[Cowon A2 review]

[whong]

Order ID: 13611
When the iPOD video came out, I was seriously thinking about to get one. While read user reviews through the Internet, I found that some people prefer to get Archos, Cowon A2 or other PMPs instead. After intensive searching for information about all of the PMPs, I decided to get a Cowon A2 from Cowon America.
I received the A2 10 days ago. After having played around with it, I can say I made right decision.
Here is my view about A2.
Pros:
1. The music player is amazing and it is very convenient to use.
2. The sound of FM radio is clear (though sometime you need to adjust the earphone line to get best effect).
3. The quality of line-in recording is good. But I can't see big difference between using the highest and lowest bps and resolution.
4. I can easily transfer the photos from my Sony W1 to A2 directly. The pictures were taken at 5.1 PM and they worked with A2 perfectly.
5. You can use it as a hard drive to save you files.
6. The battery life is long.
7. You can recharge the battery using USB.
Cons:
Though I am really satisfied with A2, I think it can be improved in the following aspects:
1. The fast-forward and rewind functions are not so smooth. If you repeatedly use them, the video will become a mess and sometimes sound and video are separated. It will take a couple of seconds to go back to normal.
2. I hope I can listen to music while browsing the slide show. Now I can listen to the radio but not the music player.
3. I really hope I can view PDF and Word files on A2. If it has a simple text editor, it will be perfect.
4. I hope it has a dictionary.
5. It needs a nice remote controller.
The first 4 points may be improved by new firmware and I hope Cowon can offer remote controller with digital display soon.
Other PMPs have their advantages: AV530 has better video quality, V43 has more PDA function and iPOD is easy to carry...
I think the Cowon A2 is the best PMP on the market currently. Comparing with A2, other PMPs more or less have a little more disadvantages. For example, no radio (Archos AV5300), no line-in recording (iPOD video, iStation v43), too heavy (v43), small screen (iPOD), short battery life(iPOD)...
So that's why I selected A2 and have not regretted with my decision.

[dadship12]

Good review, however I believe that in your review you mentioned the iPod video as a PMP along with the A2, archos, and iStation. Although the iPod may offer other media types with its players, it is essentially a DAP and should be left at that. I say this because many people are confused with the video aspect of a DAP when it should only be considered as an extra feature, and not a main function. This is what also causes misleading reviews such as many with the x5, which recieved terrible scores because of the poor video quality, despite its superior features and sound.

But more importantly, good review!

[hvnsgte]

how durable does your A2 appear to be...? Im currently stuck between an X5 and the A2. I love the bigger screen of the A2, but I wonder if it would withstand the occasional bumpy ride and fall when i go trail riding.
thanks

[dadship12]

Originally Posted by hvnsgte

how durable does your A2 appear to be...? Im currently stuck between an X5 and the A2. I love the bigger screen of the A2, but I wonder if it would withstand the occasional bumpy ride and fall when i go trail riding.
thanks

I can't say anything for the A2, since I do not own one nor know of anyone who does. However if Cowon continues their tradition of solid build quality (X5 being a prime example), it should be able to withstand the majority of bumbs and bruises. If you are taking it trail riding I strongly suggest the purchase of a solid case. The Cowon plastic one might suit you but searching through a few alternatives and looking at reviews to find the best one wouldn't hurt. For a more definite answer I would visit the www.iaudiophile.net forums. There are many A2 users there that would gladly answer your question (but be sure to use the search feature first! The question may have already been asked).

[userpk300]

I'll start with against me. I have no complaints about this amazing PVP, but if you get easily frustrated trying to get all the functions to work, you may feel frustrated. The manual included is trivial