X5 review by DesignTechnica

ulkas · 10-07-2005, 14:13

http://news.designtechnica.com/article8477.html

Summary:

The Cowon iAudio X5 is in a sticky situation. As an MP3 player, the X5 has a lot going for it. Think Apple iPod photo with video capabilities and you get the idea. The problem here is that with its video capabilities, the X5 falls into a different product category where it doesn’t really belong; with portable media players. Look past its video performance though and buy the X5 for its true calling – high quality audio.

Pros:
- Awesome sound quality
- Compatible with OGG, MP3, WMA, and FLAC audio formats
- Quality build construction
- Beautiful, albeit small LCD display
- Easy navigation
- Works well with digital cameras

Cons:
- Limited video compatibility
- Videos must be converted
- Cannot output pictures or video to a TV
- Not compatible with online music services.
- Requires a goofy adapter for charging and transferring music

badger · 10-07-2005, 15:30

It amazes me that X5 reviews often cite "video must be converted" as a con. I mean what do they want - a DVD or VCR slot in the side of it!!! Even if they expected it to just be able to play any video file and convert it to the correct resolution on the fly, that's a hell of a lot to ask of any portable device - it would require a LOT of CPU and battery, plus the files would be huge!
I don't know, reviewers these days...

BoSox · 10-07-2005, 15:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by badger

It amazes me that X5 reviews often cite "video must be converted" as a con. I mean what do they want - a DVD or VCR slot in the side of it!!! Even if they expected it to just be able to play any video file and convert it to the correct resolution on the fly, that's a hell of a lot to ask of any portable device - it would require a LOT of CPU and battery, plus the files would be huge!
I don't know, reviewers these days...

I agree. Try to get almost any other player to play video, and you will not be able to. Period.

But about the video OTG thing, I think that I heard that the A2 should be able to play video without converting the video.

proximal · 10-07-2005, 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by badger

Even if they expected it to just be able to play any video file and convert it to the correct resolution on the fly, that's a hell of a lot to ask of any portable device

I'm sure a lot of people don't know that. They just see video support and think it'll play video just like their computer. It is good to point stuff like this out, although pretty much every player shares the same drawback.

kingb7 · 10-07-2005, 19:22

Goofy Adapter!
Nice!!
I do wish you didn't need the sub pack.

MGS2392 · 10-07-2005, 19:34

This is the first review I've seen that actually sees the screen as good. Everyone else says it's not quite the clearest(which I agree with). The screen is good enough for me though.

Cowon-phile · 10-08-2005, 00:09

Oh what the? A lot of devices comparable to the X5 require video conversion. That's nothing new or something to cry over. Overall...still not a terrible review.

Kiven · 10-08-2005, 01:07

This review just shows that DesignTechnica isn't what its cut out to be (as in it SUCKS for reviews!).

ggman05 · 10-11-2005, 17:38

haha
the X5L is an MP3 player,
not a Divx player...

10-07-2005, 14:13	#1
ulkas Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 39	X5 review by DesignTechnica http://news.designtechnica.com/article8477.html Summary: The Cowon iAudio X5 is in a sticky situation. As an MP3 player, the X5 has a lot going for it. Think Apple iPod photo with video capabilities and you get the idea. The problem here is that with its video capabilities, the X5 falls into a different product category where it doesn’t really belong; with portable media players. Look past its video performance though and buy the X5 for its true calling – high quality audio. Pros: - Awesome sound quality - Compatible with OGG, MP3, WMA, and FLAC audio formats - Quality build construction - Beautiful, albeit small LCD display - Easy navigation - Works well with digital cameras Cons: - Limited video compatibility - Videos must be converted - Cannot output pictures or video to a TV - Not compatible with online music services. - Requires a goofy adapter for charging and transferring music

10-08-2005, 00:09	#7
Cowon-phile Collective Unconscious Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 246	Oh what the? A lot of devices comparable to the X5 require video conversion. That's nothing new or something to cry over. Overall...still not a terrible review. __________________ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Spark becomes a flame. Flame becomes a fire. Forge a blade to slay the stranger. Take whatever we desire. Move by will alone. Pure as we begin. Tool - 10,000 Days - Intension The Official Site \| The Tool Page \| Distortion Online • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

10-08-2005, 01:07	#8
Kiven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Elk Grove, California, USA Posts: 222	This review just shows that DesignTechnica isn't what its cut out to be (as in it SUCKS for reviews!). __________________ iAudio X5 (30 GB, Rockbox), Sony EX71SL in-ear phones (black), MisticAudio leather case. Friends don't let friends do DRM!

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10-07-2005, 15:30	#2
badger Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 107	It amazes me that X5 reviews often cite "video must be converted" as a con. I mean what do they want - a DVD or VCR slot in the side of it!!! Even if they expected it to just be able to play any video file and convert it to the correct resolution on the fly, that's a hell of a lot to ask of any portable device - it would require a LOT of CPU and battery, plus the files would be huge! I don't know, reviewers these days...

10-07-2005, 19:22	#5
kingb7 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 19	Goofy Adapter! Nice!! I do wish you didn't need the sub pack.

10-07-2005, 19:34	#6
MGS2392 Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 182	This is the first review I've seen that actually sees the screen as good. Everyone else says it's not quite the clearest(which I agree with). The screen is good enough for me though.

10-11-2005, 17:38	#9
ggman05 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 9	haha the X5L is an MP3 player, not a Divx player...