View Full Version : I think I may be leaving.
I never would have believed it, but I think my next player is going to be an iPod. Still not 100% sure yet, but right now I'm strongly leaning towards it. The biggest reason: Rockbox. I have been waiting for an X5 successor for far too long to no avail, and I'm absolutely sick of waiting.
What I want, that I can't find:
1) 60GB or more capacity
2) Large screen for movie playback (but not a PMP)
3) UMS for drag and drop transfers
So even though it's old, I'm now leaning towards the 5G iPod (60GB), just because Rockbox works on it (Rockbox doesn't support the 80GB 5.5G yet). As visitors of this forum know, I love creating WPS's and I'd love to have the added room the iPod's screen supplies. The main drawback is the iPod's battery life. Rockbox is harder on the iPod's battery than on the X5, and I know the iPod itself has a much lower battery life than my X5L. But it's just so tempting, and I'm thinking it'll still be worth it.
Can anybody convince me that I'm making a terrible mistake? Because I see the 60GB iPod on Amazon, and I'm tempted to just buy the thing now and get it over with... [surrend]
afruff23
11-08-2006, 14:08
The drop in battery life will be drastic, and you WILL notice a drop in performance with the larger screen, not fully utilized cpu (1 of 2 75 mHz cores are used), and did I mention the huge loss in battery life?
Rockbox battery life (http://www.rockbox.org/twiki/bin/view/Main/IpodRuntime) is about half of apple's battery life on the iPod 60 gig.
Also IMO, it takes more skill to come up with something beautiful on a 160x128 screen than on a 320x240 screen.
Afruff, I REALLY needed to hear that. Thank you. That was pure weakness talking before, and I know I wouldn't be happy with a crappy battery.
But I'm still ready to get a new DAP. I love watching TV shows on my commute home, and there's this guy with an iPod....I hate him. And that large screen. [wink]
Why oh why can't Cowon (or someone) release a nice, big-screened, large-capacity DAP with UMS? I don't ask for much, just a souped up X5L-like player that doesn't trap me in DRM hell. Or am I asking too much?
"Why oh why can't Cowon (or someone) release a nice, big-screened, large-capacity DAP with UMS? I don't ask for much, just a souped up X5L-like player that doesn't trap me in DRM hell. Or am I asking too much?"
It's called the A2. :)
I'm kinda on the same road. I need more capacity and rockbox too. But I will not buy an ipod, no matter what. The scroll wheel is a overrated and kinda confusing to use with rockbox(my brother has a 5g video ipod, and rockbox runs no where as nice as on my X5). Sure the screen is nice, but that's about it. I'm waiting until they release a 60 gb Zune or until Cowon releases the successor of the X5, which ever comes first. And then hopefully rockbox can be ported on the player.
Another reason why I love my X5 is because of the community we have here. Everyone in some way contributes and adds to the X5 community, especially you MrMEC with your amazing themes.
If you do decide to go in another direction, we'd like to know where you're going(but please not towards an ipod[wink]).
"Why oh why can't Cowon (or someone) release a nice, big-screened, large-capacity DAP with UMS? I don't ask for much, just a souped up X5L-like player that doesn't trap me in DRM hell. Or am I asking too much?"
It's called the A2. :)
The A2 is not a DAP. [wink]
I'd snatch the A2 up if it's weren't so big - my X5L is thick enough as it is. So no PMPs for me, for now.
Diego, Rockbox on Zune would be nice, but crap will that be a long wait, if it ever happens. As is, I'm already tired of waiting. But whatever I decide on, of course I'll let you guys know!
Nooo! MrMEC, please, don't go! I rely on you for my X5 rockbox themes! [biggrin]
Anyway interesting points you raise. I've recently been looking for a new DAP and after much investigation moved to the X5 (60gb version), away from my trusty Karma - I was primarily looking for more storage space more than anything else (although a colour screen + the possibility of album art with rockbox helped sway the argument). The extra features such as picture/video viewing & the radio just sweetened the deal. Oh yes, and it had to play OGGs out the box, no questions asked [wink]
In the case of videos on-the-go I suppose it really depends on how frequently or infrequently you have access to your media library, and how quickly you get through all your videos; more infrequent access + more content requiring more space. In my case if I want to watch videos on the go (a pretty uncommon scenario) I end up using my GP2X handheld with a couple of SD cards - but then I'm able to restock my cards every evening, and my video library isn't too big to begin with.
A handheld console is certainly not the best solution for everyone, but it's pretty neat being able to do some gaming when you get bored with watching vids. I guess I've just never really been convinced that a DAP/PMP is the correct place to house a video player; sure you can pack quite a bit on a 60gb or whatever hard disk, but the small screen kinda kills the advantages of having portable video for me. However, both playing games and watching videos require active participation, hence I'm of the opinion that they go well together in a single device (with a decent screen), whereas music is more passive and so can be housed in a large-capacity single-purpose device (where the screen doesn't matter as much).
Anyway, just though I'd throw in my 2c and give an alternative to the PMP suggestions here. You could always swing for a PSP if you're that way inclined, but if homebrew + emulation are your thing though then maybe a GP2X would be better. That is, asuming you like to game in the first place! [smile]
Hmm, I'd better stop now, before this post turns into even more of an acronym-riddled ad... [cry]
I predict a mass exodus when the full screen touch ipod is released. if it's released.
MrMec your absents on this X5 community would be IMO dreadful. The work you have done with your WPS and the help you have given the members here have been nothing but superb.
With that said, I have been where you are now. I almost went the root of the IPOD 5G 60 GB also... But after weighing all the pros and cons. I stayed with the X5L... Ipod has BAD battery life for sure, RB does look good on it (I loaded it on my daughters IPOD). The sound quality is nowhere as good as the X5. And the battery life is poor, it needs repeating.....
