COLOR ZEN IIOD WINDOWS
The bad: The Cowon A2 takes a step down because it doesn't yet support Windows Media DRM. Finally, it conveniently uses an A/V line-in cable, rather than a hub, for recording audio and video. It supports a multitude of audio and video formats and serves as a voice recorder, a zoomable photo viewer and a PVR. It's a performer with an excellent FM radio, great sound and recording quality, and long battery life.
COLOR ZEN IIOD PORTABLE
The good: The Cowon A2 portable video player has a bright, crisp, 4-inch wide-screen LCD as well as a clean, visually appealing form factor and interface. The bottom line: Many prospective MP3/PVP buyers have been waiting patiently for this compact, easy-to-use, one-stop shop for media files-looks like the Toshiba Gigabeat S was worth the wait. Finally, rated battery life for video is weaker than Toshiba had originally suggested. Also, the Gigabeat S is an MTP device and requires Windows XP. There is no voice or FM recording, and the two-cable AC adapter is cumbersome. The bad: Unlike many portable video players, the Toshiba Gigabeat S does not record audio or video. Best of all, the device is completely intuitive, thanks in part to an improved Portable Media Center operating system, and it boasts excellent sound performance. It supports many music, video and photo file types, including subscription services, and it has a bevy of features, such as an FM tuner and support for digital camera transfers. The good: The Toshiba Gigabeat S makes its mark as a supercompact 30GB or 60GB portable video player. The bottom line: The dazzling, DRM-friendly Creative Zen Vision:M gives the iPod a run for the money as the current high-capacity WMA champ.
Finally, the Zen Vision:M isn't as elegant as an iPod. A dock and an A/V-out cable are not included. You must use an adapter for transfers and power, meaning that occasionally you need two cables and the adapter. Some will find the touch-pad controller frustrating. The bad: The Creative Zen Vision:M has no iTunes-like video content-yet.
It has excellent audio and video quality. It features a customizable Shortcut button, and it supports a wide range of online music stores and subscription services, as well as video formats. The good: Available in five colors, the Creative Zen Vision:M has an incredible screen, a simple interface, excellent video battery life, an FM tuner and recorder, and a voice recorder.
Whatever the case, you have a bevy of high-capacity options.ĬNET.com's James Kim takes a look at a few of the better alternatives to the iPod. A bigger screen? Better battery life? Or maybe you'd rather not be locked into the iTunes/iPod universe. Perhaps you prefer a refreshingly different design (remember, Think Different). Maybe you want more features than the iPod can provide. "Alternatives" is so much nicer than "killers," don't you think? While the iPod and its brethren hold a substantial lead in the MP3 player market, there are definitely some non-iPod players that can hold their own-and even surpass the iPod.
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