View Full Version : X5.1?
emperorjvl
09-06-2007, 17:33
Just thinking that, if cowon does not want to spend on developing an X7, then why not reissue the X5(L) with new firmware (and the long awaited high capacity HDD)? A lot of the "features" that people hoped for in an X7 were things that could be fixed with a new firmware.. hell, even Rockbox as I understand, does some of the wanted stuff (id tags). Maybe a USB 2.0 in the USB-OTG would be a good upgrade. Yes, same base model would mean same screen, but hey - video wasn't ever the X5's strong suit or main purpose. A 60 GB X5L is very easy to make with just adding a bit more depth to the case and longer screws.
Moderator Note- Pleaee keep variations upon 'The X7 will never happen' out of this thread. Thanks for your consideration.
By passing the DAC and giving digital out shouldn't be very complicated either, and would be a big plus for those with high-end (and high current consuming) DAC on the desk: just like people with great amps love the line out. But just as usb2, this might be a little bit more than x5.1, since then it is almost only the subpack that would distinguish it from my (and most people's) dream x7.
upsidedown83
09-07-2007, 03:53
then it is almost only the subpack that would distinguish it from my (and most people's) dream x7.
x 2 [yes]
emperorjvl, another great idea!
I wonder what kind of battery the new ipod classic is using to stuff 40 hours in a case that's supposedly thinner than the previous generation video ipod...
Maybe the X5.1 could employ new battery technology as well as a higher capacity HDD.
COWON... ARE YOU READING THIS!?!?!
globiboulga
09-08-2007, 01:41
Another vote for a X5 mark II. Just a bigger HDD would be enough for me actually because that would mean Rockbox would work on it and I would be satisfied.
X5 160GB with 30-40hours battery life.
That's all I want/need.
Another vote for a X5 mark II. Just a bigger HDD would be enough for me actually because that would mean Rockbox would work on it and I would be satisfied.
X5 160GB with 30-40hours battery life.
That's all I want/need.
I really doubt you can keep the HDD live for such a long time with X5 form-factor battery...
globiboulga
09-08-2007, 07:58
If Apple does it, I can't see why Cowon could not...
emperorjvl
09-08-2007, 09:31
If Apple does it, I can't why Cowon could not...
Can't what now? [biggrin]
But the whole idea is, no big redesign is needed. Anyone can just look at the suggestions for firmware revision for the X5... loads of stuff that can just be implemented with better firmware and make a X5.1 a truly great DAP. Better dynamic playlist/ OTG playlist for example. And, a bigger HDD. Maybe implement the button wheel seen in the U5 instead of the joystick (and that wheel I can see works exactly like the joystick).
Oh well. Does anyone at Cowon read this?
why not? money isn't made in that catagory enough for it to be profitable
I'm sorry to say, were just not enough
If Apple does it, I can't see why Cowon could not...
Well... as I see it, the proposition in this thread is not to do real upgrade to the hardware, but unfortunately this is what is changing considerably and not the batteries. Old hardware = lots of current drawn = short battery life.
globiboulga
09-10-2007, 20:11
I think there can be a line between upgrading the X5 (better chips and battery and HDD) and yet keeping the overall design roughly similar (casing, board, etc...).
The bottom line on this is not to start from a blank page, which seems to be Cowon way of doing (if you look at most of their products).
Worst case scenario would be to simply upgrade the HDD to 160GB and leave everything else as is; and to produce a small batch of these players for the hard core like us. I mean we could even go for a subscription kind of deal, where we would register interest and Cowon would run a batch at a set price.[thumbsup] (i.e. if the X7 is not in the making).
zaphanathpaneah
09-10-2007, 20:12
that's right...As technology updates so must the hardware. We have reached the limit of batteries. Technologies can only squeeze very small amount of improvments out of current battery tech. What is impressive is (you haven't seen this yet but....it's coming) they are making lithium ion batteries in micro sizes. The power is low (you can't run a dap...) but you can run micro robots and others micro motors for medical implants that last for years.
demon_acecat
10-07-2007, 15:52
"COWON... ARE YOU READING THIS!?!?!"
Obviously not. :(
zaphanathpaneah
10-07-2007, 21:27
Can't what now? [biggrin]
But the whole idea is, no big redesign is needed. Anyone can just look at the suggestions for firmware revision for the X5... loads of stuff that can just be implemented with better firmware and make a X5.1 a truly great DAP. Better dynamic playlist/ OTG playlist for example. And, a bigger HDD. Maybe implement the button wheel seen in the U5 instead of the joystick (and that wheel I can see works exactly like the joystick).
Oh well. Does anyone at Cowon read this?
Just a little defense for Cowon....I work for a company that develops technology for Financial markets firms. The truth is ....implementing new features is NOT as easy as ..." i'll do it on Monday". Development requires $$ and time. Even with that there are always technological boundaries. e.g if you want software to do something you can just tell it what to do ..right? Wrong...there are dependencies. What you want it to do may violate other parts of the code and may cause more problems. Sometimes the solution is to implement features as part of the original design, from the ground up. So to tweak something is not always possible (don't believe me ...try and get windows to boot faster, stop crashing or play nice with freeware). So...perhaps.....don't know for sure BUT...perhaps....COWON is counting pennies to see the cost to fix bugs, redevelop or just can the whole x5 project. Who knows but.....What weighs in is how much is our little fan base worth to them...in $$ millions of dollars. Wish I knew what they were thinking or the reasons were.
getting rid of that dumb subpack would help
Sorry to say it, but I can't see Cowon ever releasing the X7. With the crazy low pricing that the iPod has set, it would be impossible for Cowon to compete and still make money on the thing. Cowon seems to be more interested in the PMP products and the smaller flash players, where the money is. They're not the only one - hardly anyone is developing hdd players now..
Ivegottheskill
10-20-2007, 04:47
getting rid of that dumb subpack would help
I prefer the subpack. Line in, line out, DC in and USB all in one little unit that saves space on the media player itself (more space for a bigger screen, or battery or HDD?)
Only thing I'll agree with is the vulnerability of losing it...
If they can move all 4 ports that are currently on the subpack to the main unit it would be cool, I just didn't want to lose the line out/line in
incredibly, sony found a solution to that,
the NW-HD5 had a configuration option that would bypass the amp, meaning that the headphone out became the line out, so no need for different plugs for line out and headphone out, the mini USB is still the best connector to have on the player,.
as for the DC in, i know saying this is basicly commiting a crime here, but lets barrow an idea from the ipod, forget the DC in, usb charging with a 110-220 to usb convertor, so you plug the usb cable to the computer to charge from the computer or plug it in to the 110-220 AC to USB power plug to charge it from the mains,
i just hate having to carry another object with me, and almost everyone has a mini usb cable at home today, its used for mobile phones, card readers, portable hard drives, etc etc...
talking about x5.1, isnt the X5 just a x3 with a screen ? so this thread should be X3.2 ?
Mr. Black
12-11-2007, 16:49
talking about x5.1, isnt the X5 just a x3 with a screen ? so this thread should be X3.2 ?
M3
and no.
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