X5L, or wait for iAudio X7?

[Winblowz99]

I have been thinking for some time about buying an iAudio X5L (30GB). I have had 2 Creative players die in the past, and have not owned an mp3 player since September.

I have been looking for another player, and trying to decide which one I would spend my money on after my terrible experiences with Creative's crappy offerings. I decided to go for the X5L. I am an avid Linux user (Arch Linux), so Linux support was a must in some fashion, and also FLAC/OGG support. I've heard many great things about this player, and Cowon in general, so I've been looking forward to purchasing it.

But it has been over 2 years since it originally came out, and now when I'm about to buy it I have found out that the new iAudio X7 will be coming soon.

So here is my question - should I purchase the X5L now, or wait until the X7 comes out? I would like to get something before the end of August, and the X7 is said to be out this summer. But there still has been no exact release date, so I'm not sure if it's safe to wait...

[dvsche73]

Depends on a number of things.

If I were you, I would wait until the X7 comes out. It may not have as robust support for linux or other things (it probably will, but you know what they say about making assumptions...). Then make you decision.

However, if you are impatient, then get the X5L. It is a known quantity and if you Rockbox it, you have the best MP3 player...ever (in my opinion of course).

[GSV3MiaC]

I'd second that opinion. Actually I'd probably go for the M5, if you just want the best music player .. the X5 has twiddly bits (subpack, USB to go, colour screen) that you didn't really need to play music.

My concern is the X7 may have even more twiddly bits. 8<,

However if you do want an X5L you need to move fast because they are not being made any more, and some accessories (like the remote) seem to be hard to find already.

[HiMDforMe]

if you're not really concerned about video capabilities which i assume will be more advanced w/ larger screen on the x7, i'd just go ahead and buy the x5L and put Rockbox on it. Rockbox is probably better than whatever firmware the x7 firmware will have, and i'm sure the x7 won't have Rockbox for a good while after its released, if at all. could probably get the x5L for cheaper as well and you can get it now, whereas the x7 is still only a rumor and you could keep waiting for a while.

[Winblowz99]

if you're not really concerned about video capabilities which i assume will be more advanced w/ larger screen on the x7, i'd just go ahead and buy the x5L and put Rockbox on it. Rockbox is probably better than whatever firmware the x7 firmware will have, and i'm sure the x7 won't have Rockbox for a good while after its released, if at all. could probably get the x5L for cheaper as well and you can get it now, whereas the x7 is still only a rumor and you could keep waiting for a while.
That was something I was thinking about too... there would be no Rockbox for the X7 when it came out, but it is already available for the X5L.

I have not interest whatsoever in video. I am only intersted in the audio aspect.

[Arachnophilia]

you may not have an option, the x5 has been discontinued (we HOPE) to make way for an x7.

personally, i'm curious. i've just maxed out the hd on my x5L 30gb, so if they announce something like a x7L 40gb, i'll be all over it.

[Konechiwa]

the x7 will never come out. It will not exist. EVER.

but you can hope.

[doniago]

Someone's pessimistic... :)

I'm pretty sure there actually was an article online about Cowon developing the X7 (http://dapreview.net/comment.php?comment.news.3959, actually), so the optimism isn't entirely without foundation.

[Konechiwa]

if they make it right, then i'll buy one.

Definately.

It looks like quite a possibility, with them making MANY touch screen players now.

:)

I May just return to this forum, then I'll bring it back to life by posting 1020312039 times a day like i used to.

[GSV3MiaC]

Nice .sig, but I just have to reply - 'The audiologist'
8>.

[dvsche73]

the x7 will never come out. It will not exist. EVER.

but you can hope.

That is another good point. The X7 may not come out. Then I would be really pissed and start breaking things. Not my things, but other peoples.

But as you stated, if it is for nothing but music, you can't go wrong with an
X5L. Just make sure you Rockbox it.

[globiboulga]

You see, my little bro took my X5L away from me (bastard). It's now 22000 km away and despite buying a D2, I have withdrawal symptoms. The X5 is... perfect. So, I have this fear that they will screw up the X7...