Digital-Cube's iStation i2 reviewed

An early review of Digital-Cube's iStation i2 (value-pack, so no GPS) we told you about has been posted by tipster Joel Burslem in Korea. The i2 plays MP3, OGG, WMA (unprotected too), AAC audio formats and DivX, Xvid, MPEG4, and VOB video formats on its 3.5-inch screen. A former iPod user, Joel is well impressed by the Personal Media Player's looks ("solid"), sound ("sonic treat") and quality of video playback ("superb"). And unlike the earlier PMP-1000, music continues to play even while browsing the file manager to add new songs. Also of interest: he prefers the touch-screen navigation over the joystick — in-line remote over IR — and found the USB On-The-Go hosting function "cool" allowing a quick and easy dump of his digital camera files onto the i2. He did have some (initial) concern over sluggish startup times but these seem to have been addressed by a firmware update (v1.0.2) he found on Digital-Cube's Korean site. Fingers still crossed we'll see these MoFos drop 'round these parts in early July.

[darjama @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

if this thing had some basic PDA functionality, I'd be so there.

[Alric Lopez @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

Just PDA navigation for the car...please...

[jg @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

this is hot does it sync up media center. i would love to see a custom solution with this built into some docking station in a car.

[lupinstel @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

When this comes out can we get a comparison between this and the Cowon iaudio x5?

[Rizz @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

But does it have video output....

[Tim @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

To answer some of your questions :

- Yes it does have Tv output
- It will be coming out in Europe at the end of July or early August (not early July as stated in this article)
- There is a car navigation version of this PMP but it is not coming to Europe. However, there will be a newer version in September with GPS car navigation for the European market.

For more info go to http://www.istationhq.com

[john @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

It looks so great! Which is better in terms of watching Movies, PSP or PMP?

[TaeHoon @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

My friends have the Cowon iaudio x5, and it only has a framerate of 15fps on a much smaller screen. It also doesn't allow for the touch screen interface. I only have the first generation PMP-1000 (30gb), but I'll be getting this one, too. The addition of navigation and USB-Host interface will cause me to pawn my old one off on a friend who doesn't mind leftovers.

I also have a PSP, and I'd much rather choose this one over the PSP. Although the screen on the PSP is absolutely brilliant as a portable, I abhor proprietary disc formats and filetypes. The PMP allows for much more flexibility in formats, and even allows you to output the video to a tv (which I do quite often with my current PMP). I highly recommend the psp for games (I'm lucky enough to have a Japanese firmware v1.o with emulators galore).

Hope that helps

[theo @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

What's the size of the hd? The article does not mention it...

[alice @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

i got enough info from the artical about what it can and can not do but nothing about how much it costs^^

[Joel Burslem @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

The i2 has a custom car kit that includes a cradle and power cable. Available from Digital Cube

[Steve @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

Hi!
I�m from German! When come this i2 to germany? How much is costs? Wher cane i buy?

[Steve @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

Hi!
I�m from German! When come this i2 to germany? How much is costs? Wher cane i buy?

[Steve @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

Hi!
I�m from German! When come this i2 to germany? How much is costs? Wher cane i buy?

[Hugh @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

Hi. For anyone who wants to know: this is basically the same as the archos PMA400 as with the i2 you can actually use it to take notes (so it at least has some pda functionality). The only real function that the pma400 has that the i2 doesn't is wifi connectability. I have the pmp1000 which is also excellent but by no means as good as the i2

[Saahil @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

advanced mp3 players (http://www.advancedmp3players.co.uk/shop/index.php?cpath=3&sort=4a&page=5)
are selling it, but you have to pre-order and they say it will be in stock by september 8th. I've already pre-ordered as they'll only have a limited amount at first, and i want it as quickly as possible! I'm pretty sure they will sell to anyone outside of the UK, but you'll have to ask them, before you buy.

[LaLaLa (kiwiiii) @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

LaLaLa.. to ramai==> WHIIIIEEEE =D x)

[Richard Vaby @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

Any advice will be appreciated. Is the i2 capable of displaying .MOD video files. This is a panasonic file same quality as MPEG2.