Review of Cowon iAudio X5

[Suhit Gupta]

http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review3131.html

"The iAudio X5 comes in two flavors, a 20GB model that goes for $300 and a larger 30GB model priced only $50 dollars higher at $350. The 30GB version includes an inline remote control and a charging cradle. When physically compared to an Apple iPod photo, the Cowon iAudio X5 is about the same size, measuring in at 4.1” by 2.4” by .06” and weighing only 5.4 ounces. Screen size is about the same as the iPod photo at 2 inches, but other than its physical dimensions, the similarities really stop there. The 2-inch LCD screen is capable of up to a 160x128 resolution and can display up to 260,000 colors. Whereas the iPod photo uses a touch sensitive wheel for navigation and control, the X5 uses a tiny metallic joystick for getting around."



This is a pretty thorough review. I like the fact the the iAudio not only works with Windows but also with MacOS and Linux. The reviewers point out the excellent sound quality and it supports multiple audio formats - , OGG, WMA, ASF, FLAC, WAV. However, it does not support online music services which is a huge let down in today's day and age. Plus one has to convert videos to MPEG4.

[Suhit Gupta]

http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review3131.html

"The iAudio X5 comes in two flavors, a 20GB model that goes for $300 and a larger 30GB model priced only $50 dollars higher at $350. The 30GB version includes an inline remote control and a charging cradle. When physically compared to an Apple iPod photo, the Cowon iAudio X5 is about the same size, measuring in at 4.1” by 2.4” by .06” and weighing only 5.4 ounces. Screen size is about the same as the iPod photo at 2 inches, but other than its physical dimensions, the similarities really stop there. The 2-inch LCD screen is capable of up to a 160x128 resolution and can display up to 260,000 colors. Whereas the iPod photo uses a touch sensitive wheel for navigation and control, the X5 uses a tiny metallic joystick for getting around."



This is a pretty thorough review. I like the fact the the iAudio not only works with Windows but also with MacOS and Linux. The reviewers point out the excellent sound quality and it supports multiple audio formats - , OGG, WMA, ASF, FLAC, WAV. However, it does not support online music services which is a huge let down in today's day and age. Plus one has to convert videos to MPEG4.

[sneech]

I guess the reviewer didn't update his firmware. They created a fix for needing the adaptor to charge & upload data. You can now use the USB port on the side to connect directly to your pc, or camera.

Rumor has it another firmware update will be coming soon that will enable the use of subscription music services.

I have not had any regrets buying the 30gb X5

[sojourner753]

This seems like a great device. Maybe a replacement for my 10GB ipod.

What's the difference between the X5 and the X5L ?

[sneech]

I think the only difference between the x5 and x5l is battery life. with the L offering more hours.

[sojourner753]

Thanks,

Cnet didn't speak very highly of it. Much to the outrage of some of the consumer reivews.

If you look at the editor's choice of top MP3 players its number 4 after the iPod Photo and 2 monochromes.

Is it true that you can't browse by artist?
What are the browsing options?

[sneech]

No, not true. Thats how I currently browse.

Folders are in the tree system

Music --> Artist --> folder for each album --> songs. (thats how mine is set up)

Movies --> Shows --> episodes

Podcasts -->shows --> episodes

I have yet to try other browsing methods, this has worked fine for me. The makers of Rockbox are working on a firmware for it as well.

[sojourner753]

Thanks.

So if I understand correctly, 'browsing' is basically navigating the filesystem?

Heres the CNET Review by the way.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Originally Posted by sneech

No, not true. Thats how I currently browse.

Folders are in the tree system
[snipped]

This is how I want my MP3 player to work! It's a simple and efficent system, and as far as I'm concerned the database driven systems of the iPods and the Zens are just annoying and require the use of software that I don't want to install on my system!

[sneech]

I'd post a pic of the menu if I knew how. It really looks and works just like the windows explorer.

The x5 shows up as a removable drive when connected to the PC so adding, deleting, etc. is really easy.

[sub_tex]

This is THE device to beat for audiophiles and DRM-haters.

It will definitely be the replacement to my iRiver 120.

I'm glad they got rid of the need for the add on piece for PC communication. That was my biggest issue with it.