robustness, reliability, handling, audio quality, functions, attention to detail
Disadvantages:
1GB memory
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
About 2 ½ years ago I bought my first and only MP3-Player.
Why have I chosen the iAudio G3 by Cowon? Well, back then the market did not offer many valuable alternatives to the iPod, however the iPod did not meet my requirements.
My wish list
I was looking for a reliable travel buddy in pocket size with long lasting rechargeable battery and support for all popular audio formats, moreover I wanted to listen to radio if I weren't in mood for my music. In short:
1GB flash memory (much more robust than hard drives)
support for at least mp3 and wma
long play time
FM radio
decent audio quality
The G3 looked like a great candidate.
Package and technical details
The package includes the G3, a manual, a software CD and a very useful carrying case, last but not least a battery of type AA. Thanks to the transparent carrying case my baby looks almost like brand new, and the buttons feel like on the first day, very neat workmanship.
The G3 is light weight, handy and has an excellent operating time of 35-45h hours with only one AA-battery, it quite depends on your settings, you may even reach the promised 50hours, but hey let's stick with a realistic setting - and you could also carry a second battery just in case ;-). All common audio standards are supported MP3, WMA, Ogg-Vorbis and WAV, including their variations. What's cool about that? You are not stuck with one standard and forced to convert, you choose your preference, I like that! The display provides a bright blue backlight and is easy to read. All important information is placed well, such as title, play time and sound settings. For connectivity there is a mini-USB port and one audio line-in.
Audio quality
You may agree audio quality is important. I remember when I first started the G3 I was thrilled by the bass, 3D effect and clear sound. Even today with my cheap headphones I'm really pleased with the audio quality.
Note, you can easily adjust it to your gusto using the 5-band equalizer. Moreover, you can use some more features like Mach3Bass and 3D surround and BBE.
Usage and handling
It's my companion, on journeys, when jogging, snowboarding, or when I'm just out for a walk. The only thing which was giving up were the pretty good headphones which last for about 1 ½ years under pretty heavy use.
The G3 is easily connected to your PC via an USB port. It gets automatically recognized as an external drive, so you can go on copying your data without special software, however you may use whatever software to synchronize your songs on this drive, very straightforward! You can choose between four operating modi:
MP3 Player
FM Radio
Recorder
Line-in recorder
Most importantly the mp3 Player, it just works great!
The radio offers automatic channel search and recording while listening. The reception is -okay-, there is no external antenna. I'm satisfied :-).
You can use the G3 as a recorder, just make sure you speak into the microphone, otherwise the volume will be low, the quality is acceptable.
I've never used the line-in recorder, so no rating on that.
The handling is well thought through and easy to learn, however expect to read once or twice some lines in the manual, because some buttons have multiple assignments. You can almost configure everything, like the display brightness, play speed and order (sequential, random, random within folder) to mention a few. In addition you can set date and time, nice gimmick it has a timer and "alarm", nice if you manage to sleep with headphones, I do :-).
Disadvantages
Despite the huge functionality there are a few flaws. Regarding the storage sizes today 1GB is not much. Some will also miss a search option for title or artist. You can work around by using a well thought through folder structure. Last but not least you cannot play any videos.
Nonetheless, I'm very satisfied.
Price
I think I've paid about $140US. A great price for sound performance. Unfortunately, I'm using my third headphones due to cable breaks...that's a different story.
Conclusion
There is also a 2GB version. You will be disappointed if you are looking for larger memory, a smaller device or video capability.
The G3 is altogether an extraordinary MP3-Player with a lot of useful features, broad format support and fantastic operating time. I'm completely happy with my reliable G3!
There's more to know about this player, if I could raise your interest just check the product information on Ciao, and I bet you even feel more convinced of giving it a try :-). Off note, on manufacturer's website you might get firmware and software updates so you can stay up to date.
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Digital player / radio - 2.3 oz - WAV, WMA, AAC, Audible, MP3, ADPCM - Radio, Voice recorder, Photo playback, Video playback - Display: Color - 320 x 240 - 2.5" - TFT
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