Cowon MP3 Players Buying Guide

G2

The G2  is a Flash-based shuffle mp3 player.

Pros:

  • 1 GB of storage
  • Supports OGG, MP3, WMA, WAV
  • User-friendly
  • 5 equalizer presets (Normal, rock, pop, jazz, classic)

Cons:

  • Uses USB 1.1 instead of USB 2, making file transfer much slower
  • Large frame for a flash-based player (64x46x18mm)
  • No FM tuner

iAudio 7

 iAudio 7  is a small MP3/MP4 player

  • 60-hour battery life; rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
  • Available in 4GB [black & silver] and 8GB [black and red]
  • Great measurements (1.3 x 2.9 x 0.7in, 51g)
  • Supports MP3, WMA, WAV, OGG and FLAC
  • FM radio

Cons:

  • Small screen (1.3in), though it is colour TFT LCD with 260k colour-support
  • No gapless playback

As a video player, it supports XviD and MPEG4.


U3

iAudio U3 

Pros:

  • 3GB flash memory
  • Lightweight, sleek design
  • Good audio performance

Cons:

  • 30 mm colour video screen too small for video and pictures
  • Requires two different desktop utilities
  • Pricey: for an extra £20, you could get a 30GB iPod 

X5

iAudio X5  

Pros:

  • 30 GB storage
  • Compatible with mp3, WMA, OGG and FLAC
  • Reads photos directly from camera
  • FM radio
  • Compact (61x18x104 mm)

Cons:

  • Poor browsing capabilities
  • Must convert videos to a special format before playing
  • No music while viewing pictures
  • Must plug in an adaptor to attach AC, line-in and USB cables

F1 - The F is for Fast

iAudio F1 

Pros:

  • Race-car design makes it ideal for pre-teens
  • 1 GB storage
  • OGG support
  • Above average FM tuner/recorder

Cons:

  • Poor battery life
  • Lacks DRM support