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Cowon Announces the N2 - Less PMP, More DMB/GPS
comment: 23 | Sunday, October 01 (2006) 05:45PM | Posted by Michael
We've been eagerly waiting for some new players from Cowon, and now we have this. The N2 isn't exactly what we were expecting however. It isn't your standard DAP/PMP, but rather a DMB/GPS Navigation device.



The "player" is still capable of audio and video playback, but there is only 32MB's of onboard memory. You have to connect other devices to it through the built in USB-Host to really get any media use out of that large 7" display. This undoubtedly will be a Korea-only release.

  • 7" Touch-sensitive display (480x234)
  • 32MB onboard flash memory
  • Runs Windows CE 5.0 with 500MHz AMD Alchemy processor
  • GPS Navigation Capabilities
  • DMB capabilities
  • Audio: MP3, WMA, Ogg, and WAV (no FLAC)
  • Video: DivX 3/4/5, XviD, MPEG4, WMV9
  • USB-Host
  • Two SD Slots
  • Line-out
  • FM Transmitter
  • Built-in speakers
  • Infra-red sensor (for remote use)
  • And More!




Well the N2 certainly seems to be a "swiss-army* device but 32MB's of space is just sad. I just hope this isn't the direction Cowon is going in. With such winners as the X5 and A2 aging, you'd think they'd come out with a successor by now. Hopefully we'll see something more exciting at 2007's CES event (Jan. 8-11th).

LINK (via iAudiophile and Engadget)

Thanks to all that sent this in!
Comments

dap_pad

Comments: 519
Oct 01 (2006) 06:12PM  

It's kinda funny to think that this still has more codec support than some full fledged PMPs LOL good design... and 32MB is enough for a GPS unit, the maps aren't that big.




Parijizzle

Comments: 58
Oct 01 (2006) 06:28PM  

Whats really dissapointing is that it doesnt even run windows CE 6, CE 5 was old news as of last week,




bloodycape

Comments: 705
Oct 01 (2006) 06:30PM  

Well CE 6 is still in beta testing so you can't really say that this is old. I am assuming their will either be a hack or cowon themselves will give an CE 6 update.




YpoCaramel

Comments: 169
Oct 01 (2006) 06:36PM  

SD cards these days have gotten a lot cheaper, though 2x2GB will still set you back $60USD at least. Not the best solution, I know.




undesign

Comments: 786
Oct 01 (2006) 06:40PM  

waaay too big for a portable. wheres the iAudio G5 with AA battery and 50 hour playback???




XooM

Comments: 57
Oct 01 (2006) 06:48PM  

argh, cowon, stop making my forehead all bruised! I can only hit it so many times...




kuhla

Comments: 46
Oct 01 (2006) 06:49PM  

what the hell cowon.... WHAT THE HELL?!

you KNOW we are waiting for....

release it already!!




bloodycape

Comments: 705
Oct 01 (2006) 06:53PM  

As people have said this is not a pmp, audio player or video player. This is a windows CE base Navigation system for the Korean market that has usb host support and video, music, dmbtv, and other stuff as a secondary feature. Kinda of like the Garman navi system that support audio playback.




dap_pad

Comments: 519
Oct 01 (2006) 07:49PM  

Exactly, this isn't meant to be a full-fledged PMP. it's a GPS first and a media player second... Although i really want Cowon to come out with it's X6 or A3...




eatcha

Comments: 37
Oct 01 (2006) 08:17PM  

This thing is for being mounted on the dashboard of cars, probably to control all the AV, hence the touchscreen. I would like to see something new and worthwhile from Cowon though




timmins

Comments: 270
Oct 01 (2006) 08:55PM  

when is CES?




Allen
Location: Dub Vee Ooo
Comments: 1511
Oct 01 (2006) 09:06PM  

Mmmmm not the news I wanted to hear... but its not bad news.... it shows us that indeed Cowon is alive...




rockinamigo14

Comments: 188
Oct 01 (2006) 09:23PM  

i'll bet cowon is reading these comments, and just laughing.




Design Fabulous

Comments: 1038
Oct 01 (2006) 09:38PM  

You guys must understand, the Navigation systems are very popular in Korea. Even my grandparents use this type of navigation. This is NOT supposed to be a pmp. Navigation and dmb first, pmp as a side function. Don't be dissapointed, this isn't Cowon's next pmp and it is not even made for you guys.




dap_pad

Comments: 519
Oct 01 (2006) 10:12PM  

Exactly what i've been saying LOL This is a GPS first and a PMP second. CES is January 8-11.




Austin Vaughan
Location: Lenexa, KS
Comments: 768
Oct 02 (2006) 03:51AM  

We'll be in Vegas for CES from Jan 6-13




pecker

Comments: 501
Oct 02 (2006) 05:22AM  

bloody hugh screen 4 sat nav!!




dap_pad

Comments: 519
Oct 02 (2006) 10:22AM  

LOL woot, CES coverage... hopefully Cowon will release a real PMP




Hari Iyer

Comments: 87
Oct 02 (2006) 05:36PM  

what....the...fuck....

why make something so massive and only put in 32 mb.....jesus christ.




MGS2392

Comments: 23
Oct 02 (2006) 08:44PM  

Repeat after me

It's not a PMP
It's not a PMP
It's not a PMP

Better?




608zz
Location: DC metro area.
Comments: 270
Oct 02 (2006) 10:01PM  

Two SD slots, and SD-cards are the best thing going on flash memory. I hope that IS the direction that Cowon is going. SD cards are always less expensive than buying a new device. If the iAudio G3 had an enclosed SD-slot, I'd be very pleased. Us mobile audiophile have no need for color LCDs, but that's another dig for another day.




Design Fabulous

Comments: 1038
Oct 03 (2006) 12:03AM  

Yay! Great to have CES coverage again!







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