questions about g3 and batteries

iwannag3 · 01-06-2005, 19:43

i want to get a dap and the g3 is on the very short list but a few quick questions..

1. this player claims 50 hours battery life, but what have you people experienced in real life .

2. which is better for battery life in the g3- rechargables or regular throw aways?

3. Are there any negatives that i should be wary of? lock-ups?, dead units? or anything?

4. i live in the US, so are there any problems getting firmware updates?

thanks for your comments.

NB · 01-06-2005, 22:49

My G3 may get 15-20 hours per AA battery.

Honestly- the G3 is on par with the creative MuVoTxFm that I also own. The G3 may have a little more volume.

The G3 is a good MP3 player- it is not a great one IMHO.

iwannag3 · 01-06-2005, 22:55

how does it compare to your muvotxfm, as that is the other player im thinking of getting?

is it just a comparing "apples to oranges" type situation either one is good?? how are the fm tuners also??

thanks for your reply as you have both players im looking at.

JMyungRocks · 01-07-2005, 10:19

I don't know about muvo txfm, but muvo slim is HORRIBLE. I purchased one the other day and took it back the same day (creative muvo was one of the few flash players I haven't tried) . The sound output was really weak , Turned up to 40,(max) - 20 on my u2 was louder . Also the eq was pretty useless.. if you have some older stuff that the gain is low , it will be soft , soft . Not very vibrant at all . One other thing, build quality of the slim wasn't very good . cheep cheap, and this is there "deluxe" model.

Unless the tx fm has a stonger amp? I would go for a cowon product . I was really dissapointed at the muvo slim, but see my other thread about G-3

I can tell you G-3 sounds WAY better , at least mine did.

Sorry , I don't want to sound all negative , but after hearing so much good stuff about creative, the sound quality was way below what I expected. This was easily the worst sounding dap I have ever listened to, and that my friend is a ****load of players .

Oh , the questions,

#1 Mine died first day , so I can't tell you.
2 Throw aways
3 see # 1 , all though mine died I have complete faith in cowon , I am sure this is a one in a million thing.
4 It is easy to get firmware upgrades anywhere , just get the links for the latest releases here, or iaudio.com. (Korean firmware workds with U.S. units)

iwannag3 · 01-07-2005, 11:15

thanks for the input, i was really interested in a muvo2 fm 5gb model, but i didnt want to risk a small hard drive player like that at the gym, even though it seems perfect for what i want, i cant afford to get 2 players so im deciding on just a 1 gig flash dap model, one that can be used a a mass storage device. and the g3.....looks like a really nice model.

Odyn · 01-07-2005, 17:56

The battery life on my g3 is incredible, not 50, but I am getting 35-50 on a disposable AA. When you go into options, there is a batteries folder, and you can choose what type of battery is in the player (disposable/rechargeable AA).

I haven't used any rechargeables, but from what I've read, they don't last as long.

I havent had any problems, and I also haven't tried any upgrades.

I did own a Muvo2 4gb. It was good, but I got bored with it. One of my friends had an I4, and I checked out the iAUDIO website. I saw the G3, and I must say that it is truly an excellent pllayer IMO. I got the G3 because I wanted to use something while lifting weights, running, snowboarding etc...

The color sound options are fun to use also. And the custon equalizer options are alot better.

The only problem that I have found is that above volume 31 out of 40. Any headphones start to have alot of distortion.

