The iPod Touch is all the rage, deservedly so, but there are other touchscreen Portable Media Players available.

Many have heard of the Archos 605, which was covered in the Blog posting “Internet Browser: $30“. Here are two other players which are well worth mentioning:

The first is the feature-packed Cowon D2. The Cowon D2 is a compact 3 by 2.2 by 0.6 inches with a 2.5 inch (diagonally) touchscreen. The touchscreen can be operated using an included triangular stylus or a finger. The player supports multiple audio file formats, as well as JPG photo display and video playback. It also has an FM radio along with voice, radio and line-in recording. The battery is rated for over 50 hours of audio playback and 10 hours of video playback. Firmware updates have added extra functionality including flash-based games and an optional flash based interface. There is also an SD Card slot which supports High-Capacity SD Cards.

The second is the Samsung YP-P2, which is closer to the iPod Touch in size, although about half an inch shorter and slimmer, but almost as thin, and sporting a 3 inch screen. Whereas the iPod Touch has Wi-Fi, the P2 has Bluetooth. This is where it gets interesting. The P2 can be paired with Bluetooth headphones or speakers. It also can be paired with a cellphone and the built-in microphone used to for a conversation (a non-hands free device?). The touch interface of the P2 supports finger tapping and swiping actions, although is not that precise according to several reviewers. The menu is customizable, and Samsung have released a number of firmware updates with new features. It supports a couple of common audio and video file formats. The P2 is currently available in 4GB and 8GB capacities, with a 16GB version having been announced. Unfortunately it does not have a memory expansion slot.

Both the Cowon D2 and the Samsung YP-P2 have excellent sound quality.

Posted on April 23rd, 2008 by mervyn