Why should I buy the D2 over others?

iAudiophileKB · 07-09-2007, 09:47

Well.... My birthday is coming up this Sunday and my family keeps asking me what I want. After some thought, I figured I'd ask for a new MP3 Player. Right now, I'm using an iRiver H320 which is kind of bulky and I wanted to get something smaller. My criteria for a player is: Small/Thin, Color Screen, Memory Expansion (16GB used on my H320), Decent Price.

After doing some extensive research I narrowed it down to these:
1) SanDisk Sansa e280- Small form factor, Pretty Good Reviews, Expandable Memory with SD, 8GB for around $150.00 which is real nice.

2) Meizu M6 MiniPlayer- Very thin! (Really like the look too), Nice size screen, $175 on eBay for 8GB which is pretty good for something so thin. Downside is some people have been complaining about the touch pad. No memory expansion slot.

3) Apple iPod Nano 8GB- Offers nothing but form factor and compatability with EVERYTHING! BUT....I just can't do it!! I don't want to be an iDrone!

4) Cowon D2- I seriously was not considering this product until I stumbled upon a review. Everyone is raving about this little unit. Well..... Its not that little when compared to the others I'm looking at. Its looks kind of thick to me. Price isn't that great either at $180 for only 4GB. Not so sure about the touch screen navigation. Blind navigation is virtually impossible. I don't even see a pause button on the exterior.?.?
On the plus side - it sounds great, battery life is awesome, memory expansion slot.

So..... Tell me guys and gals, why should I buy the D2 over the others?

All of your QUICK responses will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

addz · 07-09-2007, 10:03

What you need to look at is what is ideal for you! I brought the D2 over the rest because of its touchscreen and video capability . Id had no idea it would feature such flash support or notepad which i guess is a positive.

I dont know about the SanDisk, the ipod nano is a good basic wysiwyg mp3 player pretty decent. The Meizu is great, the main factor is its weight and size and is very cheap. Then comes the D2, its more of an all rounder as you know it has not only music playback but video playback notepad and flash support, dictionary, etc.

If you are looking for just an mp3 player then you may want to take a look at the iaudio 7, its about 8gb and will on par/cheaper then the D2 but is few mm thicker.

The Meizu is impressive, new firmware does not dissapoint more features and fixes are added. Unlike the D2 which has a few bugs.

When in hold mode you can set the menu button as the pause/resume button and the vol buttons as vol buttons or forward/backward buttons.

StanRex · 07-09-2007, 10:22

Sound quality.

Nuff said ^^

goatherder · 07-09-2007, 10:46

I like it because it's the most flexible and feature-loaded flash based player out there. I don't think apart from the battery life that there's anything specific the D2 does that's actually better than other flash players (iPod - better control over how you listen, Vibez/Sansa - better value, Sony - better video, iRiver - more usable, Samsung - better sound quality), but it's the combination of all the features and the fact that the D2 does them all pretty well (while still fitting nicely into the hand and many pockets) that makes it worth owning in my opinion.

W33nie · 07-09-2007, 12:02

I don't think you can fit 16 GB of music in a D2.

Blind control is possible with the -M+ buttons while on hold, though I think they could have fit RW/FF buttons somewhere.

Mr. Black · 07-09-2007, 12:14

exactly, when in hold mode the -M+ work like this:
- : RW / skip back
M : Play/pause
+ : FF / Skip forward.

When not in hold they work like this:
- : Volume down
M : Play / Pause (when held pressed in)
+ : Volume up

These work for me very well.

Martinp · 07-09-2007, 13:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dominic

exactly, when in hold mode the -M+ work like this:
- : RW / skip back
M : Play/pause
+ : FF / Skip forward.

When not in hold they work like this:
- : Volume down
M : Play / Pause (when held pressed in)
+ : Volume up

These work for me very well.

I didn't even know this ... is this really true?

/searches through pile of DAPs / grabs D2 ... / turns on / plugs in Grados / starts pumping tunes / hmmm, doesn't work / goes into menu / finds funky settings

...

OMFG!!! AWESOME!

HipHopScribe · 07-09-2007, 14:33

-Longer battery life
-sound quality (much better than SanDisk or Apple, Meizu is similar), -expandability (8GB SDHC cards are affordable already, 16GB and 32GB will be reasonably affordable in the future, the Sansa uses MicroSD, I believe the maximum supported is 2GB)
-Flash Lite support
-As Dominic laid out, blind control is possible
-screen size

Mr. Black · 07-09-2007, 14:49

Hmmm another thing is if you want to play video (Vs the M6) the D2 can plaback at higher frame rates resulting in smoother playback. The D2 supports up to 30fps whereas the M6 is only 18fps (don't quote me on that as it may actually be 20fps)

goatherder · 07-09-2007, 15:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dominic

exactly, when in hold mode the -M+ work like this:
- : RW / skip back
M : Play/pause
+ : FF / Skip forward.