jant71 · 01-07-2005, 19:05

Battery life depends on many things. Codec, bitrate, Eq settings, backlight setting, volume level, and if you turn the player on and off frequently or listen for long periods at a time. For me at VBR2(around 192 average bitrate), volume 25, backlight 5 sec. duration and custom eq I get about 30-32 hours. I am using 2300mah nimh rechargeables. I also navigate alot.
The new energizer rechargeables have 2500mah output rating. Compare this with AA throw aways like Duracell or panasonic for digital which have around 2750mah or e2 lithium throw aways that have around 3125mah. With (and this is important) the right charger there should only be 3-4 hours or 5-6 hours(e2) difference. Some chargers won't fill rechargables as well as others hence the myth that there is a big difference. The only important difference is that for US$11 you can buy a 4-pack of the new energizers and they will last you for several years at least. $11 of throw aways might last you 6 months or a little more. And when they come out with higher rated rechargeables the gap will get even closer. I bought 2200 and 2300 last year and now we have 2500's.
I've not had a single issue with my G3 except that it didn't sound right for the first week(highest and lowest range of bass and treble). I was gonna sell it but I thought I would try to "burn" it in like amps that have caps or filters that need to "stretch". I threw it in a drawer with a crappy(expendable) pair of phones hooked up, volume on 40, and the EQ set at +28 all the way across. In about 2 work days(16 hours) I plugged my old trusty phones back in put the Eq back where it was and WOW what a difference. Drums and cymbal sounds where realistic (not muddy anymore). I was very relieved!

NB · 01-08-2005, 06:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwannag3

how does it compare to your muvotxfm, as that is the other player im thinking of getting?

is it just a comparing "apples to oranges" type situation either one is good?? how are the fm tuners also??

thanks for your reply as you have both players im looking at.

I liked the Creative MuVoTXFM so much that I bought one for my wife and both kids for gifts. I have the G3.

I listened to all of them - The MuVoTXFM IMHO has excellent sound quality and more perfect for gym work outs and exercising.

I believe the G3 has a bit more sophistication as far as organizing music and album ( but not real sure this is true),

As far as FM reception - neither unit is much good. The FM is merely adequate- but it does work.

Sound quality of the MuVoTXFM and G3 are IMHO about the same. The G3 has a little more volume. But honestly- how loud do you want your music before you damage your hearing??

The MuVoTX FM does not require a cable to hook to your PC. It effectively acts as a jump drive direct to your PC USB ( very neat).

Good Luck.

JMyungRocks · 01-08-2005, 15:45

Hey NB , you listening to those units without eq and effects ? because the g-3 s eq killed the greative muvo slim. Or maybe the slim was defective?

NB · 01-08-2005, 15:58

I use the effects- with good headphones the MuVoTXFM has really good sound.
The G3 sound has more depth to it and certainly more volume (power).

My G3 sounds the best to me with Sony 71's.

The MuVoTXFM sounds best with Koss Porta Pros (which do not work well with the G3).

Perhaps I am to much a newbie at MP3 players to know- but I honestly like both units.

JMyungRocks · 01-08-2005, 18:50

Well creative could of downgraded the amp from the muvo fm, since the slim is a newer unit (I think). I wanted to check out the creative zen micro , but I heard it only had 5-7 mw a channel output? Its not that I need a lot of volume , but some of the cans I have need quite a lot of juice to run efficiently.

Sorry getting OF a little

skitzo56 · 01-08-2005, 20:43

why cant I find any sites that ship to Canada?

skitzo56 · 01-08-2005, 20:48

well.... there's amazon.ca but...how do I say this.....it sucks compared to Amazon.com which actually knows cowon exists

IG88 · 01-14-2005, 04:12

Hey, I got the G3 juat a week or so ago from Go Audio in the UK, I am sure they ship worldwide.

Battery life is awesome, but you have to obey the rules.. ie don't switch all the Eq and sound effect on to 11!!! On test I got 45 hours playing 128kbs MP3s continuously!!!

Sound is Great and the interface is also excelent, menu and navigation now the same as all the iAudio models.

Also the latest firmware plays DRM files!
btw, I've heard that the 2GB will be available in February (no confirmed price yet).

Any more questions, just fire away...

robinchee · 01-27-2005, 04:34

I just got my G3. I plug my G3 into a pair of creative speakers for background music for the office.

Setting on the G3 volum is around 25. I use the following
- Equalizer at POP
- MP3 enhance on
- Other effects all off.

I play mainly the FM radio.

I use a Sanyo 2500mAH rechargeable battery charged with a Maha 401FS charger.

