Cowon Q5 PMP gets priced and dated

Anytime a US-bound PMP sports wireless connectivity we're bound to sit up and take notice, so the fact that Cowon's upcoming Q5 rocks not only Bluetooth and WiFi but HSDPA as well shoots this 40GB or 60GB model right up to the top of our wish list. Besides all that 'net functionality (thanks to Windows CE Internet Explorer), the 5-inch Q5 sounds like a pretty strong performer as a standalone media device, offering an 800 x 480 resolution, DVR capabilities, hefty codec support (including DivX and XviD), built-in speakers, and an FM radio, along with optional TeleAtlas-based GPS. Definitely one that will give Archos a run for its money, and at $499 or $549 depending on capacity, there seem to be enough advantages over the similar Archos 604 WiFi to warrant the extra $50-$100 when this drops sometime by the end of this quarter.

[docsharp01 @ Mar 31st 2008 10:09PM]

Excellent comments about the Cowon Q5 PMP.
http://www.1-satellite-tv-facts.com

[pradeep mphta @ Aug 19th 2008 3:47AM]

i would like to purchase cowon q5 if it falls inthe catagory of 20000/- cause i have d2 and archos wifi. i just love cowon quality. i am from calcutta and where can i buy the best perice and product
pl answer me

[PRADEEP @ Aug 19th 2008 6:32AM]

i would like to purchase if the price catagory falls within 23000/ to 25000/
cause i have ipod touch and cowon d2
please suggest me where and how to buy

[kaushiima @ Oct 1st 2008 7:59AM]

Can anyone tell me which brick and mortar retailers sell Cowon Q5 in US? To be specific in Chicago? I do not have a credit card can't buy online

[kingofwale @ Apr 9th 2007 6:50PM]

499+???? that's PS3/Iphone price range. I've always loved Cowon PMP players, but this price point is just ridiculous.

[Jesse S @ Apr 9th 2007 6:52PM]

You're an idiot. It's not much more than the comparable Archos, AND it has more features, AND FLAC!!!

I'm getting an X5 today, and I'm totally getting this when it comes out!

One DAP, one PMP!

I've been wanting this for such a long time...

[JohnTitor @ Apr 9th 2007 6:57PM]

604 WiFI maybe but for the same price, this got nothing on the ARCHOS 704

[Jeremy K. @ Apr 9th 2007 7:07PM]

I don't know about that... The 704 is too big for a PMP. Plus, Archos nickel and dimes you for everything... codecs as well as extra hardware for recording features.

[alex @ Apr 10th 2007 1:21AM]

The ARCHOS 704 doesn't support all of the codec out of the box. You have to go to their site and buy it. I hate it when companies start nickel and diming me to death. Just include everything in the price of the item. It's really fraking annoying.

[mfalcon @ Apr 10th 2007 8:25PM]

Archos touch screen (604 and 704) sacrifice too much in picture quality, too expensive when you have to pay extra to use its features and a poor wifi experience with no flash or java support. Archos battery life can't compare to Cowon. The 704 is just too big. The Cowon looks perfect on paper and I hope they pull it off.

[Rod @ Apr 9th 2007 7:03PM]

Seems like it's time to upgrade my Cowon A2.

[JohnTitor @ Apr 9th 2007 7:10PM]

you are right about the extra hardware and extra codecs costing more
but its I don't see this Cowon including the hardware either
and they don't even mention the extra codecs that ARCHOS can support

[Sam @ Apr 9th 2007 7:23PM]

This is not much bigger than the my Cowon A2 (and slightly thinner). Might be time to upgrade...

[Flying? @ Apr 9th 2007 7:38PM]

Awesome! the first really-interesting-PMP! that screen looks beautiful ...

[Rod @ Apr 9th 2007 8:02PM]

I only wish it would do real.
I have some lecture webcasts I'd like to watch that are regrettably in real.

