25% off XPS M1330 & M1530 laptopsCowon D2 (4GB, white)
Manufacturer: Cowon Systems, Inc. Part number: D2-4096WH
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- If you can get on board with the Cowon D2's PDA-like touch screen interface, the reward is great-sounding audio, a smorgasbord of features, and a fantastic battery life.
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CNET editors' review
Cowon D2 (4GB, white)
price range: $133.85
- Reviewed by: Jasmine France
- Edited by: Bonnie Cha
- Reviewed on: 02/27/2007
The good: The Cowon D2 MP3 player offers a sleek and compact design dominated by a lovely, touch-sensitive screen. The device is packed with almost every feature in the book, including video playback, voice recording, and an FM tuner. The D2 comes with a handy stylus/kickstand, and the sound quality is great.
The bad: The Cowon D2 is pricier than similarly featured MP3 players, and it's a bit heavy. The touch interface won't appeal to all users, specifically active ones.
The bottom line: If you can get on board with the Cowon D2's PDA-like touch screen interface, the reward is great-sounding audio, a smorgasbord of features, and a fantastic battery life.
Cowon may be a bit of an underdog in the U.S. market in terms of sales, but this Korean company sure does know how to make a quality MP3 player. The latest device to arrive on U.S. shores--or at least, in the CNET offices--is the Cowon D2, a solid and compact player dominated by a 2.5-inch screen. I was able to get my hands on a nearly identical preview model of the D2 at CES 2007 but just recently received the final U.S. version with that ever-important DRM support. Other than that welcome addition, the latest unit isn't much different from the one we previewed in January; it still has a nice, high-quality feel to it and offers a beautiful touch screen as well as loads of features, naturally. That said, you can expect to pay a bit of a premium for this high-end MP3 player. At $189.99 for the 2GB version and $219.99 for the 4GB model, the D2 costs more than the Creative Zen V Plus, which offers similar features but twice the memory for comparable prices.
Photos of the Cowon D2 really don't do the player justice--it has such a nice feel to it, so we definitely recommend some hands-on time with the player before you pass final judgment. The sleek body is wrapped in a brushed-metal border, where you can find some tactile controls: a power/hold slider, volume buttons, and a menu key. On the left edge, hidden beneath a flap, are two USB ports: one standard mini for syncing with the computer and one proprietary for use with the included wallwart power adapter. The bottom of the device features an SD card expansion slot for adding more memory. At 3x2.2x0.6 inches, the player is pleasantly compact overall, though it feels a bit weighty at 2.1 ounces.
The D2 is dominated by a 2.5-inch color screen, which makes it look quite similar to the iRiver Clix. Unlike the Clix, however, the D2's display is touch-sensitive, which means the majority of navigation is accomplished by poking at the screen PDA-style. Your finger will do the trick, or you can use the included stylus--which also acts as a nifty kickstand, by the way. The D2's touch screen is responsive, but we prefer tactile controls for MP3 players since a touch interface makes blind navigation impossible. All in all, the D2's user interface is pretty straightforward, with an icon-driven main menu that reminds me of Archos' PVPs, but deeper navigation will take some acclimation. Still, anyone with a bit of tech experience should catch on swiftly.
Getting started with the Cowon D2 is a simple task on Windows XP. (The player also works with previous Windows versions back to 98, as well as Mac and Linux operating systems.) You can simply connect the player to your computer using the included USB cable and begin transferring content, either via drag-and-drop in Windows Explorer or by using Windows Media Player (WMP). Cowon also includes a software CD that includes JetShell for transferring files and JetAudio for media playback and conversion. We prefer WMP to JetShell for syncing, but JetAudio is a worthwhile install--and necessary if you want to convert video for playback on the D2. Transcoding takes time, but it proved easy to do in testing, and the resulting files played back flawlessly on the D2. However, we had to use drag-and-drop to transfer it over--WMP gave an error message.
