Cowon iAudio U3

The Cowon iAudio U3 is almost identical to its predecessor which is the Cowon iAudio U2. However, this time, it is a little fatter which can be justified with more of the features that it can offer.

Physically, this Cowon has a slightly larger build though maintaining the same small four-way joystick. It also has the same line-in and headphones on one end with the same USB port at the other. However, the buttons located at the top have improved slightly for better navigation.

This Cowon iAudio U3 is so small as to be barely larger than your basic lighter. This time, the impressively minute Cowon iAudio U3 comes in the shade of white or black. It also comes in feature that enables it to support nearly every audio format imaginable. Among these formats that it is friendly with are: MP3, WMA, and WAV to OGG and FLAC and so much more. This Cowon iAudio U3 also comes with an updated U3 firmware so that it will enable you to use WMA DRM. This means that you can play back either purchased or subscription-based musical or video tracks. Compared to its predecessor, the Cowon iAudio U3 format support and its lower price makes this U3 much more appealing with all things to consider.

There’s more! The Cowon iAudio U3 also allows you to listen to your favorite FM radio. And not only that, your Cowon iAudio U3 will let you enjoy it more for it not only plays and records FM tracks but also lets you record at certain scheduled times which you can personally set. If you still don’t get it yet, this will be your great chance to stock up on those your favorite countdown shows of yours which you can now listen to anytime.

To aid you more in your file transfer, this Cowon also provide an excellent software called the JetShell program that’s good for managing iAudio files and JetAudio VX. This application will allow you tasks such as your CD ripping and burning as well as converting audio and video files, and even listening to radio over the Internet.

Specifications

Memory               
512MB/1G/2G

PC interface                       
USB 2.0

File Transfer Speed   
Max. 35Mbps (Upload 40Mbps)

Battery                 
Built-in Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery
(Max. 20 Hours Continuous Playback)

Charging Time                  
3 hours

Buttons                               
5-way Jog(NAVI, VOL+, VOL-, REW, FF),
REC, MENU, PLAY, HOLD switch

Display                
160 x 128 dot, 260,000 color TFT-LCD

SNR                     
95dB (A-Weighted)

Max Output                         
16 Ohm earphone : 30mW + 30mW

Frequency Range                   
20Hz ~ 20KHz

Size                      
31.5 X 72.0 X 18.0 mm (H X W X D)

Weight                 
32.5g (Include Lithium Polymer battery)

*Playback format                
MP3 : MPEG 1/2/2.5 Layer 3, ~320kbps, ~48khz, mono/stereo
WMA : ~256kbps, ~48khz, mono/stereo
OGG : ~Q10, ~44.1khz, mono/stereo
FLAC : compression level 0~8, ~44.1khz, mono/stereo
WAV : ~48khz, 16bit, mono/stereo
XviD MPEG-4, CBR ~256kbps, up to 160x128, 15 fps
JPG, TXT

System Requirements

System Requirements
Pentium 200MHz or Higher
50MB Hard Disk Space or more
256 or Higher color display

OS
- Microsoft Windows 98/98se/ME/2000/XP
- MAC OS 9.X, 10.X (Only data transfer supported)
- Linux kernel v2.2 or higher (Only data transfer supported)

USB Port
CD-ROM Drive