Take one look at the Cowon iAudio X5's feature list and you might peg it as an iPod killer. On paper, the 30GB, iPod-size X5 (£290; also available at 20GB for £250) has everything that Apple's ice-white wonder does -- including music playback, a photo viewer and on-the-fly playlists -- then it piles on video playback, an FM radio, voice and line-in recording, and even the ability to read and save images directly from a digital camera without an adaptor. Sounds like a no-brainer, right?
Unfortunately, the X5 suffers from poor music browsing, some odd design choices and a half-baked photo viewer. Additionally, converting your videos so that they'll work on the player is a multistep process. Video addicts willing to process their movies for the X5 and who don't mind viewing them on a 51mm (2-inch) screen might get a kick out of the palm-size device. But music lovers with gigabytes of songs and iPod converts accustomed to seamless iTunes integration should think carefully before taking the plunge. Fortunately for X5 users, a promised firmware update in early August will make the player easier to use, compatible with music stores and services, and an overall better device -- with a CNET.co.uk rating closer to 8.0.
Design
Measuring 61 by 104 by 18mm and weighing 180g, the black and silver Cowon iAudio X5 is about the same size as the iPod, but it's lighter, with a thin lower half that slopes inward from the 51mm LCD. Just below the screen is a tiny, five-way navigational joystick, similar to those we've seen on Cowon's flash-memory players. The play and record buttons as well as a power slider sit on the right side of the device. While the spare layout gives the X5 a clean, uncluttered look, it's a pain having the play button relegated to the right side of the player. We wish it were right next to the joystick for easier access. And for that matter, a scrollwheel or a touch-sensitive slider for navigating our 30GB of files would have been nice.
We love the X5's small size and smooth scratch-resistant exterior, but the player's compact form factor comes with a price: namely, the separate plug-in adaptor that houses the player's AC, USB and line-in and line-out inputs. The small adaptor (38 by 25 by 15mm) plugs into the bottom of the unit, and you'll need it to charge up the player, record from another device or transfer music and video from your PC, although you can use the X5's other USB port in USB Host mode (see Features). Using an adaptor probably allowed the designers at Cowon to make the main device as small as it is, but carrying the plastic plug-in around is a hassle, and losing it would be very inconvenient indeed, though you can purchase a replacement for about £5.
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paul taylor 21 July 2006
Good: The sound which I hear in my ears is superior, and more full bodied than my previous player.
Bad: The adapter which has to be used - The perplexing controls which you are greeted with.
Comment: First sight of this player and I liked it from the word go.
Once I had opened the box and found all the bits and pieces you get with it, I was quite excited. I had all the equipment they had given me already, for example the male to male stereo headphone jack, or the usb connector, but another one couldn't hurt.
I then charged it up (plugging in the adapter at the bottom you must plug in) and at the same time, I transfered my 4GB collection of music from my computer to it. This took around 8-10 minutes. Which to me is a respectable time. This only applies if you have usb 2.0 remember.
I tried to get the hand of the controls and menu's also. This took a little bit more time than transfereing the songs.
I couldn't work out how to get to the menu, or get to the other features. I had to go a long way to get to it. I kept at it and eventually found my way around.
I updated the firmware, and there is a noticable difference in things they have changed.
After a few hours (about 2 and a half) the screen read completed (so it was charged). I pulled it our of the adapter immediatly, and began to use it.
The sound quality is quite amazing. It takes time to get the right sound, but once you have it, you wouldn't want to change it. I had a Zen Touch before this player, and I can say that the settings I have at the moment sound more full bodied. This could be because I have ripped my music at a much higher bit-rate, taking advantage of the Ogg playback feature, or it could be because the sound enhancements the player features. Obviously, it would vary between genres of music. My genre is rock, and I use Shure in ear headphones.
The video playback is great for the size of screen, although you would struggle to keep interested in a movie for more than 30 minutes.
FM radio in my area sounds great too, I was able to record a quick sample of music. I wasn't so happy when I found out I couldn't delete any files. This means photo, music, recording, video.
Voice recorder is good quality too.
I haven't been able to test the line-in feature, although I might do. At the moment, I record music at home through a laptop, and other such equipment. I wouldn't mind seeing if I don't get an annoying hiss through the line-in on this player. Although it would be more annoying, as in order to multitrack, I would have to transfer the music across each and everytime after recording. But there you go.....
The joystick on this player is a little bit suspect, but only for the first 30 minutes of use, as you will accidently do something you don't want it to do.
The player is smaller and lighter than my previous Zen Touch.
The headphone jack on the side is a little bit of an odd place to have it, but it works for me I guess!
One more feature I noticed which was quite nice was the ability to loop a particular part in a track. You press the button once, it will select the begginning of the loop, press it again, it will do the loop end, and it will keep looping until you press it again.
I would recommend this player to pretty much anybody, especially people who love music (obviously), but also want to hear that higher quality.
paul taylor 21 July 2006
Good: The sound, Looks and features
Bad: Controls and adapter for line-in/line-out/charger/usb
Comment: It's a superb player.
It takes some time for you to get used to, as the controls are a little complexing at first.
It took me a good half an hour to get the sound I really like, but now I have it, I couldn't ask for anymore.
The video is as good as you could get on a screen of that size.
Props to Cowon for this one, I had never heard of them before!
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