[E71 @ Apr 9th 2007 8:14PM]

Got Archos 504 160GB... If we can transfer over its huge capacity and codec support (divx/xvid/ac3/mov/mp4 etc) onto the Cowon, then hell yeah I'm switching! Otherwise... no.

[August @ Apr 9th 2007 8:30PM]

Enter apple fanboys: "butt its nto teh iPOD!1111!11!1!!11!!leleven!1!!!1!!!!"

[Shawn @ Apr 9th 2007 10:36PM]

the 704 wifi is too big, it wont fit in your pocket. plus archos pumps out fairly shitty software. i've had many problems with my 604 wifi involving crashes even when listening to music or browsing photos before i returned it (and if you look at any archos forum, im not the only one), and the 704 uses the same line of firmware.

also, you need to pay 40$ on top of the 704's price for two 0 kb downloads that unlocks the ability to play mpeg files and even some .avi files.

the 704 doesnt have blue tooth, HSDPA, built in GPS, text viewer, built in radio either, and the cowon Q5 has equal or higher storage capacity depending on which one you get. archos is in trouble if they dont bring down their prices or offer more through firmware updates (like skype support for making calls on it)

[ak47 @ Apr 10th 2007 1:35AM]

Just a FYI:
Cowon Q5 specs are
AMD Alchemy AU1200 500MHz
Windows CE 5.0 Professional
Supported video formats: AVI[DivX, Xvid], ASF, WMV,MPG, MPG4
DMB(for S. Korea)
TV out supported
Jeffect BBE
Supported audio format-MP3,WMA.OGG,FLAC,WAV,AC3,APE
Photoviewer -JPEG, BMP,PNG
Textviewer
FM Radio+Recorder
DRM10, Divx DRM
HSDPA Modem(external)
WIFI, Bluetooth
USB2.0
Built-in speakers
USB hosting
40G/60G
Picture backup from Digital Cameras
GPS(optional)
Size-138.8 * 88.5 * 20 (cm)
IRDA

I think it's a great device, and considering the fact that Cowon is releasing a firmware upgrade for D2 almost every month(with big upgrades) Q5 and A3 are both on my top priority list!!

[bob @ Apr 29th 2007 11:00AM]

But no TV recording?

[Oli W @ Apr 11th 2007 6:13AM]

When will the Q5 be released in the Uk

[sjensen @ Apr 11th 2007 2:50PM]

Looks absolutely amazing, but IE is a deal breaker for me, if they let you install, say, firefox or opera into the current os since it is windows based. I will strongly consider buying this product when the price drops about $50

[Billy Kincaid @ Apr 12th 2007 6:42AM]

^^^not at all a baller.

[dansus @ Apr 26th 2007 1:26PM]

Its using Windows CE 5.0 Professional, you can do anything and play any codec you can install.

With Hsdpa too, it looks like a good'en.

[pyro @ May 2nd 2007 8:26PM]

there's recording from fm radio, line in audio, and video rca cables too.

[mindlessbeing @ May 11th 2007 9:29PM]

Hmmm... Pure eye-candy =).

Q5 IMHO rocks the Archos Wifis to smithereens!

Shall we look at the differences?

The 604 Wifi Vs Cowon Q5

-604 has been known to have some lagging problems in the interface (due to a slow CPU). Q5 beats this due to the - if it is all that - great CPU.
-Q5's 5" screen beats the 604 in measurements and obliterates the 604's screen in resolution.
-Extra recording apparatus or carrying cases, etc. will not have to be purchased for the Q5 since Cowon just about always includes everything.
-The recording apparatus for the 604 will occupy more space, reducing its portability.
-The Q5 has just about the same measurements (which means a great deal to portability) yet houses so many more features and a larger screen.
-The Q5 has about the same battary life or not far from it (Archos ALWAYS exaggerates battery life), and even longer video battery life.
-Archos even charges you for extra codecs... (I mean, come on...)
-Q5 has a GPS feature, Infrared, WiFi and bluetooth. While Archos only has the WiFi.
-Q5 (remember, just about the same measurements) houses a hard disk up to twice the capacity of the 604.
-Q5 won't need extra docking equipment like the Archos for TV-Output/input.
-Q5 has a larger codec variety than the Archos.

