View Full Version : so who's buying it?
it looks a lot like the A2.. not many differences, but it's probably going to cost more. So is anyone actually buying it?
Most probably, I am! When I decided to buy a PMP, soon arrived to conclusion A2 was the best in the market. But also, I started hearing about A3 being prepared to come out and cover some of the A2 limitations, so I waited. Then, Q5 started to show up and I saw around about the features. And after confirming that Q5 was not recording from AV out as A2 and A3, I Decided to come back to decision for A3. Now, patiently waiting for availability in shops.
Ill buy it only if the 60gb comes in around us$350 as first stated (Usa release)
http://www.pmptoday.com/2007/09/15/cowon-pmp-prices-announced/
- Cowon Q5 40GB 649.95€
- Cowon Q5 60GB 699.95€
- Cowon A3 30GB 439.95€
- Cowon A3 60GB 469.95€
- Modulate DVB-T for Cowon A3 79.95€
- Cowon D2 8GB (Black or White) 289.95€
- iAudio 7 16GB (Money or Red) 349.95€
IMO the prices for the a3 and the q5 are both extortionate, infact everything cowon makes is quite over priced. I do appreciate the specs and build of their stuff, and I have never really liked archos products but......LOOK AT THE PRICE DIFFERENCE!!!! this is a joke. For the price you pay for a q5, you could get a decent laptop with an up to date operating system, unlike the Q5's already out of date win ce 5.0. And as for the a3....over £300/$600 for a 30gb PMP!!!!!! they are having a laugh. The archos 605 wifi costs £100/$200 less than a 30gb a3!!!!! and has wifi. Even if you buy a load of archos plugins its still costs loads less. Cowon needs to fix up very fast because they are not going to sell s**t if they continue taking the piss out of their customers like this. I won't be buying anything from cowon until I see some serious price drops.
imusikfreek
09-15-2007, 20:41
http://www.pmptoday.com/2007/09/15/cowon-pmp-prices-announced/
- Cowon Q5 40GB 649.95€
- Cowon Q5 60GB 699.95€
- Cowon A3 30GB 439.95€
- Cowon A3 60GB 469.95€
- Modulate DVB-T for Cowon A3 79.95€
- Cowon D2 8GB (Black or White) 289.95€
- iAudio 7 16GB (Money or Red) 349.95€
IMO the prices for the a3 and the q5 are both extortionate, infact everything cowon makes is quite over priced. I do appreciate the specs and build of their stuff, and I have never really liked archos products but......LOOK AT THE PRICE DIFFERENCE!!!! this is a joke. For the price you pay for a q5, you could get a decent laptop. And as for the a3....over £300/$600 for a 30gb PMP!!!!!! they are having a laugh. The archos 605 wifi costs £100/$200 less than a 30gb a3!!!!! and has wifi. Even if you buy a load of archos plugins its still costs loads less. Cowon needs to fix up very fast because they are not going to sell s**t if they continue taking the piss out of their customers like this.
Even after making us wait so flippen long! =[ ... I think I'll go buy a Archos 605, just like you said even with the addition of the plugins you can get an overall better deal.
omjeremy
09-15-2007, 20:54
@sere83
Fortunately or unfortunately, the prices are never converted from Euro to USD. I'm sure the prices will be 439.95USD and 469.95USD MSRP.
@imusikfreek
Agreed, the Archos 605 does look like a pretty awesome unit, except it has a totally crappy battery life.
Am I buying it? No. I am not so keen on this generation of PMPs. The next gen will probably be a lot better... I'm looking at less expensive, better battery life, SSDs, web browser that works well, and better codec support. When/if my A2 breaks down in the next year or two I'll have to reassess the situation.
greed, the Archos 605 does look like a pretty awesome unit, except it has a totally crappy battery life.
Yep, but they do make an external battery adapter, which makes me rather interested in the unit.