As with all Cowon players, the D2 is teeming with features. It offers support for multiple audio codecs, including MP3, Ogg, WAV, FLAC, and WMA--including subscription tracks. We tested the player with Urge and the D2 had no problem playing back the tracks and recognizing prebuilt playlists. (You can also create a dynamic playlist on the device itself.) Music playback options include shuffle and repeat modes, six EQ presets as well as a user-defined mode, and BBE sound effects (Mach3Bass, 3D Surround, and Stereo Enhance). You can also view photos and videos on the device. It supports WMV and AVI natively, and the aforementioned JetShell can help you with other formats, such as DiVX. There's also voice and line-in recording, as well as an FM tuner with autoscan and a seemingly limitless number of preset slots.
And how about that ever-pressing performance issue? As I've come to expect from Cowon players, the D2 sounds great when paired with a decent pair of headphones, such as the Shure E4c. You'll definitely want to replace the set that comes with the player--they sound pretty awful. The multitude of sound-adjustment options should help you find the perfect balance for your tastes. Overall, tunes sounded rich, warm, and detailed with a thumping low-end to satisfy bass-freaks. The stellar sound quality remained consistent across all genres of music. Photos looked crisp and detailed on the bright, color screen, and it's kind of cool to see the chunky, pixilated effect just before an image comes fully into focus. Video playback also proved more than acceptable--we wouldn't mind watching a 30-minute clip on the D2, though we still think the screen is too small for feature-length movie watching. The rated battery life of 52 hours for audio and 10 hours for video is also nothing to scoff at; indeed, it's very impressive, and the D2 pretty well proved itself in CNET Labs testing. We got about 50 hours for music and 10 hours for video--simply awesome.
User reviews
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I own an Archos AV500, Clix 2gb, now white Cowon D2
by image is style on March 6, 2007
Pros: Battery life, 30fps, high screen resolution, Expandable SD size card
Cons: Maybe price, FM Radio reception weak, USB function
Summary: I tried to do as much research as possible before buying the Cowon D2, White version. I bought it from advancedmp3players.co.uk. I love my white Cowon. The expandable ...
Summary: I tried to do as much research as possible before buying the Cowon D2, White version. I bought it from advancedmp3players.co.uk. I love my white Cowon. The expandable memory is nice, since it uses a regular size SD card. The battery life was the selling point for me, compared to the Iriver Clix 4gb and the Iriver X20 that just came out. I've only had the Cowon for a week, and just received all the accessories for it, like the TV-out cable, in-line recording products, and the US AC adapter. Mine came with the European adapter.
I have put a couple of dvds on it already. Be aware though, even though the jetAudio software does convert videos, anything that is in widescreen format, will be cut-off on the tv using the tv out cable. The 30fps really is a nice touch for action movies or videos and the resolution is great. You can see everything in broad daylight too. Hopefully, future firmware will fix this. I have the v2.21 firmware, still cannot put my pics or text onto tv, just downloaded episodes of shows will show full screen onto the tv.
I use drag-n-drop operation to put my .mp3 music onto the Cowon, with no problems.
I chose the USR option in jeteffect and set my own eq, and sounds really good. I use wireless wiREVO headphones, and the sound is sooo loud.
Because it is a true touch screen player, the new beta 3.40 firmware will be nice if you want to still use the volume controls while the Cowon is on the hold/lock button. When I workout, I just put it in my pocket, and I use wireless headphones anyway; I just play the folder of songs for this purpose and use my headphones to mute, or control the volume.
I am still waiting for some kind of armband or case, other than the Noreve leather case. I will eventually try out the in-line recording, and will post later.
Otherwise, the sound is great using my car stereo, line in cable with my home stereo and my wireless headphones. Just remember, you might want to set up your own eq settings for certain connections to the Cowon to really test the sound performance. My 2gb sd card is useful to me for now.
I will post updates later regarding more use of the new/beta firmware.