(That's about all I can think of right now :P)

Archos 704 Wifi Vs Q5

-Main thing: PORTABILITY (I'm pretty sure many user of PMPs/PMCs/PVRs will agree with me that being able to carry without carrying it in your bag is GREAT plus for the device. Unfortunately, the Archos 704 DOES NOT permit this... the bulky size makes it absolutely impossible, while you can still fit the Q5 in a pair of trousers with a decent amount of pocket space (no tight jeans, obviously :P).
-Battery life gets owned by the 704 by a considerable amount.
-Once again, connectivity features lack in Archos.
-Extra equipment must be bought again (to record and output from sources or play on devices) and reduce portability for 704.
-The 704's 7" screen destroys the 5" screen of the Q5. HOWEVER (and this is a big one), the 7" screen is the main cause of it's inhibition of portability AND, the screen on the Q5 (considering it has the same resolution as the 704) will be much, much clearer and preciser due to the fact that it's compressed into a 5" screen, instead of the 7".
-Archos beats Q5 in HD space, with their 80GB edition. However, remember that that version is quite the money-beast.
-Codec support lacking in Archos again.
_______________________

I say that Cowon has a clear edge over the Archos 04 Wifi series for now and it's clear they mean business.

I'm getting one instead of the A2, that's for sure =D.

[hbannister @ Aug 30th 2007 11:31PM]

Cowon Q5 seems like vaporware to me... from ces 2007 to now... nothing... THis is a direct transcript from a cowon tech today... 8/29/2007.

HBannister:
Is the cowon q5 ever actually going to release in america. I've been waiting patiently for the device. Now apple is releasing a new video ipod on Sept 5th... should I continue to wait for the Q5 or should I just get the ipod?
Call accepted by operator Technical Support Team 2. Currently in room: Technical Support Team 2, HBannister.
Technical Support Team 2:
the q5 is releasing end of september
HBannister:
really this time?
Technical Support Team 2:
yes
HBannister:
promise promise
HBannister:
?
Technical Support Team 2:
thats what they say
HBannister:
excellent... any big changes for the usa that you know of or are the specs similar to what I see in Korea?
Technical Support Team 2:
just built in wifi that is it
HBannister:
still running windows ce?
Technical Support Team 2:
yes
HBannister:
boy I'd like to get my hands on one... bluetooth?
Technical Support Team 2:
pretty sure yes
HBannister:
OK... thanks... I'm waiting... but tell the big cowon guy in the sky that if October rolls around... he's gonna have another customer lost to apple... and that would be a shame 'cos the specs on the q5 are excellent... but vaporware isn't entertaining... Thanks again!
Technical Support Team 2:
Thank you for using Cowon America's live support service. We hope the information provided was helpful for you. If you have any further questions you may visit our website and browse our Knowledgebase to search for answers in the future.
Technical Support Team 2 has left the conversation. Currently in room: HBannister.

[Sheila @ May 31st 2007 9:11PM]

Can you add Microsoft Reader and MobiPocket to this device so that I can read my ebooks? Will it support WiMax?

[Mhaddy @ Jun 20th 2007 5:53PM]

I just picked up a 604 WiFi and it's definitely headed back to store after hearing about the Q5. Is the NA date end of June for release?

[fipo @ Jul 2nd 2007 4:59PM]

is it available in Europe??? and when???

[fipo @ Jul 2nd 2007 4:57PM]

because i´m hesitating...archos 605wifi or cowonQ5?

