New U2 - should I update firmware?

[julib7]

I just received my U2 today and upon reading several posts, I was wondering if I need to upgrade the firmware before I start putting in any of my music files. (Note: I am technically challenged!) I tried to find the version of my current firmware as another post said by watching the screen as I turn it on, but it automatically jumps to the song that came with the player every time. This is pretty annoying. Is there any other way to find out what version is on there?

[soundmax]

julib7,

I would upgrade to 1.35e at the most. Version 1.40 does not really give any big advantages over 1.35e:

Improves system stability
- Increases the maximum number of files can be played (up to 650 files + 50 folders)
- Increases dynamic playlist size (up to 120 files, no redundant files allowed)
-Corrects the bug that causes system shut down when entering Radio Mode during WMA music file playback.
- improves ID3 Tag handling

From what I have read, there have been some problems loading it and getting it to work properly. Some people have had to rollback to 1.35e. Personally, unless the firmware is going to offer something of a "material" nature, I would stay away from it. Again, just my opinion.

In addition, if you are technically challenged, then the process to install (different from 1.35e) v1.40 may present challenges.

Maybe others out there can comment. I have not read any positive comments on v1.40.

To find the firmware version:

1) Turn on the U2
2) Press the joystick once and this will bring you to the main menu
3) move the joystick in the down direction until you get to "Information"
4) move the joystick to the right and there you have the f/w version

Hope this helps.

PS: Not to sound like a smartass but try reading the manual as well.

[julib7]

Thank you, soundmax, and yes, I will read the manual today! It is small enough, should have done that already. But typically I like to follow the steps in owners manuals as I read them, and didn't want to put music on the player until I downloaded firmware if I needed it.

Thanks for your help and your detailed answer, found I have v1.30a. Are you sure I won't need the items found in v1.40 in the future? I would hate to load it all just like I want it and have to do a firmware upgrade later that erases everything!

[heks]

Well I would suggest you wait with upgrading unless you think there's a serious reason to do it compared to the risk.

I got my U2 2GB player 2 weeks back and have been thinking about upgrading the firmware since day one. So I decided to do it tonight and I just finished it, just to see my player won't boot now no matter what I do.

I'm hoping this fix (http://www.iaudiophile.net/forums/viewtopic.php?id=3698 ) will help me get in touch with the player again so I can downgrade to another firmware because 1.40 obviously will not work... Very dissapointing indeed.

In any case good luck with it - looks like you'll need it.

[julib7]

Thank you heks for your input - I hope you can get squared away with your player. I was so excited to get my little U2, but now I wonder if I did the right thing -

Good luck to you too!

I would appreciate any feedback from other U2 users regarding upgrades. Somewhere someone must know the best thing to do...

[soundmax]

julib7,

This link will give you the changelog from 1.30 to 1.35: http://www.cowonamerica.com/download/iaudio_rn_u2.html

f/w 1.35e allows about 480 files and ?? number of folders. So depending on how you organize your music and the size of your music files, you really should be fine with 1.35e. For me, I have 155 songs at 160 bitrate, 15 folders and using up 988MB of 991MB available to use the U2 1 GB.

So, it's doubtful one would be able to fit more than a few hundred songs even at lower bitrates, hence no problem with the limitation on the files. However, one fellow did have a problem because he stored hundreds of small soundbites. That is the exception rather than the rule.

Stay excited about the little U2 because it is an awesome player. I have had mine since late May 2005 and I'm loving it!

[julib7]

Thanks again, soundmax. I worked up my courage and just got done doing the firmware upgrade to v1.35e like you suggested, holding my breath the whole time. Luckily, it looks so far like everything went fine, although that cute little intro that used to play when I turned it on is gone. But no matter, at least it turned on!!

Now I am off to start loading some music on and reset my radio station presets. Time to play!

[soundmax]

It's very easy to get the logo back or even change it for that matter. I have changed mine from the original dancing man.

Here is the link for all the logos http://www.cowonamerica.com/download...m3_4_logo.html
It says they are for the iaudio M3 and 4 but they work just the same with U2.

Here are the instructions to load onto the U2.

iAUDIO Logos
* How to use Logo
1. Select your choice of Logo from list and download.
2. Using the USB cable, connect the USB port of iAUDIO to the USB port of the PC.
3. Run jetShell. And click 'Download Logo File' of the 'Transfer' menu.
4. Open the downloaded file
5. When the download is finished, confirmation window will appear. And click 'OK 'button.
6. Close jetShell, and disconnect USB cable.
7. Turn on iAUDIO, you can confirm the Logo in the LCD window of iAUDIO.

[julib7]

Thanks again for looking out for me, soundmax. I am assuming in your directions that jetShell is the program from the CD that came with the player. I didn't put that on my computer yet since I am using Windows Explorer to add my music files (and to my delight, it is working FABULOUSLY!). Is that the only way I can get the intro back? If I install jetShell can I still transfer music using Windows Explorer?

I guess the intro isn't a must-have, but when I show this little baby off to my sister who has a big honkin' IPOD, I wanted to dazzle her a little bit.

I am so happy that I am able to play and organize my music easily, so now I am back to loving my little U2! Thanks for the encouragement to stick with it.

[soundmax]

Yes, the only way to get the intro back is using Jetshell. Like you said a nice to have not a need to have. Jetshell must be used for this.

and yes if you install Jetshell, you can still use Windows Explorer as you do now. I use both.

Take it easy,

...soundmax