To be honest I must say the only reason to ever go over to the IPOD side, would be the Video, as it is great, but again it eats battery life like crazy..
Well keep us updated on your plight, I have been there but hung on the the X5L... I am still debating if the A2 on the upcoming A3 would solve the Video issue.
Update: I agree with timms , but don't hold your breath that it will ever be released..
rhymesgalore
11-11-2006, 04:33
"Why oh why can't Cowon (or someone) release a nice, big-screened, large-capacity DAP with UMS? I don't ask for much, just a souped up X5L-like player that doesn't trap me in DRM hell. Or am I asking too much?"
It's called the A2. :)
You call 30GB max "large capacity"? ;-)
HiMDforMe
11-11-2006, 09:21
i was considering the 5G ipod w/ rockbox a good option, too. but it probably gets about 3-4 hours per charge on Rockbox and that just doesn't cut it.
You call 30GB max "large capacity"? ;-)
It's still larger than my music collection, and I suspect larger than the capacities of the majority of MP3 players out there. If it isn't "large", it definitely isn't small.
globiboulga
11-17-2006, 05:11
I do understand the need for more. The day the 5G ipod did hit the stores, the serious advantages the X5 had on the competition suddenly disappeared for many. A serious look, though and you realise the nothing does replace the Cowon marvel: both the sound quality and the battery life are nowhere as good in other toys.
Which may explain why cowon has so much trouble putting a successor together. It needs to keep it all...
I would be nice, though, to have some teaser from them because, like you I will soon be looking for another player and I need a large HDD for my FLAC collection...
But then the battery life. I think we tend to forget how good it is because we NEVER experience the drawback of not having any juice anymore. And I don't think I could stand having my mp3 player dying on me. It never happened with my X5... It'd be like going 20 years back and using a 386 PC with 64mb memory.
Forget the iPod. I just paid a visit to my local Sharper Image store today and checked out the 80GB Archos 504. It's only slightly bigger than my X5L, but believe me, the 4-inch screen is GORGEOUS. And it's only $350 (on Newegg.com), which I believe is about the same price as the 80GB iPod. I'll be sacrificing Rockbox, but gaining the following:
Much larger screen with awesome video quality
UMS
Removable battery
Great sound quality (sounded just as good as my X5 to my ears when I tried it in the store). I'll have to look into the specs compared to the X5, but I plugged my earphones into it and didn't notice any difference.
Extremely cool animated interface
Scratch-resistant brushed metal casing
No joystick to worry about breaking
Customizable themes - background, text and colors can all be changed (though not to Rockbox levels, of course [wink] )I never thought I'd want a PMP, until I held it in my hands. I think I'm in love! [biggrin]
I'm willing to sacrifice the battery life since it has a removable battery. The A2 has better battery life, but the A2 is only 30GB with no successor in sight (sound familiar)? Plus, Archos also has a 160GB version which is unbelievable. That one though is a bit too pricey for me, but still extremely tempting.
Anyway, my mind isn't made up...yet. But Christmas is coming, and I WILL be getting a new player. I still love my X5L, but except for Rockbox, it isn't looking quite so good right now... [no]
quick note the 504 needs an option to record from say TV (for $99.00) where it is part of the A2... Just something to think about.. I have gone down this road also and still have not made up my mind.. If only the A3 was not vapor hardware it would solve all my issues...
Well Christmas is over and I got my Archos 504, and I love it. I believe my X5 days may be coming to an end since I transferred all my files to the 504 and have had no problems whatsoever thus far (knock wood, or should I say metal!) [wink]
My X5L has not been used for close to a week now, which I haven't been able to say at all for the year I've owned it. I'm totally loving the 504 so far, although I have yet to find a decent case and still haven't received the plugin I ordered from Archos, though those issues are minor and should be settled shortly.
Anyways, just wanted to say that I have truly loved being part of the iaudiophile community. Although I may not be posting as often anymore, I'll still check the boards when I can and will try to answer any question or comment directed my way. I hope you guys continue to enjoy my Rockbox themes, and please feel free to use them in any way you'd like to make your own. I will truly miss designing Rockbox themes as that was definitely my favorite thing about the X5, but I just can't see me continuing to make themes that I won't be regularly using.
I still have a couple of themes and updates to existing themes I haven't posted, but I never felt they were quite good enough to post (and I'm also just lazy), but if there's enough interest, who knows.
Not saying goodbye, as I'll always be an iaudiophile! [yes]
My x5 will surely miss you. :)
my too!
________
Honda FC Sport (http://www.honda-wiki.org/wiki/Honda_FC_Sport)
Thank you for sharing so many terrific themes with us! I would certainly be interested in seeing your "other" projects; even if I don't use them, I like to learn about things like this by seeing how they're put together.
I want you to know that I always end up using your themes on the X5. I've tried out themes by a few other people, but yours are my favorite. I especially like the clean simplicity of your Clix "black" theme (when not using album art, this theme looks nice on the "inverse" setting, too) and the cleverness of your newest "rotation" theme.
Thanks again for all your contributions, and enjoy your new PMP!
-kirax2
HiMDforMe
12-29-2006, 11:20
i've been leaning towards the archos 404 because screen is large, but unit is still about average for a dap and is UMS and has great video possibilities. i wish it was more than 30gb, though.
have fun with the new unit and thanks for the themes.
ironyengine
12-29-2006, 11:28
Definitely seconded... your contributions thus far have been appreciated and it will be a loss to have you go.
Hope the Archos hardware's improved dramatically since the Jukebox Players. ;)
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