I do use the stylus sometimes, and does make for a nice kickstand. Wish it was stored internally, like a pda or tablet stylus.
Because of no blind funtionality, for now, I rated it a 9 out of 10.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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You will love this product
by amandadam on May 5, 2007
Pros: To many to mention
Cons: As usual,limited accessories included.
Summary: I absolutely love this gadget.Fantastic sound,awesome video quality,touch screen control,TV out and SD slot for additional memory.This unit has an incredible battery life.You have ...
Summary: I absolutely love this gadget.Fantastic sound,awesome video quality,touch screen control,TV out and SD slot for additional memory.This unit has an incredible battery life.You have to convert video files with the jetAudio software/media player(disc included).Converting is as simple as can be,drag and drop etc.Every one at work who has seen this baby in action wants one.The TV out function is also a great feature.LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Cowon D2 w/Mac: D2 is a Loser
by Awen12 on April 2, 2008
Pros: Good price for features
Cons: Doesn't work with Mac as claimed
Summary: Ditto Macadumbia above: Cowon says the D2 works with Mac using simple drag-and-drop transfers. The first mp3 transfer, straight out of the box, was enough to freeze the screen. Returned ...
Summary: Ditto Macadumbia above: Cowon says the D2 works with Mac using simple drag-and-drop transfers. The first mp3 transfer, straight out of the box, was enough to freeze the screen. Returned D2 to retail store, got another D2. The same thing happened. Returned the second one and I won't be going back for more.
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Cowon D2 vs Mac and no winner
by macadumbia on February 26, 2008
Pros: The Cowon D@ is an absolutely beautiful mp3. I wanted it to work.
Cons: Cowon says it works with Mac but that wasnt the case for me. Tech support at Cowon tried to steer me toward a PC that I dont have. They didnt help me with a new D2 defective out of the box.
Summary: I give it a 5 because it simply doesnt work with Macintosh as Cowon claims it does. I know because my Mac is the newest and best they offer. The ...
Summary: I give it a 5 because it simply doesnt work with Macintosh as Cowon claims it does. I know because my Mac is the newest and best they offer. The player was fine until I tried to transfer a music file. After that it was freezing every time I touched the music symbol on the beautiful 2.5 color screen. If you use Mac and are not a computer geek, think carefully about this. If you use a PC, give it a go, it is a beautiful machine .
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Cowon Systems, Inc.
- Part number: D2-4096WH
- Description: A wide touch-sensitive 2.5" LCD screen maximizes you viewing experience with ease of use. Cowon D2's conventional yet highly modernized design contrasts its high profile feature set while preserving its compact form factor. Cowon D2 does not compromise features for its compact size. COWON provides the latest innovations in digital multimedia technology to provide incredible video and audio quality.
General
- Width 3.1 in
- Depth 0.7 in
- Product type Digital player / radio
- Height 2.2 in
- PC interface(s) supported Hi-Speed USB
- Weight 3.2 oz
- Color White
- Digital player signal-to-noise ratio 95 dB
- Flash memory installed 4 GB Integrated
- Digital storage None
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 3.1 in x 0.7 in x 2.2 in
- Voice recording capable Yes
- Included accessories Stylus
- Packaged quantity 1
- Software type Cowon jetAudio VX, Cowon jetShell
- Digital storage media type None
Radio
- Tuner type Digital Radio tuner
- Tuner bands FM
- Antenna form factor Headphone cord FM
- Tuning display LCD display
Digital Player / Recorder
- Digital player supported digital audio standards WMA, FLAC, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, MPEG 1 Audio, MPEG 2.5 Audio, MPEG 2 Audio, MP3
- Digital player response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
- Digital player playback modes Playlist, A-B repeat, All tracks repeat, One track repeat, Resume play, Fade in / fade out
- Digital player supported bit rate 320 Kbps
- Digital player ID3 tags support Yes
- External hard drive function Yes
- Digital player additional features TEXT viewer
Video Playback Features
- Still image format JPEG
