[iAudio X5] Considering buying - recommend it?

rabbitinlights

I have a 30GB 3G IPOD and I want to upgrade, I really like the features and reviews of the iAudio X5, does anyone have it and can they give me an idea of the good and more importantly the bad points that come with these, bear in mind that ill be very used to ipods.

Any help or points of view would be great.


S.

muckwarrior

The X5 is an excellent player. One of it's only drawbacks is the lack of 1d3 tag support, which you may notice being an ipod owner. This basically means that music will be structured on your player the same way it is on your hard drive. If your in the habit of sorting it properly on your computer then this won't be an issue, but if your files are all over the place then you'll need to spend some time tidying them up.
Otherwise though, it has the best sound quality of any player I've ever used, it has UMS firmware (you don't need any software to transfer files or music), usb host functionality (can connect directly to another UMS device and copy music or files without the need for a pc) FM radio, photo and video capability (although the screen isn't up to the standard of more recent video equiped players), and the build quality also seems excellent.

rabbitinlights

Thanks, ID3 would not be a problem for me, I actually use Xplay for my ipod, as to avoid the ID3 tags on my files, Xplay makes them appear just as they are on my PC so thats good news, also the UMS would be great as ill be going travelling for a while and it means I wont need to carry software and worry about messing with other peoples mp3 software. Im not too pushed about videos, but the usb host would be sweet for photos while travelling.

Whats the menu like? would the remote be a good Idea?

Thanks again.
S.

the-lad

if you do get one get the X5L as it has a better battery life

Ruskie4Rent

The menu is similar to windows. You use the stick to scroll through the folders. Easy too get used too but not as quick as an ipod/zen

rabbitinlights

the-lad wrote:

if you do get one get the X5L as it has a better battery life

Does the 60GB come in a L model?

grimloch

rabbitinlights wrote:

Does the 60GB come in a L model?

No, they decided not to make one due to the size it would be, if memory serves me correctly.

I have the 20G X5L and I'm very happy with it. I won't repeat what's already been said but I'll just add that I've gotten on fine without the remote. Plus it's in a nice little metal case and as such has survived one or two minor falls. Seven thumbs up from me.

rabbitinlights

Thanks lads, I think ill be taking the plunge soon, keep the comments coming though, as its the little things that can be really annoying that you dont know till you start using it.

S.

litirspam

muckwarrior wrote:

The X5 is an excellent player. One of it's only drawbacks is the lack of 1d3 tag support, which you may notice being an ipod owner. This basically means that music will be structured on your player the same way it is on your hard drive. If your in the habit of sorting it properly on your computer then this won't be an issue, but if your files are all over the place then you'll need to spend some time tidying them up.
Otherwise though, it has the best sound quality of any player I've ever used, it has UMS firmware (you don't need any software to transfer files or music), usb host functionality (can connect directly to another UMS device and copy music or files without the need for a pc) FM radio, photo and video capability (although the screen isn't up to the standard of more recent video equiped players), and the build quality also seems excellent.

Excuse my ignorance but can someone explain again what id3 tag support is?

rabbitinlights

Its information about mp3 file:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ID3

Right click and properties on an mp3 file will show you the info.

litirspam

so if you do not name the file properly yourself then the name will not appear?

As in winamp?

Why the hell do they not support it? Is there a way of installing yourself?

grimloch

rabbitinlights wrote:

Thanks lads, I think ill be taking the plunge soon, keep the comments coming though, as its the little things that can be really annoying that you dont know till you start using it.

S.

One thing that may annoy you, depending on what earphones you have, is the fact that the earphone jack is on the side of the player. As such, you need headphones that have that "L" shape at the end of them. You can see what I mean in this picture.

Here's a fairly well rounded review of the thing.

http://www.iaudiophile.net/content.php?review.24.0

Even the downsides he mentions don't bother me at all in the slightest.

rabbitinlights

Ye, I spotted the side input, but the shure earphones I have are L shaped, so thats not too bad, Im proabbly gonna get the 60GB model, is this much bigger than the 30GB?

S.

grimloch

rabbitinlights wrote:

Ye, I spotted the side input, but the shure earphones I have are L shaped, so thats not too bad, Im proabbly gonna get the 60GB model, is this much bigger than the 30GB?

S.

On paper it's 5mm thicker. It doesn't sound like a huge amount but I'd take a look at and feel the both of them before buying. Personally pocket real estate isn't in huge demand for me so the extra 5mm were no bother at all.

Audioslaven

I got one for my bro on http://www.mp3-player.de/ it was the cheapest I could find. My bro loves the player, great sound!! So good other bro bought one!!

hopeful

A whole pile of thumbs up here too. Had mine 8 months and still love it. I have the 20gb L version with Noreve case and Shure 'phones.

BTW...a little off topic...I have the remote which I have never used...bought on impulse. Still boxed. If anyone is interested drop me a line and we can do a deal. Will be putting it on the FS section soon also.