I've hit 9 hours now and 1 bar is down. 12 hours later is down another bar. Looks like I'll get at most 15 hours.

Does the FM radio consume more or less power than playing MP3 files. Which consumes more power: recording MP3 or playing MP3s? Also does driving a pair of speakers take more battery power than driving a pair of ear phones?

01-08-2005, 20:43	#12
skitzo56 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 13	why cant I find any sites that ship to Canada? __________________ ___--___--___--___--___--___--___--___--___--___--___--___--__ aha! sharad you are scott -eric cartman

01-08-2005, 20:48	#13
skitzo56 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 13	well.... there's amazon.ca but...how do I say this.....it sucks compared to Amazon.com which actually knows cowon exists __________________ ___--___--___--___--___--___--___--___--___--___--___--___--__ aha! sharad you are scott -eric cartman

01-14-2005, 04:12	#14
IG88 It's been a while ! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: UK Posts: 110	Hey, I got the G3 juat a week or so ago from Go Audio in the UK, I am sure they ship worldwide. Battery life is awesome, but you have to obey the rules.. ie don't switch all the Eq and sound effect on to 11!!! On test I got 45 hours playing 128kbs MP3s continuously!!! Sound is Great and the interface is also excelent, menu and navigation now the same as all the iAudio models. Also the latest firmware plays DRM files! btw, I've heard that the 2GB will be available in February (no confirmed price yet). Any more questions, just fire away... __________________ And the beat goes on...

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01-06-2005, 19:43	#1
iwannag3 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3	i want to get a dap and the g3 is on the very short list but a few quick questions.. 1. this player claims 50 hours battery life, but what have you people experienced in real life . 2. which is better for battery life in the g3- rechargables or regular throw aways? 3. Are there any negatives that i should be wary of? lock-ups?, dead units? or anything? 4. i live in the US, so are there any problems getting firmware updates? thanks for your comments.

01-06-2005, 22:49	#2
NB Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 8	My G3 may get 15-20 hours per AA battery. Honestly- the G3 is on par with the creative MuVoTxFm that I also own. The G3 may have a little more volume. The G3 is a good MP3 player- it is not a great one IMHO.

01-06-2005, 22:55	#3
iwannag3 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3	how does it compare to your muvotxfm, as that is the other player im thinking of getting? is it just a comparing "apples to oranges" type situation either one is good?? how are the fm tuners also?? thanks for your reply as you have both players im looking at.

01-07-2005, 10:19	#4
JMyungRocks Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Jupiter FL. Posts: 189	I don't know about muvo txfm, but muvo slim is HORRIBLE. I purchased one the other day and took it back the same day (creative muvo was one of the few flash players I haven't tried) . The sound output was really weak , Turned up to 40,(max) - 20 on my u2 was louder . Also the eq was pretty useless.. if you have some older stuff that the gain is low , it will be soft , soft . Not very vibrant at all . One other thing, build quality of the slim wasn't very good . cheep cheap, and this is there "deluxe" model. Unless the tx fm has a stonger amp? I would go for a cowon product . I was really dissapointed at the muvo slim, but see my other thread about G-3 I can tell you G-3 sounds WAY better , at least mine did. Sorry , I don't want to sound all negative , but after hearing so much good stuff about creative, the sound quality was way below what I expected. This was easily the worst sounding dap I have ever listened to, and that my friend is a ****load of players . Oh , the questions, #1 Mine died first day , so I can't tell you. 2 Throw aways 3 see # 1 , all though mine died I have complete faith in cowon , I am sure this is a one in a million thing. 4 It is easy to get firmware upgrades anywhere , just get the links for the latest releases here, or iaudio.com. (Korean firmware workds with U.S. units)

01-07-2005, 11:15	#5
iwannag3 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3	thanks for the input, i was really interested in a muvo2 fm 5gb model, but i didnt want to risk a small hard drive player like that at the gym, even though it seems perfect for what i want, i cant afford to get 2 players so im deciding on just a 1 gig flash dap model, one that can be used a a mass storage device. and the g3.....looks like a really nice model.