Battery
- Required Qty 1
- Rechargeable Battery Rechargeable
- Battery Enclosure Type Internal
- Technology Lithium polymer
- Recharge Time 3.5 hour(s)
- Battery Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryInternal
- Mfr estimated battery life 52 hour(s)
- Battery Life Details Video playback Lithium polymer 10 hour(s), Digital playback Lithium polymer 52 hour(s)
Audio System
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Additional features Auto power off, USB 2.0 compatibility, Lyrics display, Audio bookmarks, FM radio recording capability, Upgradeable firmware, Text viewer
Cable(s) / Peripheral(s)
- Cable(s) included USB cable - External
System Requirements
- Peripheral / Interface devices USB port, CD-ROM
- Min Operating system Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, Microsoft Windows XP, Apple MacOS X, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Apple MacOS 9.x, Microsoft Windows 2000, Linux 2.2.x or later, Microsoft Windows 98
- Min hard drive space 50 MB
- Min processor type Intel Pentium
- Min processor speed 200 MHz
- Min RAM size 32 MB
Connections
- Connector type 1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x Audio line-in Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x USB Mini-USB Type B, 1 x DC power input
- Slot(s) provided 1 x SD Memory Card
Built-in Display
- Audio system built-in display TFT
- Diagonal size 2.5 in
- Resolution 360 x 240
- Backlight display Yes
- Features Touch screen
Power
- Power Supply / Device Power adapter External
Audio Features
- Sound effects MP Enhance, BBE, Mach3Bass
- Amplifier response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
- Timer Sleep, Playback, Record
- Built-in clock Alarm, Digital clock, Timer
CD System
- Playback modes Play/pause, Recording/pause, Fast forward/Rewind, Section repeat, Next song/Previous song
- Digital audio standards supported WMA, FLAC, WAV, Ogg, MP3
- ID3 tag support Yes
Equalizer
- Equalizer type Built-in
- Equalizer factory preset qty 6
- Equalizer factory presets Vocal, Classic, Normal, Rock, Jazz, Pop
- Equalizer user preset qty 1
- Equalizer band qty 5 bands
Remote Control
- Remote control None
Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone technology Electret condenser
- Microphone operation mode Mono
Headphones
- Headphones type Binaural
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Connectivity technology Wired
Battery / Power
- Power device type Power adapter
Product series
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Manufacturer: Cowon Systems, Inc.
Specs: Digital player / radio, 2 GB, MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, MPEG 1 Audio, MPEG 2 Audio, MPEG 2.5 Audio, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryInternal
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Manufacturer: Cowon Systems, Inc.
Specs: Digital player / radio, 4 GB, MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, MPEG 1 Audio, MPEG 2 Audio, MPEG 2.5 Audio, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryInternal
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Manufacturer: Cowon Systems, Inc.
Specs: Digital player / radio, 4 GB, MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, MPEG 1 Audio, MPEG 2 Audio, MPEG 2.5 Audio, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryInternal
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Manufacturer: Cowon Systems, Inc.
Specs: Digital player / radio, 4 GB, MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, MPEG 1 Audio, MPEG 2 Audio, MPEG 2.5 Audio, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryInternal
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Manufacturer: Cowon Systems, Inc.
Specs: Digital player / radio, 8 GB, MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, MPEG 1 Audio, MPEG 2 Audio, MPEG 2.5 Audio, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryInternal
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Manufacturer: Cowon Systems, Inc.
Specs: Digital player / radio, 16 GB, MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, MPEG 1 Audio, MPEG 2 Audio, MPEG 2.5 Audio, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryInternal
Manufacturer info
- Cowon Systems, Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Cowon Systems, Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.cowonamerica.com
- Address:
448-2 (STX bldg 7F) Dogok-dong, Seoul - Phone: 82-2-3460-8282
- Email: service@cowon.com
- Fax: 82-2-3460-8222
