I got the Universal MP3 Player Travel Kit from CaseLogic and it has perfect little compartments for the iAudio accessories plus a pocket for the player itself.Or you might try a digital camera case with a couple external pockets - the iAudio X5L would fit in that very nicely, too.That's what I used before my CaseLogic order arrived.
- the only problem I had was actually with my music files, not with the X5L; my songs had been ripped with a mix of id3v1 and id3v2 tags, which meant that some albums would only show on the X5L with the filename instead of the tag info while playing.I used MediaMonkey to clean off the id3v1 tags and that worked very well.Voila - tag information would show on my X5L.

So all in all - the iAudio X5L has performed beautifully. I only wish I had waited and gotten the 60gb.Being able to record from radio and old media has filled up my memory more than I anticipated.
If you're still not sure about getting any digital music player in the first place, let me give this example ... I have 500 CDs, but I was only listening to maybe 30 of them regularly because so many just weren't the kind of albums that would be listened to in one sitting.Now I've culled the best tracks from those CDs and they come up on my X5L's shuffle as a nice surprise from the past.I'm remembering just how much I like this music or that artist.It's a wonderful rediscovery of my own collection!And when I don't recognize what I'm listening to, I just look down and all the info is right there for me.I'm finally starting to tell the difference between my Dave Brubeck and Charles Mingus albums (jazz fans, forgive me) but I'm also hearing nuances that I never noticed before from my Erasure and Hotel Costes albums.In some ways, this is like hearing your music for the first time all over again.

Click Here to see more reviews about: iAudio X5L 20 GB Multimedia Player Black

Product Description:
The iAudio X5L 20 GB Multimedia Player Black combines an MP3 player, video player, FM radio, voice recorder, and digital photo album in one tidy package with a smooth aluminum finish. With its capacity for up to 5,000 songs, 2,000 folders, or 10,000 files, and a lithium-ion battery that provided up to 35 continuous hours of play, the iAudio X5 is the ideal way to take your digital music, music videos, and digital pictures on the road with you.
The iAudio X5 supports blazing fast USB 2.0 download speeds of up to 480 Mbps, obliterating the need to wait for your files to transfer from your computer. The 260,000 color TFT-LCD screen displays both text and image files, with text files viewable even as you're listening to your music. A built-in, high-fidelity microphone lets you record voice at the same quality level as dedicated voice recorders. Listen to FM radio and record it onto the iAudio X5 just by pressing a button, and use the preset feature to save your preferred radio stations. The iAudio X5's direct encoding technology lets you digitally record input from audio devices such as a Walkmans, mini disk, record, or TV.
The iAudio G3's JetShell software enables the creation and editing of playlists directly on the player, as well as CD ripping and file transfers. You can save non-music files to the iAudio X5 and say goodbye to clumsy floppy disks and data CDs, and the JetAudio software enables simple video conversion onto the iAudio X5. If you're on the road and need a wake-up call, just use the built-in clock's alarm function.
The iAudio G3 is compatible with Windows and both Linux and the Mac OS, and comes with superb Cresyn headphones, giving you superior sound reproduction with a balanced tone. It supports MP3, OGG, WMA, WAV files, as well as the FLAC format, which compresses files without quality loss. Up to 12 minutes of anti-shock protection ensures that you'll enjoy your music no matter how bumpy the road, and the custom-made protective leather case fits perfectly to your iAudio X5.
What's in the Box
X5L-20BL digital music player, AC adapter, USB 2.0 cable, audio cable, USB host cable, earphones, subpack, installation CD-ROM, and user's guide.

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Cowon D2+ 8 GB MP3 Player (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the best audiobook player. I also have an Ipod 80GB Classic and had a Zen Vision M. It leaves both for dead.
- superb sound quality.
- excellent bookmark function- 256 bookmarks. It returns to the bookmark and continues to the follwing tracks (unlike Zen which just stops, as do many other players, and windows mobile players).
- the touch screen is very nifty and the smart menus pop up nicely. Navigation quickly became intuitive.
- the standard folder structure makes loading books and tracks very simple. I am over Itunes and do not miss it.
- 16GB or 8GB or 4GB of internal memory, then an SD slot which means you can have as many SD cards as you want. bookmarks work on the current SD card no worries.
- excellent for music albums.
- the video function works well when I test it, although I am not interested in using it routinely.

If you're looking for the best portable audiobook player, you've found it. But if you just want to listen to audiobooks on your computer get ViddyMP3 for free. Or if you want to tinker get Rockbox free software for various portable players. I think the D2 is great for music too as its sound is clearly superior to Ipod and Zen to even my untrained ear.