Eric
omjeremy
09-16-2007, 09:38
Yep, but they do make an external battery adapter, which makes me rather interested in the unit.
Eric
That sounds interesting. Where can you get it?
You can get it from Archos, and also Amazon at the moment.
Since Battery life is so important to me and both Q5 and A3 have poorer battery life than my A2, I got fed up waiting for either of them and got a 605 wifi with a battery adapter. With that I should have about the same battery life as my A2 for a 160GB machine.
Both the A3 and Q5 were announced in January, supposed ot come out in April. Delayed, delayed, delayed, and now maybe Oct/Nov. So I had enough waiting.
I don't need wifi, but it's there so maybe streaming videos from my server might work.
Eric
zaphanathpaneah
09-18-2007, 14:25
I want it but.......wont get it. The Archos is inferior but has wifi and cost $300 less. I can sacrifice the FM radio. I'll use my D2 for FM recording. I will use the Archos for video recording and playback. Cowon....I'm afraid that you have lost one faithful fan. Sorry ......drop the price by $200 and i'm back in the game. Look at the specs of the Archos 605. Pretty decent. Does not have the codec support but.....cheaper.
After seeing those prices, the Archos 605 80GB unit is looking like the better option for me. I really wanted to get the Cowon A3 or maybe even the Q5, but Cowon seems to be pricing themselves out of the game. Plus, they've made me wait too long.
The Archos 605 80GB unit is $350 at Circuit City. My only worry with Archos is that I've heard stories about static electricity damaging the unit and/or the dock.. that may have been in the older 504 units, but I can't be sure.
It was the older units... and even then only a few.
Most of Archos's problems are in the area of firmware bugs and support... but quality is an issue as well. Take a look at the http://forum.archosfans.com/ forums and judge for yourself. Most people are happy with Archos units, however, MOST of them have never owned a Cowon A2.
I own several A2's and one 504. There are pro's and con's to each. But the fact that I own so many A2's should be an idication about which one is a better platform. The 605 (5th gen) has some kinks left to be worked out... but most are satisfied. Do your own research and then decide.
I'm so utterly unimpressed by the A3, that I too am looking at an Archos 605.. probably the flash version.
Remember to add money for codecs Us$40, plus ac adapter another 50 plus opera browser, theres already over a hundred more for archos.
Is it not possible to pirate the codecs and Opera? An AC adaptor shouldn't cost more than $5.
zaphanathpaneah
09-18-2007, 19:55
It was the older units... and even then only a few.
Most of Archos's problems are in the area of firmware bugs and support... but quality is an issue as well. Take a look at the http://forum.archosfans.com/ forums and judge for yourself. Most people are happy with Archos units, however, MOST of them have never owned a Cowon A2.
I own several A2's and one 504. There are pro's and con's to each. But the fact that I own so many A2's should be an idication about which one is a better platform. The 605 (5th gen) has some kinks left to be worked out... but most are satisfied. Do your own research and then decide.
I'm so utterly unimpressed by the A3, that I too am looking at an Archos 605.. probably the flash version.
Did you own that many A2's because they broke often?
Is it not possible to pirate the codecs and Opera? An AC adaptor shouldn't cost more than $5.
If it is possible to pirate them we won't be talking about it here beyond to say whether or not it _is_ possible, of course.
Remember to add money for codecs Us$40, plus ac adapter another 50 plus opera browser, theres already over a hundred more for archos.
One AC adapter comes in with the battery dock adapter.
I most likely won't get Opera. I love Opera, it's a great browser, but I don't need it on my PMP.
Additional expenses are the codecs. It's a bummer, but that's how Archos has decided to sell their machine.
As for pirating/cracks. Seems there are some available for the gen 4 machines not the gen 5, but I don't think I'd want to risk bricking my machine to save $20 bucks. The risk/reward equation doesn't make sense in my opinion.
I'm still weary of having bought an Archos... Last experience wasn't good, so I'll keep a close eye on the 30 day return date. At least this time around I'm not expecting greatness, but something OK and adapted to my needs.