When not in hold they work like this:
- : Volume down
M : Play / Pause (when held pressed in)
+ : Volume up

These work for me very well.

The either/or is a bit pants IMO. I usually set it to volume on hold.

LuvMusic · 07-09-2007, 15:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by iAudiophileKB

Well.... My birthday is coming up this Sunday and my family keeps asking me what I want. After some thought, I figured I'd ask for a new MP3 Player. Right now, I'm using an iRiver H320 which is kind of bulky and I wanted to get something smaller. My criteria for a player is: Small/Thin, Color Screen, Memory Expansion (16GB used on my H320), Decent Price.

3) Apple iPod Nano 8GB- Offers nothing but form factor and compatability with EVERYTHING! BUT....I just can't do it!! I don't want to be an iDrone!

Actually, the iPod Nano is compatible with NOTHING outside of AAC and MP3. If you want to use FLAC, WMA, or any of the other formats, you're out of luck. Also, if you wish to use any of the other available music services besides iTunes, you're out of luck (except for MP3.com, but selection is limited).

You will be able to store 16gb of info on a D2. 16 and 32gb SDHC cards are on their way. Some have said that the 16gb cards are available, but, pricey. I can't find them. 8gb cards are available at reasonable prices, if you look around.

The reasons I bought a D2 are sound quality (excellent), expandability, battery life and the ability to experiment with video on a portable device. The touch screen was an added bonus that I find very easy to use.

Hope this helps.

Mr. Black · 07-09-2007, 15:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by goatherder

The either/or is a bit pants IMO. I usually set it to volume on hold.

Each to their own I suppose, i have no problem with the setup myself like, i'd go so far as to say it makes the D2 more fun to operate

tabv · 07-09-2007, 16:15

I have to agree with StanRex....Sound Quality....there isn't a flash player out there that sounds as good as the D2...plus the capability of a huge amount of storage....plus a beautiful big screen and still quite a small player...I absolutely love it more more more each day...
Once you buy one and hear it you'll be hooked on Cowon....and if you than buy a different brand you will never be satisfied with the sound...I keep buying different players because I hear on certain forums that there sound quality is good only to be left down when I hear them...there no match to the Cowon's.

I have to add one more thing...the D2's output power...if you have headphones that are fairly hard to power..with the D2's power it really opens up the sound of your headphones..

LukesRamen · 07-09-2007, 16:26

the D2's main competitor is iriver's clix2.

both these players easily beat the meizu M6 so that's out.

Sansa is reliable company when it comes to service and third-party support, but their players are known to be quite unreliable.

and iPods... what can i say... they're easy to use and they have lotsa support but that's pretty much it.

here's the way i'm thinking of it...

if your decision is based on your EARS and nothing more, go with the D2 because its sound quality is known to be superior.

if your decision is based on your EYES and nothing more, go with the clix2 because it has a better design and MUCH better screen.

Mr. Black · 07-09-2007, 16:31

much better screen? that's debatable

07-09-2007, 09:47	#1
iAudiophileKB Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New York Posts: 63	Why should I buy the D2 over others? Well.... My birthday is coming up this Sunday and my family keeps asking me what I want. After some thought, I figured I'd ask for a new MP3 Player. Right now, I'm using an iRiver H320 which is kind of bulky and I wanted to get something smaller. My criteria for a player is: Small/Thin, Color Screen, Memory Expansion (16GB used on my H320), Decent Price. After doing some extensive research I narrowed it down to these: 1) SanDisk Sansa e280- Small form factor, Pretty Good Reviews, Expandable Memory with SD, 8GB for around $150.00 which is real nice. 2) Meizu M6 MiniPlayer- Very thin! (Really like the look too), Nice size screen, $175 on eBay for 8GB which is pretty good for something so thin. Downside is some people have been complaining about the touch pad. No memory expansion slot. 3) Apple iPod Nano 8GB- Offers nothing but form factor and compatability with EVERYTHING! BUT....I just can't do it!! I don't want to be an iDrone! 4) Cowon D2- I seriously was not considering this product until I stumbled upon a review. Everyone is raving about this little unit. Well..... Its not that little when compared to the others I'm looking at. Its looks kind of thick to me. Price isn't that great either at $180 for only 4GB. Not so sure about the touch screen navigation. Blind navigation is virtually impossible. I don't even see a pause button on the exterior.?.? On the plus side - it sounds great, battery life is awesome, memory expansion slot. So..... Tell me guys and gals, why should I buy the D2 over the others? All of your QUICK responses will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

