iAUDIO U2 512 MB Ocean Blue MP3 Player w/FM & Voice Recorder

Rating:
Summary: Great sound and size!
Review:

I have now used my U2 player for 1 month and I have to say I am just getting happier and happier every day!

Pros
+ Sound!!!
+ Size
+ Voice Rec
+ Radio
+ USB drive

Cons
- Earphone
- Price




Rating:
Summary: Simply wonderful!
Review: I received this as a gift for Christmas and so far, so good! The sound quality is excellent, the controls are easy to learn and easy to use. I didn't even use the manual to try figure out how to use it. It's very stylish and I like that you can charge it via USB (with a cable or USB connector provided) or the AC adapter that also came with it. The LCD screen was also easy to read and transferring songs was simple - just plug it to the pc, select the songs you want, and copy it right over to the mp3 drive. The only negative thing I'd say, which is probably true for many portable audio is, the included ear phones were ok. They also didn't fit in my ear well but maybe b/c my ear canal is small. Also, the necklace that it came with can get easily tangled, so a clip would have been nice!!!

Rating:
Summary: Even better with the firmware 1.10 upgrade
Review: I've been playing around with my new iAudio U2 512 MB for about 5 days now. For someone who doesn't want or need to carry every song in their library, this little device is incredible. I am a commuter in Los Angeles (yes, they do exist) and radio + MP3 is great for variety. I haven't even begun to test/use all the capability, but here are my initial opinions.

Firstly, there is a firmware 1.10 upgrade available on iAudio's Korean site (parent company, Cowon, is Korean). The English site doesn't have any available yet, although I hear there might be shortly. For those of you, like me, who don't read Korean, the link is:
http://ihome.iaudio.com/iaudio_board/zeroboard/zboard.php?id=C08&category=&no=149&bmenu=C&category=70. Scroll down almost to the bottom of the page where the last screen shots ("Bookmarks") are located. Just under them is a link to download the upgrade, which you have to unzip. It will automatically install, and then you have to launch the Firmware Download which will be in the Cowon program shortcut on the start bar. This firmware upgrade installs several functions onto the unit, chief of which is the clock and auto-wake/record function. The upgrade process and the firmware are in English.

Now, for some more specifics...

General controls are very simple. The joystick is effective and intuitive, which is good, because the .pdf manual is pretty skimpy, and doesn't cover the firmware upgrade.

The MP3 player supports .WMA in addition to MP3 and other formats that I haven't tried. I understand it won't support the encrypted .WMA that you can buy off the 'net, but that future firmware upgrades may include this ability. Play back is easy and has all the modes like random and repeat that you'd expect. You can either use the included JetShell software to transfer music files to the device rapidly via the included USB 2.0 cable, or you can sync with Windows Media Player 10, the latest upgrade. If you do sync with WMP10, make sure to choose the "Create Subfolders" option if you want your music files organized. Lastly, you can treat it like a USB flash drive and transfer files directly using Windows Explorer.

The radio has decent, but not great reception. When the signal is strong, the sound is great. The antenna is the earphone wire so perhaps a set with a longer wire would help. It's not bad enough to make me want to return, but you might have trouble getting a clear signal if your tastes run beyond ClearChannel, say to NPR for example. You can easily preset stations and then either move through the FM range in 0.1 MHz increments or by jumping to presets. You can record while listening, or set it to awake and record (with the firmware upgrade).

I haven't used the voice recorder other than to remind myself to do something later, but you can hear some sample lectures at http://eng.iaudio.com/ in the Downloads Voice Files (SC4) section.

The headphones are adequate. I'm not a super-discriminatory audiophile. Bass is a little weak, but hard to avoid with earbuds. They fit okay in my ears, but I've read others who've thought they are too big and fall out easily. Should not be a deal breaker.

The amazing thing is the size. It really is about the size of a pack of gum - easily fits into a pocket. It comes with a case which allows all for all functions, including attaching the USB cable to the bottom (no case opening like earlier models.) I've dropped it while in the case and no harm done.

Be aware that the standard box contents will only allow you to charge the player through the USB connection. If you want an AC adaptor, it's extra. I didn't get it, and don't anticipate needing it. Rechargable batteries are great, but I can't tell you how long these last, because I haven't used them more than about 3 hours without hooking it up to the USB to adjust content. Manual claims 20 hours - I've seen 17 reported.

Overall, I think that this is great value if, for example, you commute like me and want the variety of recorded and FM music, with the extra ability to voice/radio/line-in record. No moving parts to damage if dropped, either. 256 MB seems too small to me. You'd really have to be willing to change the contents frequently, and you don't have much breathing room for things like FM recording. Now, don't lose it!

Rating:
Summary: best flash-based player!
Review: This is a tiny player with decent sound and a great interface. The best feature is that you do not need any software on your computer - just drag and drop files to the player as it shows up as a drive.