[alan @ Jul 1st 2007 12:54PM]

my advise, get the Q5. forget about the Archos, I've the 604wifi and regretted it, not because of hardware limitations, but because the company just does not provide good customer support. They could easily have made the the 605 firmware functions accessible to 604, but no, they have to let the 604 die. Customer support is not a top priority for them. I will not support a company where customer service is not important. Cowon has a good history of frequent firmware updates and upgrades of functionality. That's what's important. I can live with the lower resolution of the 604, but I can't condone their business practice of ignoring customer requests for more firmware functionality when it is already available in their 605 product.

[alan @ Jul 29th 2007 9:47PM]

to add to my point, take note that for the Archos 605, you need to factor in the costs of the Opera browser, the Flash support, and the various video and audio codec support. Out of the box, only a limited number of codecs are supported and the Opera browser and Flash is not available. Factor in the cost of all the plugins you will need, and then compare it to the Q5 price.
Archos is doing this to keep the cost of the product artificially low, but out of the box, you're buying a crippled product.

[dan @ Aug 4th 2007 3:06AM]

have checked korean website... no video recording like the cowon a2...

[Carlton @ Jul 5th 2007 10:12AM]

Alright, so when will it be running Linux :)

Got an X5 right now and absolutely love it (running Rockbox firmware on it). Would love to get Linux running on a Q5. Can think of it right now. Wardriving with it, find a hotspot, ssh into my dyndns'd PC and use subversion to synchronize the latest downloaded music and video. Man, that'd be awesome.

[lost seeker @ Jul 6th 2007 5:43AM]

Cowon release date is the 1st of August!!

don't get the Archos 605, what you pay for are bad custimor service and more payoffs for codec's and software.They also have a bad gistory with the 04 series problem with static wrecking the pmp.

Get Cowon and you get a cool product with NO payoffs, great updates, more codec than archos (mkv for example), well made device and it will be unique! not like those crap ipods.

beside most people who buy archos regret it, when a new device is made~

[sac @ Jul 12th 2007 10:32PM]

will it be released in australia if so when and how much?

[dad @ Jul 11th 2007 7:08AM]

don't know, soon maybe

[Sylvain Jette @ Jul 15th 2007 3:51PM]

Pretty simple to me. If you need DVR functionailty, then get the 605 wifi otherwise, it's seems better to get the Q5. Does anyone know if you can add other software to the Q5 (i.e. 3rd part windows ce 5.0 ?

[bjm @ Jul 22nd 2007 11:58PM]

The post says the Cowon has DVR functionality.

[sergio @ Sep 1st 2007 4:52PM]

We saw hints of the Cowon Q5 PMP at CES, but the US announce of the Cowon Q5 Mega PMP is upon us, along with more shots and details. Why do you care? I'll tell you why: This PMP has not only Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but HSDPA/EDGE/GPRS data for web browsing over cellular data. DVR functions. And GPS with text to speech, 11 million points of interest. Yowza.

The rest of the package includes a impressively fine 800 by 480-pixel 5-inch touchscreen, FM radio/recorder, voice recording, and stereo speakers.

OK, as we know , devices with this much going on have to pass the user-interface test, which only a handful of companies in the world can pull off well. At least by features, the Q5 will have to face off with the Archos 704, and maybe in a strange multitasking matchup, the Nokia N95. It'll be out by end of Q2 for $500/$550 for 40 and 60 gig models.


cowonq5


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


More interesting detail, and stat smather, including file support (Yes, OGG, FLAC and AAC!) after the jump.

There's also TV out over component, and direct download of photos from any camera (USB 2.0 Host). The processor, an AMD Alchemy Au1200, should allay any worries of sluggish Windows CE 5.0 performance...maybe.

Battery life is a claimed 13 hours of audio, or 7 of video, via lithium ions, but get this—it'll charge by USB. Rare for such a big gadget.

