Cowon A2 30 GB Portable Multimedia Player | 
 enlarge | Brand: Cowon
Category: CE
List Price: $369.99
Buy New: $189.99
You Save: $180.00 (49%)
New (1) Used (1) Refurbished (1) from $189.99
Rating:  85 reviews
Sales Rank: 15507
Media: Electronics
Hard Drive Size: 30
Native Resolution: 480 x 272
Display Size: 4
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 5.2 x 0.9 x 3.1
MPN: A2-30WH
Model: A2-30WH
UPC: 826487526020
EAN: 0826487526020
ASIN: B000CS1JRS
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | 30 GB multimedia jukebox plays and records music and video; 4-inch widescreen LCD | | • | Compatibility with wide range of audio, video, still image, and text file formats | | • | Record video from camcorder, TV sources; programmable PVR function for television programming | | • | FM tuner with record capability and voice recorder; line-in recording to MP3 | | • | Internal rechargeable battery; compatible with Windows operating systems |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Cowon always tries to forecast and understand what the market and customers want. Cowon believes that the customers should be satisfied with the best-quality products, and this is the key to the company's success that drives creative research and development without failure.PRODUCT FEATURES:4" TFT LCD display (16:9 Wide Vision);DivX networks certified;Direct playback format (DivX, Xvid, WMA 9, MP3, OGG, etc);Video in recording (TV, VTR, DVD);DivX DRM files supported;Powerful BBE sound;Built-in stereo speaker.
Amazon.com Product Description
Satisfy your music and video cravings wherever and whenever with the Cowon A2 portable multimedia player, which features 30 GB of storage and a crisply colorful 4-inch widescreen LCD. In addition to a wide range of audio, video, and still image compatibility, the A2 also offers an FM radio (with record function), voice recording (via built-in microphone), direct line-in audio recording, text reading, and PVR capability to record your favorite TV programs. Attractively sleek with rounded, ergonomic corners, the A2 measures 5.2 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches and weighs just 10.5 ounces.  Slim form factor with rounded, ergonomic corners. |  A 16m color 4-inch TFT-LCD presents high-quality images anywhere, anytime. |  Carrying case for safe transport. | Wide Compatibility
For music files, the A2 can handle MP3, WMA, Egg Vorbis, FLAC (free lossless audio codec), and WAV (which provides the ability to configure the sound with a 5-band equalizer). BBE sound technology is included to aid in restoring the lost harmonics of digital music to its original clear sound. On the video side, it's compatible with AVI, Windows Media, ASF, and MPEG-4 file formats and DivX 3.11/4/5, XviD, and WMV9 video codecs. Movie file formats that are not supported at first try are easily viewable after a simple conversion using the included JetAudio Basic VX software. You can record video directly from external AV devices (TV, VCR, camcorder)--just connect the A2 with included AV cable and start recording. Video will be recorded in MPEG-4 up to a 640 x 480-pixel resolution at 30 frames per second. Recording Capability
The A2 also allows professional-level voice recordings through its built-in high-fidelity microphone and direct encoding through a line-in cable. You can record important lectures or directly transmit sounds from CD players or other audio devices with the line-in cable and save them in your A2 in MP3 (encoded up to 192 Kbps). The FM tuner has 25 station presets, and has immediate and scheduled recording capabilities. Image Viewing, Storage
The 4-inch widescreen displays provides a comfortable view of text files and image files (JPG, PNG, BMP). Images can be viewed in slide show mode or be magnified for detailed view. You can also use the A2 as a USB mass storage device to store and transfer your most important files. Additionally, it offers USB host support, enabling you to connect external devices such as digital cameras or other MP3 players directly to the unit for easy transfer of music, images and other data files without the need for a PC. Additional Details
It connects to PCs using a super-fast USB 2.0 connection and it's compatible with Microsoft Windows 98SE, 2000, Me, and XP operating systems. It is not compatible with secure/DRM WMA content from online stores or subscription services. The A2's ultra power-saving circuitry enables up to 10 hours of video and 18 hours of audio continuous playback with its built-in, fully charged, 4300 mAh lithium-polymer battery. What's in the Box
30 GB Cowon multimedia player, carrying case, strap, earphones, AC adapter, USB 2.0 cable, line-in recording cable, USB host cable, installation CD-ROM, printed operating instructions
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| Customer Reviews: Read 80 more reviews...
ONE OF MY FAVORITE TOYS!!! December 26, 2008
koboilila (massachusetts)
I have had this device for over 2 years now and, until about 7 months ago, used it almost every day without any problems at all. Seven months ago the company I worked for shut down. Before that I had the A2 hooked up to a FM transmitter and used the device to play music and movies that I could listen to while at work. Everyone who walked by was impressed with the device and rightly so.
One feature I like is having the ability to use it as a stand alone recorder. You can record a show off your TV and then watch it later. As well, if you are a little AV savvy and have the right software for your computer you can take your recorded movies, reduce them in size, 350mb, has worked well for me for your average 2hr film, and store a whole library on the A2's hard drive. I have easily had 40 films at any one time to chose from - as well as 100's of mp3's.
It has a really beautiful screen and the sound, on headphones, is awesome - much better than my iPod. The built in speakers are not strong, but if you are in a quite room they suffice. The unit has a built in microphone so you can use it as a stand alone audio recorder and it also has a built in FM radio which it also lets you record from. I have recorded the FM feed coming from both my Sirius and XM radios onto the A2 using the built in radio/recorder and listened to them later.