07-09-2007, 10:22	#3
StanRex Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 75	Sound quality. Nuff said ^^ __________________ Cowon D2 Black 4gb + Transcend SDHC 8gb Noreve Case - Invisible Shield Shure e500

07-09-2007, 10:46	#4
goatherder Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 258	I like it because it's the most flexible and feature-loaded flash based player out there. I don't think apart from the battery life that there's anything specific the D2 does that's actually better than other flash players (iPod - better control over how you listen, Vibez/Sansa - better value, Sony - better video, iRiver - more usable, Samsung - better sound quality), but it's the combination of all the features and the fact that the D2 does them all pretty well (while still fitting nicely into the hand and many pockets) that makes it worth owning in my opinion. Last edited by goatherder; 07-09-2007 at 10:56..

07-09-2007, 12:14	#6
Mr. Black ~~Title~~ Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: 404 Posts: 4,067	exactly, when in hold mode the -M+ work like this: - : RW / skip back M : Play/pause + : FF / Skip forward. When not in hold they work like this: - : Volume down M : Play / Pause (when held pressed in) + : Volume up These work for me very well. __________________ Gone! Just like that!

07-09-2007, 14:49	#9
Mr. Black ~~Title~~ Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: 404 Posts: 4,067	Hmmm another thing is if you want to play video (Vs the M6) the D2 can plaback at higher frame rates resulting in smoother playback. The D2 supports up to 30fps whereas the M6 is only 18fps (don't quote me on that as it may actually be 20fps) __________________ Gone! Just like that!

07-09-2007, 10:03	#2
addz Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: UK, London Posts: 430	What you need to look at is what is ideal for you! I brought the D2 over the rest because of its touchscreen and video capability . Id had no idea it would feature such flash support or notepad which i guess is a positive. I dont know about the SanDisk, the ipod nano is a good basic wysiwyg mp3 player pretty decent. The Meizu is great, the main factor is its weight and size and is very cheap. Then comes the D2, its more of an all rounder as you know it has not only music playback but video playback notepad and flash support, dictionary, etc. If you are looking for just an mp3 player then you may want to take a look at the iaudio 7, its about 8gb and will on par/cheaper then the D2 but is few mm thicker. The Meizu is impressive, new firmware does not dissapoint more features and fixes are added. Unlike the D2 which has a few bugs. When in hold mode you can set the menu button as the pause/resume button and the vol buttons as vol buttons or forward/backward buttons.

07-09-2007, 12:02	#5
W33nie Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 596	I don't think you can fit 16 GB of music in a D2. Blind control is possible with the -M+ buttons while on hold, though I think they could have fit RW/FF buttons somewhere.

07-09-2007, 14:33	#8
HipHopScribe Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 103	-Longer battery life -sound quality (much better than SanDisk or Apple, Meizu is similar), -expandability (8GB SDHC cards are affordable already, 16GB and 32GB will be reasonably affordable in the future, the Sansa uses MicroSD, I believe the maximum supported is 2GB) -Flash Lite support -As Dominic laid out, blind control is possible -screen size

07-09-2007, 16:15	#13
tabv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Poconos, USA Posts: 613	I have to agree with StanRex....Sound Quality....there isn't a flash player out there that sounds as good as the D2...plus the capability of a huge amount of storage....plus a beautiful big screen and still quite a small player...I absolutely love it more more more each day... Once you buy one and hear it you'll be hooked on Cowon....and if you than buy a different brand you will never be satisfied with the sound...I keep buying different players because I hear on certain forums that there sound quality is good only to be left down when I hear them...there no match to the Cowon's. I have to add one more thing...the D2's output power...if you have headphones that are fairly hard to power..with the D2's power it really opens up the sound of your headphones.. __________________ http://www.metacafe.com/watch/28900/ipod_flea_video/ http://news.zdnet.com/2036-2_22-6035707.html?pref=yes Last edited by tabv; 07-09-2007 at 16:32..

07-09-2007, 16:26	#14
LukesRamen WOWOWEEWOW Join Date: May 2007 Location: La Jolla, CA Posts: 786	the D2's main competitor is iriver's clix2. both these players easily beat the meizu M6 so that's out. Sansa is reliable company when it comes to service and third-party support, but their players are known to be quite unreliable. and iPods... what can i say... they're easy to use and they have lotsa support but that's pretty much it. here's the way i'm thinking of it... if your decision is based on your EARS and nothing more, go with the D2 because its sound quality is known to be superior. if your decision is based on your EYES and nothing more, go with the clix2 because it has a better design and MUCH better screen.

07-09-2007, 16:31	#15
Mr. Black ~~Title~~ Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: 404 Posts: 4,067	much better screen? that's debatable __________________ Gone! Just like that!

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