It does not do playlists, but really who needs them? I mainly used to use them to work around Itunes bugs.(maybe I like compilation albums, but I can just compile a folder of MP3's any way I like).

Wishlist- on the fly erase & click for more details on the bookmarks (but still the best for bookmarks), playlists (OK already).

Tips- use the stylus supplied for navigating the touch screen.
- when you first ever turn it on, be careful as the first thing you do is set language and I accidentally clicked Korean!! It took a while to return it to English, ha ha.
- If you're not sure just buy the 4GB Black version [...], and later expand it with an SD card.

Note that Cowon also make the S9 which I have not seen. It is more expensive and uses a different screen technology.

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Product Description:
Video and audio player with FM tuner, voice recorder, and text and photo viewer 2.5-inch, 24-bit QVGA (320 x 240) touchscreen LCD with 16 million colors Up to 52 hours of music playback (10 hours of video) on one charge SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC-plus card memory expansion DRM-protected content and BBE+ support What's in the BoxCowon D2+ (Black), stylus, earphones, USB cable, Quick Guide, installation CD.

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Cody 30GB Portable Media Player PMP4330 Review

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(More customer reviews)Strengths:
Wide Screen, Built-in Speakers, FM Radio, Records Content Directly (no docking station needed), Plays Most Content, Fits in Pocket

Weaknesses:
Power Adapter Required to Re-charge Unit (No USB Charging)

I saw a prior CNET review and wanted to set the record straight because I thought it was unfair and we (as consumers) need to tell companies when they are doing something right. As an experienced PMP user, I can tell you that there are only two choices that make sense for users who want PMP's with the most comprehensive video functions, that can still be slipped in your pocket: Archos 604, or Coby PMP4330.

Archos was the leader in power PMP's until they split their product into two separate products.Now you must purchase a separately-priced docking module to record video, and use proprietary cables to connect the unit to a computer. Archos did this to get the price closer to the low $300's because the days of selling $400+ PMP's are over.

Coby, however, has managed to deliver a product that allows you to have your cake and eat it to. You get a self-contained unit with all the features of the old Archos models in a very compact package for around $269 (in a recent sale) with a 30GB hard drive and an SD card slot. You don't have to purchase anything else to record content directly from the unit, and it uses normal cables that are included.

The 4.3" wide screen blows away the competition. If you haven't used a PMP with a wide screen, you don't know what you are missing. Many PMP manufacturers are moving this direction. Coby allows you to set the ratio and fill the entire screen regardless of the video. It would take about 3 iPod Video screens placed side-by-side to get the same effect. This is a good unit to watch video on. My advice, don't buy units with square screens.

The stereo speakers are surprising good and blow away the lousy speakers on my other PMP's and even my laptop! You rarely see this in a PMP. I think the reason for this is the curved design behind the unit that allows optimal space for speaker positioning. I'm not an expert, but you will be satisfied. I can't figure out how CNET's previous review got it so wrong.

The FM radio function is excellent because Coby designed a user-friendly radio interface that looks and feels the part. My wife couldn't get over the screen that looked like a car radio and was so easy to move through the automatic presets. She wanted one of her own just based on that feature. The reception quality was as good as any car radio. Optionally you can record any radio content to MP3.I think this would be most useful if you want to record a radio talk show and listen to it later.

As an MP3 player it doesn't impress or unimpress me. Most MP3 players deliver content that is pretty standard.This is no exception. One benefit of this model is the equalizer, but that is something I expect on any unit. If you don't care about video and just want an MP3 audio player, buy an iPod because you will be able to recharge it using a USB cable and it will have a smaller foot print. I similarly have little to say about the voice recorder or e-book functions because they are bonus features to me. I have tried them and they work. Good enough.

The File Explorer is about what you would expect. It is nothing fancy, but it is simple and uses a directory hierarchy like any computer hard drive.One nice thing is the ability to rename files and directories using the unit, but you will probably end up using your computer to organize the files. When you connect the unit by USB, your computer recognizes the PMP as another drive and allows you to manage files just like most other PMP's (except iPod). It's a simple, universal USB cable. Archos, what are you thinking?

Recording video content directly from the unit is a HUGE plus and separates it from the newest Archos models which do not record video unless you buy the $100 docking model which is a deal-killer. This is great if you have a lot of programs TIVOed and want to move them to your PMP. You get typically large .asf files which you can keep and play as-is or if space is a concern (and it will be), you can use a utility like ConvertMovie 4.0 to reduce them by 80 percent with the same quality in MP4 format. Ten episodes of the Simpsons can be reduced to about a gigabyte. One thing I noticed is that it takes about 5-seconds to start after you press record, but no big deal.It has a typical timer so you can set the time or you can stop recording manually. No fancy scheduling, but that's what my TIVO is for.