Also better than the iPod is the battery life; On long travel days; sitting in airports and planes, I have watched 3 full length movies and listened to my mp3's, that's something like 9 hours of non stop playing, and still had power left over. I have on one occasion, using it solely for mp3 playback, gotten over 12 hours of music playback before I shut it off.
I like my iPod but, watching movies, it can not compete battery or screen wise. I used to use my Laptop for watching movies when traveling but the the battery was a issue there too.
Regrettably the battery, which is one of its strengths, is also its weakness & the only reason I can not give this device a full 5 stars.
After over 2 years of faithful service I have noticed that it does not run as long as it had in the past; this weekend I was only able to watch 2 full length (2.5 hrs each) movies before the battery was almost depleted. Unfortunately the battery is built into the unit & you can not just go to the local electronics store and easily swap the old one out for a new one. A user replaceable battery would make this a easy 5 star device.
It comes with all the cables you need for recording from a TV, DVD player or such but be careful - although the AV wire looks like a standard 1/8 plug with red white and yellow connections it is not - the locations on the 1/8 inch jack for the AV are not standard. If you lose it you will have to go to Cowon for a replacement.
The A2 also has a very nice and sturdy leather cover which works also as a stand for movie viewing.
Some snobby types will certainly nit-pick but this is really a great device; especially if you spend long hours traveling. With its small foot print it fits easily into your bag and offers many hours of enjoyment in return.
As for Cowown's customer service I can only speak from my experience 2+ years ago when I bought the A2. It had one little recording quirk. I contacted Cowon through the net at their site; there is a process you go through first create a "ticket". I got a reply within 24 hours, I included screen captures with my description of the quirk in follow up replies, received a RMA and had a replacement unit in a about a week after that. AVOID THE COWON AMERICA FORUM - it is a pit of despair from which you will never receive a answer or solution.
Some folks complain about the controls, but I have had no problem at all with them. I was a little skeptical about the joy stick control ( I am not a gamer by any means and had no real experience with that type of thing) my concerns were quickly squashed; it is very easy to use.
One more important thing - when you go to shut it off, make sure that you hold the power button in till you see the Cowon screen. Just pushing the button quickly only shuts off the screen - you will come back to find a dead battery and think it is broken!
When I do any traveling there are 2 devices I must have with me: "Betty" - my iQue 3600 GPS, and Mini Pearl - the A2. Everything else is optional!
 cowon December 25, 2008
George Sand
The seller was extremely kind and willing to work with me on a change of delivery system. He was great.
Unfortunately the product did not live up to the expectations, as it broke shortly after it was received and delivered to the person expecting this as a gift.
 Cowon A2 October 6, 2008
J. Muscato (Michigan)
I waited awhile before posting this review. As my tagline states.. I am very fickle about my tech devices.
[Pro's]
I got the device, configuration was a snap. I got everything on the product list in the box.
What can I say folks.. it works!
[Con's]
1. Features could be more flexible.
2. You can't change the clock from military time to 24h format.. there is simply no option for it on this device or any device in this series. I checked.. no dice!
3. I STRONGLY! suggest that you load your music to the device before!!! trying to use the lyric software (which you have to download separately). then use the program on the device and not your music folder. If you make this mistake the software will destroy whatever lyrics you have in the music files when it inserts the [cowon a2] tag into the lyric header.
4. If you are "not" a video gaming GURU! with lightning fast reflexes and the ability to change the shape of your thumbs at will let alone contort them to bizarre angles.... I highly suggest that you practice using the control toggle. The one thing I recalled from another review was the user claimed the toggle broke after a short while and wouldn't do certain things. I cant say if that was the case with that user, but with me.. that was not the case. The toggle is very sensitive to movement so you have to develop the "right touch" for it. The pause/select feature is very fickle, you have to press straight down with a solid CLICK to make it work... you cant jiggle it in any other direction or it wont work as it should.
5. the carry case has no type of belt clip.. you get a wrist strap... the weight and size of the device and the angle at which it hands make using it very awkward with headphones. I suggest getting a reinforced neck lanyard instead. This will keep it from flopping all over the place. Otherwise it slips nicely into a "standard" back pocket.. I just run the headphone cable underneath my shirt to keep it out of the way. If you need to sit down just slip the device back out of the pocket as it makes sitting tricky.
overall I did get what I paid for.. the device has good sound and great video.. learning the device took minutes.. nothing complex... PLEASE allow the device to charge for the first 15hrs before loading. the company suggests this and I recommend it.
Don't by Cowon products... September 6, 2008
P. S. Prasert (Rockville, MD)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I have been thoroughly disappointed with their products and lack of customer service. They average about 2-3 weeks to return an email for customer service issues. I finally got through to a representative and was advised to send the product back to them, at my own expense and they emailed back about 1 month later stating that there is no problem with the item. When I emailed back with a detailed description of the specific situation I encountered (item stopped powering on or charging through the USB port) they ceased communication. I still haven't heard back from them, but will never buy their products ever again. They are terrible both at manufacturing and caring for their customers.
excellent August 15, 2008
Nihal M. Castelino
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
i had a creative zen nomad before and that was an excellent player too,but ever since i saw this player 2 years back,ive been wanting it and finally i got one on sale on amazon and i absolutely luv it.all the features are fantastic way better than the ipod or creative vision and ive used both of them,slightly heavier compared to the too but who cares.
pro's:lots f features like tv recording ,av out, larger screen,good battery life etc
con's:slightly bulky,can't create playlists like other players,navigation needs getting used to.
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