Eric
Is it not possible to pirate the codecs and Opera? An AC adaptor shouldn't cost more than $5.
Not quite a pirate... Archos has done their homework. They tend to lock things to a player. However, the Archos folks in China (where the unit is really made) usually can be asked to give you the plugins for free and they will. Not sure about Opera in particular, just know that the technique has worked for x04 owners with regards to the cinema and podcast plugins.
Did you own that many A2's because they broke often?
My whole family has A2's. They are HIGH quality devices worth more than $300 IMHO. Sure, some have issues, but all of mine work flawlessly... so far. Remember, not one of them is even a year old yet.
I still recommend the A2. Just not sure I can recommend the A3. If the A3 cost $200 USD... then sure... fine... why not. But you simply don't get anything of any REAL value with the A3... and in fact, I'd argue the minuses (battery life) make the A3 worse than the A2.
Remember to add money for codecs Us$40, plus ac adapter another 50 plus opera browser, theres already over a hundred more for archos.
That's still not much, considering that the new A3 and Q5 units are going to be hundreds of dollars more expensive.
I still recommend the A2. Just not sure I can recommend the A3. If the A3 cost $200 USD... then sure... fine... why not. But you simply don't get anything of any REAL value with the A3... and in fact, I'd argue the minuses (battery life) make the A3 worse than the A2.
That ended up being my conclusion too. The higher def screen is not something I need badly enough, especially at the high cost of battery life.
Bringing the battery life back down to Archos level made the 605 look more interesting, especially with a battery dock.
I was very close to simply buying another A2, such a great machine, but figured there should be some progress in my PMP.
Eric
That's still not much, considering that the new A3 and Q5 units are going to be hundreds of dollars more expensive.
How do you know this, please post a link to the final price in America, thanks
Right now buy the d2 4gb in the Uk 170gbp = us$340, you can get it in America now us$199
I really expect the a3 and q5 to be much less that the equivalent in the UK/europe
Re archos codecs I had the 504 and tried buying the codecs, if you live outside America, Archos dont accept foreign cards, people have had to trick their website to accept their card. It wasnt worth it
How do you know this, please post a link to the final price in America, thanks
Right now buy the d2 4gb in the Uk 170gbp = us$340, you can get it in America now us$199
I really expect the a3 and q5 to be much less that the equivalent in the UK/europe
Re archos codecs I had the 504 and tried buying the codecs, if you live outside America, Archos dont accept foreign cards, people have had to trick their website to accept their card. It wasnt worth it
Sorry, but that number for the D2 is on the high end. You can buy it from amazon.co.uk for 134.99gbp (or $269) - while it is a bit of a difference from the price in America, I wouldn't expect a tremendous gulf in price difference between the Euro prices and the American prices for the A3s and the Q5s. If the 60GB is being prices at the equivalent of over $700 U.S. in Europe, there's little chance that it's going to be $350 here as you hoped (at least, not upon initial release). You will probably have to wait 6 months or a year for that to happen. I would wait if I could, but my X5 is on its last legs and I'm tired of Cowon's games.
I got my Uk price from Advancedmp3 players
So Pebbles even at your figures the difference is 35% NOW for d2
Take 35% off us$700 brings the figure down to us$450 thats my point[wink]
Lets hope so anyways, Id be willing to pay that!
sprinter
09-20-2007, 16:35
I got my Uk price from Advancedmp3 players
So Pebbles even at your figures the difference is 35% NOW for d2
Take 35% off us$700 brings the figure down to us$450 thats my point[wink]
Lets hope so anyways, Id be willing to pay that!
£ 223. you sure ?[blink]
£ 223. you sure ?[blink]
What? have no idea what your post refers too[confused]
I've given up on PMPs. My next "PMP" will be a UMPC. Sure it costs about twice as much, but you get a full computer that can play any combination of codecs, subtitles, containers. And it just happens you get a full blown OS with it.
but you get a full computer that can play any combination of codecs
For twice the price and half the time of time of current PmPs. You'll be lucky to get 3.5 hours of video on your UmPC.
