U2 is for me and you too
Written: Nov 11 '04
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Pros: Compactness, Strong 95 SNR sound and sound configuration features,...
Cons: FM reception is only satisfactory, joystick tactile feedback,...
The Bottom Line: Hands down, this player is one of the best within the flash category. I would recommend this unit to anyone who is looking for a high quality, mobile, multifunctional device.
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| nivek0's Full Review: Cowon U2 (512 MB) MP3 Player |
COWON iAudio U2 MP3 player
General information about the unit:
Available in three different colors (black, blue, and red), the 2.91 X .98 X .71 inch flash player is amazingly compact. For comparison, the dimensions of the player are roughly the size of a pack of chewing gum and weighs about the same (1.2 oz)! Being a flash player the device is more shock resistant then its hard drive competitors. However, the U2's capacity is more limited then a hard drive MP3 player as well. Three memory sizes are offered: 256 MB, 512 MB, and 1 GB.
The device uses USB 2 (up to 20 Mbps throughput) for both data transfer, and for charging the built in Lithium-polymer battery. The documentation on the U2 says the player takes up to 2 hours to charge at the normal charge setting and 6.5 hours at the slow charging setting. However, from personal experience I have found the unit takes much less then an hour to charge at the normal setting. The documentation also claims the U2 MP3 player offers up to 20 hours of playback. Again, I have found the device to offer a couple hours shy of this rating. Still, the unit does offer some of the best playback battery life compared to the majority of other players on the market. One drawback of the retail unit is that an AC adapter for charging must be purchased separately. Nevertheless, the USB cable (which is provided) does a splendid job recharging the unit. I would find the need for a separate AC adapter in the event of travel without access to a computer’s USB port. It seems COWON has made up for this shortcoming with the multitude of accessories that are included with the device. Included are: carrying case, USB connector (in addition to the USB cable), software, and high quality ear buds.
Features:
SNR (Signal to noise ratio): 95 dB
Operating Systems supported: Windows, Mac OS and Linux
Music formats supported: MP3, WMA (no support for secure WMA), ASF, WAV, and with soon to be released firmware OGG. (8kbps~320kbps MPEG, 20kbps~192kbps WMA)
Unique to this versatile MP3 player, the U2 offers FM capability along with voice recording, direct MP3 encoding, data storage functionality, 4-line wide graphic LCD (back lit), and strong 13mW+13mW stereo output at 16 ohm.
The U2 provides many presets for FM and other functions such as a multitude of bass and other EQ effects. Personally, I find the BBE Mach3Bass and JetEffect features are very functional. I have never seen the Lyrics display feature in action, but the device does allow for the display of lyrics and personalization of the U2 opening logo.
The bottom line:
The quality of the player's FM reception is dependent upon the battery life and the length of earphone cable. The wire within the headphones doubles as a FM antenna. Even with a fully charged battery, a mile long headphone wire, and the wind at your back the FM reception is mediocre. The usefulness of COWON's web site is on about the same level of the FM reception of the U2 MP3 player.
The direct encoding feature is very tasteful when used with FM recording. Also, the unit's compactness is virtuous especially on the go. Truthfully, it is amazing so much wonderful sound emanates from this tiny wonder. It also goes without saying that the MP3 playback is of extremely high quality.
Although a minor flaw, the player sometimes lacks a tactile feeling when making adjustments with the joystick-like control. I have noticed when maneuvering through menus the joystick may feel like it "clicks" when changing a setting but does not respond. The software included is easy to use, but I find myself simply using Windows Media Player to rip music. When transferring data (whether music or otherwise), the device seamlessly makes itself a part of the list of devices under the My Computer icon. Using Windows XP no driver installation is needed for the U2 to be recognized by the operating system.
Pros:
-Compactness
-Strong 95 SNR sound and sound configuration features
-Quick recharge time
-Robustness and versatility
Cons:
-FM reception is only satisfactory
-Lack of correlation between joystick tactile feedback and execution
-No clock function unlike other reviewers
Overall:
Hands down, this player is one of the best within the flash category. I would recommend this unit to anyone who is looking for a high quality, mobile, multifunctional device.
On another note:
Interestingly, both the COWON and JetAudio websites have similar information available on the unit. The player reviewed is the COWON iAudio U2. Both sites will tell you the same thing about the U2. JetAudio, iAudio, and COWON are one in the same.
The links provided may help clarify:
http://eng.cowon.com/product/iAUDIOU2/about.html
http://www.jetaudio.com/products/iaudio/u2/
http://www.thetechlounge.com/review.php?directory=jetaudio_iaudio_u2
http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/JetAudio_iAudio_U2__512MB__Ocean_Blue_/4505-6490_16-31129767.html
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 180
Recommended for: Athletes - Lightweight and Portable, Perfect for the Gym
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Epinions.com ID:
nivek0
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Reviews written: 19
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Both, analytical and critical
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