Typical price: £399
What is it: Hard disk-based PMP with Wi-Fi
What we think: Expensive, but so feature-packed it puts practically all the competition in box marked 'inferior'
What you need to know
Reviewed on: 1 February 2008
Tags: Cowon, Cowon Q5W, hard disk, OGG, Korean
We like:
Design; standard USB connection; massive codec support; easy TV-out facility; basic Internet access; great image, video and audio quality
We don't like:
Slow menus; small hard drive capacity; device can get very hot; no H.264 support; no kickstand
Also known as:
Cowon Q5
You might also need:
Headphones; case
CNET UK judgement:
Cowon's Q5W is, without question, one of the most capable media players we've ever seen. Despite minor issues with navigation and a complicated interface, this will be the portable video connoisseur's new best friend. Its unrivaled support for different media types, combined with terrific picture and sound quality, make this an extremely expensive but extremely desirable PMP
Full review:
If you've been waiting for a true alternative to the Francetastic Archos 605 WiFi, your wait is over. Cowon's new Q5W is a hard disk-boasting, Wi-Fi-capable, touchscreen-rocking, Windows-powered, codec-loving metallic behemoth. But with prices starting at a whopping £400, this South Korean media player is sending out a clear message: if you want everything, be prepared to sell limbs to afford it. Continue Reading...
Cowon Q5W History
5 Sep 2008 in Reviews
If you don't want to be bound by the iPod/iTunes ecosystem, but still want the benefits of touch-controlled navigation and portable music and video, we've got four killers for you to consider
8 Feb 2008 in Digital Living
All hail the sovereign of portable music players! Common players bow to its codec majesty. Will this monarch master your media or rule your riches?
16 Jan 2008 in Crave
No Christmas should be complete without a big fat do-it-all PMP to play with. We took Cowon's new Q5 on the road and fell instantly in love -- Archos, your time may be up
Latest user reviews
February 12, 2008
Posted by: Batteryhq
"Pricey but worth every penny"
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