Eric
If it is possible to pirate them we won't be talking about it here beyond to say whether or not it _is_ possible, of course.
I heard in China , achos give all the codes to customers for free.Anything can be pirated.
Well if the Archos gives the codes plug-ins to the customer for free, then it's their decision. Why would it has anything to do with pirating?
davidw89
10-10-2007, 03:32
Do you think i should go for a D2 3gb or wait for this new A3? I am tempted to buy it for its huge storage!!!!! Is this thing thicker than the D2?
For twice the price and half the time of time of current PmPs. You'll be lucky to get 3.5 hours of video on your UmPC.
Eric
There are those that get around 4 hours with an extended battery. I would of course carry two of these for a total runtime of around 8 hours. This is sufficient for me as I do not think I will go for more than 8 hours without having a chance to recharge. You could argue weight, but I normally carry a laptop with me. A umpc can replace the tasks I do while traveling with my laptop. So therefore an umpc is the best choice for me.
There are those that get around 4 hours with an extended battery. I would of course carry two of these for a total runtime of around 8 hours. This is sufficient for me as I do not think I will go for more than 8 hours without having a chance to recharge. You could argue weight, but I normally carry a laptop with me. A umpc can replace the tasks I do while traveling with my laptop. So therefore an umpc is the best choice for me.
Actually my Raon Everun with its extended battery gives me 8 hours of video[thumbsup]
omjeremy
10-15-2007, 13:18
That's awesome, mikey! It's good to hear that the specs aren't too far off with the Raon Everun. It's still not 11 or 12 hours, but playing video is very power consumptive.
So I thought getting the A3 when it comes out would be a no-brainer, but I just saw the specs, and even though I'm as excited about all the new features as the next guy, all of them combined do not make up for half the battery life for music play. Not even close.
Seriously, what the hell? A music player with a 10 hour battery is just not acceptable in this day and age.
All I really want is an A2 with a 120GB hard drive - I would easily pay $400 for that.
Well, I was excited about it coming out. If they manage to price the A3 to approximately as much as the A2 when it came out, then I might consider getting it (A2 was around $400 for the 20GB IIRC). Otherwise, HD vids will be a job handled by my computer. A2 is still one impressive piece of machinery.
What the fuck cowon!
Same shitty joystick, same shitty headphone jack. Same cheap ass plastic casing.
This is the same shit as the A2. One or two chips may have been swapped out, but the player hasn't been given the massive overhaul it needs if it's going to ever be reliable. :/
^I get that you're upset, but kindly knock off the swearing.
Thanks.
Do you think i should go for a D2 3gb or wait for this new A3? I am tempted to buy it for its huge storage!!!!! Is this thing thicker than the D2?
What do you want it to do?
I was waiting for more info on the Q5 USA release and finally decided on a second D2, instead. My music, portability and sometimes video/image needs still fit well with the small footprint and (expandable) storage of the D2.
I'll reconsider the Q5 and maybe the A3 in a year or more.
Back to your question, if video is your biggest need, then maybe you'd want the A3 - the D2 does a great job, but more real estate would be desirable for mostly video playback. Or even consider an A2.
- wader
the a3 is starting to look like a far more viable option. Initial reports of the Q5's interface are not looking promising, with people saying win CE 5.0 is looking sluggish and not to user friendly. All the Q5 really has on the A3 is connectivity (wifi & blutooth) and a larger screen. Aswell as 3rd party apps (not that many though top be fair and lots won't work anyway as they are incompatible with the Q5's version of Win CE 5.0). But you are paying thorugh the nose for the privelage. I suspect the A3's interface will be much better and far more polished after correcting many glitches in the similar A2 interface, plus you get increased format support and the optional DVB-T/DMB add on. Then of course there's the price. IMO if your buying in Europe the Q5 is, to put it simply, a rip off and Is not worth the money.
omjeremy
11-26-2007, 23:20
I'm going to have to agree with Thasp in that I'm really disappointed that they still have that terrible joystick on the A3. What were they thinking? This is one of the reasons why Cowon isn't as popular as it could be.
