Product face-offs
Cowon A3 60 Go
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| Ecran LCD | 4 | ||
| Résolution d'écran / Couleurs | 800x480 pixels / 16 millions couleurs | ||
| Stockage | Disque dur 60 Go (+cartes NA (USB Host)) | ||
| Dimensions / Poids | 133.4x78.5x22 mm / 280 g grammes | ||
| Batterie | 9h audio / 7h vidéo | ||
 See all specifications | |||
| Formats supportés | MP3/2/1, WMA, ASF, FLAC, OGG, M4A, MATROSKA(MKA), AC3, TTA, APE, MPC, WV, WAV, APPLELossless, AAC/AAC+, AC3, True Audio, WavPack, G.726, DivX, Xvid, MPEG 4, WMV, x.264 |
 Hide specifications | |
USB Host
The USB Host functionality allows you to download directly from other USB devices and transfer your files. You can then easily look at all the pictures on the PMP without having to carry around a stock of memory cards.
Tristan François
Test date: 2009-02-20
Test date: 2009-02-20
Cowon has 2 PMPs in store. The Q5W is an all-in-one device whereas the A3 we test here is a more compact product.
Handling.jpg)
There is plenty in the box here. USB cable, USB Host cable, audio/composite cable, S-Video cables…. adaptor, instructions, CD, (bad quality) earphones ...but no transport pouch.
This player is not a looker like those by Archos but it has the advantage of being matte, so you avoid the traditionnal collection of fingerprints. The interface is good and navigation with the joystick and the right side buttons is easy. You can personalize the options but this may be a bit tricky if you are a newbie.
Sound quality.jpg)
Cowon does not put the A3 in the iAudio series, but it could easily be part of it. A large number of formats are supported, sound quality, equalizer modes… everything is good. The speakers are not anything to rave about, but then again chances are you will listen to this device mainly through a headset.
Video and multimedia
Cowon has never failed us in this area. The A3 has a DaVinci chip, will play videos up to 720p easily and supports plenty of digital formats. Sadly the glossy display does not make the viewing experience that pleasant at times.
Video outs are good and we appreciate the S-Video + Component for HD. For picture plyaback and storage, the USB Host comes in handy. There is FM radio -recorder; the TNT tuner is optional (and works rather well).
Battery life is 6hours for video and 9h30 for audio; the DaVinci chip is greedy.
Nice product by Cowon: for those who want something with more features than an Archos 5, the A3 will do just fine, even though it is less user-friendly.
Handling
There is plenty in the box here. USB cable, USB Host cable, audio/composite cable, S-Video cables…. adaptor, instructions, CD, (bad quality) earphones ...but no transport pouch.
This player is not a looker like those by Archos but it has the advantage of being matte, so you avoid the traditionnal collection of fingerprints. The interface is good and navigation with the joystick and the right side buttons is easy. You can personalize the options but this may be a bit tricky if you are a newbie.
Sound quality
Cowon does not put the A3 in the iAudio series, but it could easily be part of it. A large number of formats are supported, sound quality, equalizer modes… everything is good. The speakers are not anything to rave about, but then again chances are you will listen to this device mainly through a headset.
Video and multimedia
Cowon has never failed us in this area. The A3 has a DaVinci chip, will play videos up to 720p easily and supports plenty of digital formats. Sadly the glossy display does not make the viewing experience that pleasant at times.
Video outs are good and we appreciate the S-Video + Component for HD. For picture plyaback and storage, the USB Host comes in handy. There is FM radio -recorder; the TNT tuner is optional (and works rather well).
Battery life is 6hours for video and 9h30 for audio; the DaVinci chip is greedy.
Nice product by Cowon: for those who want something with more features than an Archos 5, the A3 will do just fine, even though it is less user-friendly.
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audio quality
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Video quality
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USB Host
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bulky
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battery life
Nice product that supports many digital formats. Too bad for the glossy display and the short battery life.