COWON Unveils the COWON Q5: A Next-generation Networked Portable Multimedia Player COWON Q5 Raises the Bar for Full-featured PMPs with Windows CE Operating System, Wireless Network Connectivity, AMD Chipset, Wide-screen LCD, FM Tuner and GPS Navigation IRVINE, Calif. - April 9, 2007 - Focused on giving consumers everything they want in a single portable multimedia player (PMP), COWON America, Inc., today officially unveiled the COWON Q5, the next generation in networked portable multimedia devices. The first networked PMP to blend an ultra-fine-resolution, 5-inch wide-screen color LCD featuring touch-sensitive interface with Microsoft Windows® CE 5.0 Professional operating system and AMD AlchemyTM Au1200TM processor, the COWON Q5 offers comprehensive wireless connectivity with a High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) modem, Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth®. Other product highlights include 40GB or 60GB of storage capacity, built-in stereo speakers, FM tuner and optional GPS navigation package. Developed by COWON Systems, a global leader in digital multimedia solutions, the COWON Q5 brings together the latest portable media and wireless network technologies to provide users with a full-featured networked digital media experience. The COWON Q5 will be available for U.S. consumers by end of Q2 2007.

"Industry experts expect the global PMP market to double by 20111 - growth that is
being fueled by increasing adoption of wired and wireless Internet access and
broadband digital video," said Francis Choi, senior marketing manager of COWON
America. "To harness this potential, we've bundled the latest portable media device
technology with those features consumers want most - a large screen for video
playback and Internet browsing; HSDPA modem, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless
networking; FM tuner and even GPS navigation - into the COWON Q5. We expect the
COWON Q5 to meet the high expectations of existing COWON PMP fans and introduce
to a new legion of users the COWON brand."
COWON Q5: Next-generation Networked PMP
The COWON Q5 runs Windows CE 5.0 Professional, Microsoft's componentized,
real-time operating system developed for small footprint consumer electronics devices.
The operating system features Microsoft's Networked Media Device components and
expansion capabilities tailored to the specialized needs of networked media devices like
the COWON Q5.
With its integrated HSDPA modem or Wi-Fi, the COWON Q5 enables users to
wirelessly connect to the Internet using a Windows CE Internet Explorer browser.
Additionally, the COWON Q5's integrated Bluetooth technology allows users to
wirelessly connect and share data with other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as mobile
phones, laptops, PCs, printers, digital cameras, and video game consoles over a secure
connection.
The COWON Q5 also incorporates the AMD Alchemy Au1200 500MHz processor, a
low-power, high-performance, system-on-chip solution designed to bring media
center-quality functionality to portable devices. Optimized for PMPs, the Au1200
processor enhances the COWON Q5's digital media playback capabilities thanks to its
integrated media acceleration hardware and software.

Moreover, the processor provides a more simplified user experience and enhanced
digital media playback than current-generation PMPs with digital-to-digital video
recorder (DVR) functionality and direct video transfer without the need to transcode
video files on a PC. Without the need to transcode video files, the COWON Q5 requires
less time to download and playback video files.
Full-featured PMP and GPS Navigation Device
The COWON Q5 is available with 40GB or 60GB 1.8-inch hard disk drive storage
capacity, 128MB of DDR2 SDRAM and 64 MB of NOR Flash memory. Every COWON
Q5 models are equipped with a 5-inch, wide-screen, 16-million-color TFT LCD with
ultra-fine 800x480 (WVGA) resolution. The display also functions as a touch-sensitive
interface to navigate the Windows CE operating system.
Additionally, the COWON Q5 provides an FM radio and recorder, voice recorder, built-in
stereo speakers, and TV-out supporting component and composite connectors. The
portable multimedia player also functions as a photo and document viewer with support
for photo backup of digital cameras, and as a high-speed USB 2.0 portable storage with
maximum speed of 480 Mbps.
The COWON Q5 also features an optional GPS navigation package loaded with Tele
Atlas premium digital map data of the continental United States featuring text-to-speech
technology and 11 million POIs (point-of-interest). With the addition of GPS navigation,
user can extend the versatility of the COWON Q5 to include in-vehicle use as a digital
mapping device to plan routes and pinpoint destinations.
The built-in Lithium Polymer rechargeable battery provides up to13 hours of audio and 7
hours of video playback in a single charge via USB or standard wall charger. The
COWON Q5 measures 5.46 x 3.48 x 0.79 inches and weighs 13.4 ounces.