I've never had joystick problems with my X5 or A2 and I've owned them both for more than a year now...
I've never had joystick problems with my X5 or A2 and I've owned them both for more than a year now...
Maybe but many people have i mean joystick on the A2 is quite tempremental in the up direction. This is one reason that is putting me off the A3 as well
zaphanathpaneah
11-27-2007, 09:27
Because .......the plugins can be shared to individuals in the US for free where they usually have to pay for it.
omjeremy
11-27-2007, 10:19
For me it's not so much that the joystick is prone to defects, it's that it's difficult/awkward to use.
Hi !
I just bought one in Korea yesterday. Back in Hanoi, I didn't really have time to use it and it's my first pmp, but I will work on it tonight and try to answer your questions, if any.
Nice object anyway, girlfriend impressed and everything...
See you !
Mr. Black
11-28-2007, 04:09
Pictures :D
Initial impressions, pretty please
Now that I have seen the prices, I gotta say...
Forget airsoft! I'm saving up for a COWON A3.
dasreich
12-01-2007, 09:29
I'm waiting for this one in Singapore, only thing is the price of this baby. Most likely I'll wait for a while first, my A2 is still on constant partner on my many mornings and nights to and from work.
I still have sizeable collection of anime DVDs not opened and watched yet.
I wont be buying it, while I loved my A2, the Q5W was too tempting, so I bought it, comes in tomorrow!!!
devils.master
12-04-2007, 23:39
If it is just like A2 tha i am not going to,mpurchase it, Cant say about any one else.[surrend]
I still can't BELIEVE the case on this.
Same cheapo headphone jack that goes in a month or two on surface mount board where solder is useless. Same cheapo joystick where up or down will stop working eventually so you have to go into SETUP to adjust volume.
Years later, but absolutely no progress. Does the iPod have the same casing now it did five years ago?
O.J. Simpson
03-31-2008, 09:33
I still can't BELIEVE the case on this.
Same cheapo headphone jack that goes in a month or two on surface mount board where solder is useless. Same cheapo joystick where up or down will stop working eventually so you have to go into SETUP to adjust volume.
Years later, but absolutely no progress. Does the iPod have the same casing now it did five years ago?
What crawled up your ass? Nobody is twisting your arm to buy it. Buy an ipod and be done with it if you don't like it.
^No reason to get confrontational. Please focus on the issues raised by the post, not the poster.
Thanks.
dasreich
04-01-2008, 08:30
Finally received my A3, love the screen which is sharper than my A2.
Hope to see more of the firmwares that will iron out the current problem.
Battery life seems OK. - Still testing
So I thought getting the A3 when it comes out would be a no-brainer, but I just saw the specs, and even though I'm as excited about all the new features as the next guy, all of them combined do not make up for half the battery life for music play. Not even close.
Seriously, what the hell? A music player with a 10 hour battery is just not acceptable in this day and age.
All I really want is an A2 with a 120GB hard drive - I would easily pay $400 for that.
so you're saying you actually listen to music for 10 hours in one day, and still want more? heres a hint:
NIGHT IS FOR RECHARGING
[biggrin]
As for prices, here they are:
Cowon A3 60gb - $379.99 (Canadian) http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=018085&cid=MP.612
Cowon Q5 60gb - $559.99 (Canadian) http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=018086&cid=MP.612
Wow when they were first released, they were $20/$40 more expensive!
Prices are from the place that sold me my d2 - http://www.canadacomputers.com/
Grr... now theyre selling it for cheaper than i bought mine for...
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