Customer Reviews
COWAN 7 
2008-09-18
The only problem i have is that the in-line hole is vuneralble to moisture. i had fatal results before from this overlook from the manufacture. With the U2, they had a case that would cover the hole. My solution was to by a cheap pair of head phones and use the connection to insert into the hole while i bike or run. Other than that it skips and freaks out once in a while.
i use a vinyl restorer to rub on the product that helps with the finger prints.
great little player 
2008-09-10
Cowon iAUDIO 7 Portable 8 GB MP3 Player (Red)
Bought this to listen to at work and I am glad I bought this player. Sound is great as is battery life. I usually listen to it 10 plus hours a day and can go all week before charging. Well worth the money in my opinion unless you like playlists which this player doesn't do well. Not a big deal for me , the sound and battery life were what sold me on this player.
Exactly what I was looking for 2008-09-07
This device is exactly what I was looking for. I wanted something that required no software to load and use and had excellent sound quality. I like the flexibility of choosing which format to use (mp3, ogg, flac, wav). This is truly drag and drop for file transfer. I can't comment on the included software, as I have not installed it yet. I am only using this for music, so I also can't comment on the video or bookmarking capabilities. My only problem so far has been that the included ear buds were slightly too large for my small ears. I ended up replacing them. Sound quality is excellent. I can hear all of the detail on the various types of music that I have listened to. The screen is very small, but very sharp and clear. The slide touch controls were simple to learn. The hold button is critical, though, as the buttons are pretty sensitive. overall, I am extremely pleased with my purchase.
Don't by Cowon products... 
2008-09-04
I have been thoroughly disappointed with their products and lack of customer service. They average about 2-3 weeks to return an email for customer service issues. I finally got through to a representative and was advised to send the product back to them, at my own expense and they emailed back about 1 month later stating that there is no problem with the item. When I emailed back with a detailed description of the specific situation I encountered (item stopped powering on or charging through the USB port) they ceased communication. I still haven't heard back from them, but will never buy their products ever again. They are terrible both at manufacturing and caring for their customers.
Very good, 4 to 5 stars 2008-08-16
I have used an iAudio G3 and was pretty happy with the performance, radio, and the fact it uses an AA battery. But the 2GB is getting low for longer trips.
I was attracted to the iAudio 7 for 3 reasons: good battery life and great sound quality (by reviewers) and the GORGEOUS display/finish from the pictures at the COWON website.
I am generally satisfied with this unit. 8GB will be good enough for me for a while. Since I used G3 before, the navigation is pretty similar, which may take some getting use to for new customers. The sound quality is slightly better than G3, in my opinion.
The touch pad does seem too sensitive. I often activate the recording function while listening to radio. Just have to remember using the "hold" button.
It does look very nice, too.
great product if it would last 2008-08-15
The Extreme MP3P - iAUDIO-7 has enhanced EQ filter to unleash the creative potential of jeteffect, up to surprisingly long 60 hours of continus play. The huge 8GB flash memory will handle all your MP3, OGG, WMA, ASF, FLAC, WAV, MPEG4(video), TXT and JPEG files.The iAudio-7 can record to flash from its built-in FM receiver or via the 3.5mm line in. You can plug in your biggest audiophile headphones with no fear as this device pumps out 52mW at 16ohms with a five band sweepable EQ to custom tailor the sound to your exact specifications. Watch videos or view JPEG on the 1.3" screen in 260,000 colors. The iAUDIO 7 even will store 200,000 lyrics and supports karaoke functions.
Excellent sound, super-simple operation, long-lasting battery 2008-08-13
This is my first Amazon review ever, and I'm almost embarrassed to be writing a comment on a gadget (as opposed to a book, say), but I'm just so darned pleased with this thing...
I was wary of not re-upping with an iPod, but I wanted a device I could use with any OS (between work [OSX] and home [Ubuntu/XP] I run them all...), so I went for this one, on the strength of recommendations from other Linux users.
First off, the sound is _amazing_. The EQ works very well, the mid-range is solid, the bass amazing (with the right headphones).
Secondly, after years wondering if I was the only one who disliked the control on various iPods -- finally a device with simple, intuitive and fairly error-free buttons that one can use even when exercising.
It worked on all platforms, no software needed. I mostly use RhythmBox on Ubuntu, but WinAmp works as well. Even the firmware upgrade doesn't need specialized software: you copy a binary to the root of the filesystem and restart.
Oh, and the battery seems to go on forever.
Finally, the recording and playback functions are well-attuned to school-work. I record and play back lectures, and it's much easier to play back a section on this thing compared to an iPod.
The only real downside, to me, is that the screen is tiny, a consequence of the small size of the device. I also wish there were a stop-watch.
Craftsmanship 2008-08-12
I almost never write reviews.
I took the time to write this because this really is an excellent product.
I got this after a lot of research. It's best feature is that it is really made to play audio. No junk, no hype, no nonsense. Does the job and does it quietly and perfectly.
Pros:
- No need to use custom formats or custom software.
- Plays many formats of files, open ones like ogg too.
- The battery feels like it NEVER runs out and it charges in a few hours
- Simple and uncluttered interface, mostly well designed.
- Bookmarks and sound clarity make it ideal for Audiobooks.
- Can be used as a USB drive. Use it for any purpose.
- Standard USB input. No proprietary nonsense or lock-in in terms for software, OS, formats, etc.
- No special charging cables. standard USB cable used for both transfer and charging from mains.
- Not made by either Apple or Microsoft!
cons:
- the slide interface is more hype than function. It's very good for navigating menus, but it's too sensitive to keep active when the player is in your pocket. It can be locked but that's a little annoying.
- boot is a little slow ( for me )
Can't figure out! 2008-08-09
I purchased this to use at important meetings and conventions I frequent. Using this as a recording tool off of an FM frequency. It is too difficult to figure out and I don't like the bottons.
Cowon iAUDIO 7 Portable 8 GB MP3 Player (Red 2008-08-09
It's a little tricky to get use to at first. The buttons are very sensitive. I adjusted mine to low. You pretty much need to use the hold button. If you don't want accidental interuptions. The battery life is amazing. I haven't lost charge once. I have not experimented with the EQ yet. It seems a little tricky. Many settings in that feature. So far so good. Use play speed 0. Otherwise you could listen to Alvin and The Chipmonks. It doesn't come with any case or base. I will update any new experiences.