01-07-2005, 17:56	#6
Odyn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 47	The battery life on my g3 is incredible, not 50, but I am getting 35-50 on a disposable AA. When you go into options, there is a batteries folder, and you can choose what type of battery is in the player (disposable/rechargeable AA). I haven't used any rechargeables, but from what I've read, they don't last as long. I havent had any problems, and I also haven't tried any upgrades. I did own a Muvo2 4gb. It was good, but I got bored with it. One of my friends had an I4, and I checked out the iAUDIO website. I saw the G3, and I must say that it is truly an excellent pllayer IMO. I got the G3 because I wanted to use something while lifting weights, running, snowboarding etc... The color sound options are fun to use also. And the custon equalizer options are alot better. The only problem that I have found is that above volume 31 out of 40. Any headphones start to have alot of distortion.

01-07-2005, 19:05	#7
jant71 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 21	Battery life depends on many things. Codec, bitrate, Eq settings, backlight setting, volume level, and if you turn the player on and off frequently or listen for long periods at a time. For me at VBR2(around 192 average bitrate), volume 25, backlight 5 sec. duration and custom eq I get about 30-32 hours. I am using 2300mah nimh rechargeables. I also navigate alot. The new energizer rechargeables have 2500mah output rating. Compare this with AA throw aways like Duracell or panasonic for digital which have around 2750mah or e2 lithium throw aways that have around 3125mah. With (and this is important) the right charger there should only be 3-4 hours or 5-6 hours(e2) difference. Some chargers won't fill rechargables as well as others hence the myth that there is a big difference. The only important difference is that for US$11 you can buy a 4-pack of the new energizers and they will last you for several years at least. $11 of throw aways might last you 6 months or a little more. And when they come out with higher rated rechargeables the gap will get even closer. I bought 2200 and 2300 last year and now we have 2500's. I've not had a single issue with my G3 except that it didn't sound right for the first week(highest and lowest range of bass and treble). I was gonna sell it but I thought I would try to "burn" it in like amps that have caps or filters that need to "stretch". I threw it in a drawer with a crappy(expendable) pair of phones hooked up, volume on 40, and the EQ set at +28 all the way across. In about 2 work days(16 hours) I plugged my old trusty phones back in put the Eq back where it was and WOW what a difference. Drums and cymbal sounds where realistic (not muddy anymore). I was very relieved!

01-08-2005, 15:45	#9
JMyungRocks Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Jupiter FL. Posts: 189	Hey NB , you listening to those units without eq and effects ? because the g-3 s eq killed the greative muvo slim. Or maybe the slim was defective?

01-08-2005, 15:58	#10
NB Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 8	I use the effects- with good headphones the MuVoTXFM has really good sound. The G3 sound has more depth to it and certainly more volume (power). My G3 sounds the best to me with Sony 71's. The MuVoTXFM sounds best with Koss Porta Pros (which do not work well with the G3). Perhaps I am to much a newbie at MP3 players to know- but I honestly like both units.

01-08-2005, 18:50	#11
JMyungRocks Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Jupiter FL. Posts: 189	Well creative could of downgraded the amp from the muvo fm, since the slim is a newer unit (I think). I wanted to check out the creative zen micro , but I heard it only had 5-7 mw a channel output? Its not that I need a lot of volume , but some of the cans I have need quite a lot of juice to run efficiently. Sorry getting OF a little

01-27-2005, 04:34	#15
robinchee Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 2	I just got my G3. I plug my G3 into a pair of creative speakers for background music for the office. Setting on the G3 volum is around 25. I use the following - Equalizer at POP - MP3 enhance on - Other effects all off. I play mainly the FM radio. I use a Sanyo 2500mAH rechargeable battery charged with a Maha 401FS charger. I've hit 9 hours now and 1 bar is down. 12 hours later is down another bar. Looks like I'll get at most 15 hours. Does the FM radio consume more or less power than playing MP3 files. Which consumes more power: recording MP3 or playing MP3s? Also does driving a pair of speakers take more battery power than driving a pair of ear phones?