The form factor and size is unmatched by the competition. It is a little wider, a little thicker, and about an inch longer than a 60/80GB iPod Video, yet it does so much MORE. It still slips easily into your pocket, and the back of the unit tapers inward so it appears smaller and fits easier into your pocket. I own an iPod Video and I can tell you that the only things iPod has on this unit is the smaller size and the larger hard drive.That is it. I even disagree with the previous review about the controls.I have no problem with them and find them easy to use, actually easier to fast forward video than the iPod.

The previous review talked about the quality of the unit being low. I have to disagree. Yes, it is plastic, not metal like the back of an iPod Video, but it is decent quality and as good as the materials forming most new laptops. Just because iPod sets the bar high with a metal cover on the back does not mean that all other cases are cheap. It is a practical design that works. Everything is plastic anymore and it keeps the price affordable.White plastic always looks cheaper. If Coby had used an all-black design, then the previous reviewer probably wouldn't have noted anything.

I actually bought this unit as a present to replace my daughter's current PMP, but decided to give her my hand-me-down iPod Video instead.I think that's for the best.I hope that Coby keeps doing what it is doing in providing another option for consumers.If you are in the market for a video PMP right now, you won't beat this deal and you won't be disappointed.Maybe Apple, Microsoft, Archos and the rest can learn something from what Coby is providing.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cody 30GB Portable Media Player PMP4330

Product Description:
This handheld home theater provides the perfect entertainment every time, everywhere. Fill the massive 30GB internal hard disk with up to 15,000 songs or 120 hours of video, displayed crystal clear on the brilliant 4.3" widescreen TFT LCD true-color display. It even displays photo and text for on-the-go slideshows! Rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. 90-day warranty. Model PMP4330.

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Cowon D2+ 16 GB MP3 Player (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First, allow me to clear up some confusion pertaining to the previous review pertaining to the tagged music not playing properly.
I've purchased the 16GB D2+. You can also just put your mp3's (or FLAC, ogg, wma's, etc.) in folders before transferring to the D2+ and then select Folder View on the D2+ too. The previous reviewer hasn't spent much time with his D2+ before deciding to bash it, or was going about it the wrong way :)
As far as video goes - I also have an 8gb Creative Zen (same size screen and color depth) and all my videos I've converted using CloneDVD Mobile and they play on the D2+ perfectly with no audio sync issues, so I'm not sure what "tools" he's used. Cowon also adds a CD to the kit for converting video as well.
For tagging music, MP3Tag or MediaMonkey work fine (leave out the "comments") and they're quick (and also free). I have over 200+GB in FLAC audio files alone and don't have any issues with them playing on the D2+ ...and yes, I've converted some of them them to mp3 to test on the D2+; however, I prefer FLAC, a lossless audio format which the D2+ clearly shows its sound quality benefit, if using high-end headphones.

That being said, the Cowon D2+ is a very customizable unit. You can adjust or change the font colors, add skins, themes, Flash skins and themes (again - free) to change the interface to something different and adds to the fun factor. They can also be changed back quickly to the factory default mode, if desired.
It also offers BBE+ sound enhancements which truly augment the sound in a nice way to emulate different listening environments (if desired, however not needed), unlike the cheap-sounding or distorting sound enhancements of other players.
As mentioned before, I also have the Creative Zen and the Sandisk Sansa Clip. While the Clip is fine if the audio EQ is set flat and is also great for being and uber-portable device (running, gym, etc.), the D2+ just absolutely blows them both out of the water in the sound department once you have the audio settings adjusted to your taste. It also features the strongest amp I know of in a portable music player. As an added bonus, the expandable SDHC card slot integrates the music with the music on the player's internal memory for a seamless listening experience. Just be aware that for a player that does so much, plan on spending some time to play with it in order to bring out all it has to offer, which I can say has been entertaining and enjoyable. It's also well supported in the major online audio Forums - primarily as the D2 version (since it's been around alot longer), but upon reading into it, practically everything that works for the D2 also works on the D2+ without issue.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cowon D2+ 16 GB MP3 Player (Black)

Product Description:
Video and audio player with FM tuner, voice recorder, and text and photo viewer 2.5-inch, 24-bit QVGA (320 x 240) touchscreen LCD with 16 million colors Up to 52 hours of music playback (10 hours of video) on one charge SD/SDHC/MMC/MMC-plus card memory expansion DRM-protected content and BBE+ support What's in the BoxCowon D2+ (Black), stylus, earphones, USB cable, Quick Guide, installation CD.

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