The COWON Q5 is also outfitted with the latest portable multimedia technologies, and
supports a wide range of digital media codecs and formats, including:
• Enhanced sound quality with BBE, Mach3Bass, MP Enhance, 3D Surround
and 5Band EQ audio technologies
• Digital video playback without transcoding of AVI (DivX and XviD), ASF,
WMW, MPEG and MP4 codecs
• Digital audio playback support of MP3, WMA, WAV, AC3 and ACC codecs;
and lossless audio codecs including FLAC and OGG Vorbis
• DVR functionality with video (MP4) recording from TV, VCR or camcorder.
• Music recording from line-in audio
• Voice recording with built-in microphone
Pricing for the COWON Q5 40GB and 60GB configurations is estimated at $499.99 and
$549.99 U.S. (MSRP), respectively. Optional GPS navigation package will be available
for $199.99.

[kostas @ Sep 2nd 2007 6:26AM]

I need to carry with me and read pdf and chm files, I currently own an htc 3300 but it's 2.8 in screen is inadequate for this purpose, I had also bought in the past an archos 604 which had an excellent screen but it was awfully slow to load a pdf file and so I gave it to a friend.
does anyone know if q5 can support adobe reader (in my opinion it is the fastest of all relevant programs for pdf files) or if I can install a chm viewer?
if the answer to the above question is yes I will buy the q5 right away! the 5 in, 800x480 resolution, 16k collors screen sounds fantastic!
thanks

[Dominick @ Sep 5th 2007 1:35AM]

Is it just me or does anyone notice that the Cowon is NOT available in 100 or 160GB Capacity like the Archos devices are. Sorry but 60GB and 80GB is NOT enough! IF this device comes in a high capacity like 100GB or 160GBs, and has a removable battery that lasts a good amount of time I would go for this one..but since I dont see it coming in high capacity and I dont know if it has a removable battery that lasts a while, I'll probably go with the Archos AV500 or more likely the 504.

[Juracan @ Sep 15th 2007 9:10AM]

I've read there are plans to create larger sizes in the "future". I how ever don't see this as a problem because with the USB connections it looks like you can connect external Hard drives and I usually carry WD 120 gig usb powered external drive.

[EffDeat @ Sep 16th 2007 5:59PM]

Will the Q5 work with the mac?

[EffDat @ Sep 16th 2007 5:44PM]

test

[Laurene @ Sep 19th 2007 10:16AM]

Hi Everyone, im from Philippines and im really into gadgets. I wanted to buy ARCHOS 605Wifi but unfortunately there's no distributor here. As i was checking the net i found out about Cowon Q5 and the specs is so awesome compare to Archos except for the HDD capacity. Does anyone know where i can buy Cowon Q5 here in the Phil? Please inform me. tnx

[Masked @ Oct 29th 2007 2:33PM]

Would be nice if you could get the Q5, connect it to something like the Novatel Wireless Ovation U727 USB Connection Card for Internet and then get the Unlimited nationwide calls with Skype. Would be like $59.99/month for unlimited use + $3 per month for skype. So you would have a phone for only $63 per month plus unlimited internet and all of the regular features of the pmp....any thoughts?

[poulan @ Nov 29th 2007 7:41PM]

5in screen and 7 hours battery life for moview. Impressive!

[Gregory House @ Dec 18th 2007 5:13AM]

I *was* shopping for both an in car map and a PMP. Now I'm going to get a Q5W + GPS.


Here's hoping the GPS doesn't suck!