When I drop close to $400.00 on a “mobile” digital media player I expect it to last a long time. Two years just ain’t enough. Well, that is just what happened. Just about two years after my purchase of the iPod the thing just crapped out on me. I really considered not going with the iPod at the time since there was at least one other unit which had great reviews but iTunes sold me. The fact that I did not have to commit to a monthly fee and that I could purchase individual tunes was key. Today, we find at least another service providing the same namely Walmart which sells their tunes for 88 cents and which seems for at least the music I listen (Jazz/World Fusion Guitar oriented) to have a comparable selection as iTunes. Also I bumped into a press release about Microsoft starting their own pay per song service which is great for the consumer. One thing MS has is pull and that has to mean better selection for the consumer. In anycase, it turns out that I don’t buy a whole lot. In the last two years it seems that I have accumulated about 150 purchased tunes from iTunes. In the same two years I probably have purchased about six CDs. Yet, I listen to music especially this past years for approx 30 hours per week.

Anyhow, now that my iPod is defunct, what am I to do? Drop more money on Apple after they let me down? No freakin way. Now, I get to study the issue and go for quality . Do the Research. The result is that I am going to give iAudio a chance. Specifically, I have purchased the iAudio X5L which has an unbelievable 35 hours of audio play , less if you watch video, supports Linux? What? Yes. Here are its features, all for the same price as the comparable iPod although not really comparable iAudio blows the iPod in features. The audio and general build quality are ranked as excellent. I guess I’m still mad about the demise of my iPod which must be why I took the time to copy and format the features list below. I have also inserted my comments where appropriate. I want people to know. There are also a number of reviews. One of the most comprehensive can be found here.

Features:

X5, with its super-compact slim design is not only convenient to carry, but also stylish with a high-quality aluminium external finish on most of the unit.

iAUDIO comes equipped with a 160 x 128 dot, 260,000 color TFT-LCD, which allows you to check the general operation status of the device with one glance.

It’s possible to convert various video files to MPEG4 up to 15 FPS using JetAudio. The transcoded video file can be played back on iAUDIO X5.

You can import photos taken from a digital camera to iAUDIO, and view them from iAUDIO using the USB Host feature of iAUDIO X5. (*Certain digital cameras are not supported.)

You can view both text and image files on iAUDIO X5. You can view text files while listening to music. There is apparently support for a scrollable lyrics display feature.

With the super huge storage capacity, this 20GB product can save approximately 5,000 songs (MP3 files — 4 MB each). iAUDIO X5 is capable of recognizing up to 2,000 folders and 10,000 files. The new models come with 30GB.

A super power saving circuit is used to provide a long playback time. A continuous playback of up to 14 hours is possible after a full charge. (based on the company’s test environment). Up to 35 hours with the X5L model.

It supports MP3, OGG, WMA, WAV files, as well as FLAC (a lossless compressed codec). The first player in Korea to support this format, and only the second in the world!

Create your own iAUDIO ! You can create your own logo or download logos from our web site. You can also set your own picture as wallpaper. Cute, I’ll probably have a picture of my dog there.

With the built-in, high-fidelity microphone, iAUDIO can record voice at the level of dedicated voice recorders.You can record important meetings or lectures using this feature. My composition/music mentor suggested I record our lessons , this will be a great feature for me.

iAUDIO provides direct encoding by which you can record output from an external audio device at a 1:1 ratio. This means that you can connect the recording terminal and the output terminal of an external audio device with a bi-directional stereo cable for recording. Using this feature, you can receive the direct input from audio devices such as a walkman, MD (mini disk), old LP phonograph, or TV, and record them with iAUDIO. Hmm, maybe I can rescue my investment of tunes in some proprietary format which can only run on specific hardware. Note, I do mean investment I have already paid for these.

Listen to FM radio and record it by pressing a button, instantly. Play them back on iAUDIO, or save to your computer. Also has a preset feature which allows you to save your preferred radio stations as channel numbers. Maybe a good way to scan for new artists although most of the Jazz fusion stuff seems to be lame and watered down soul-less.

iAUDIO is automatically recognised as a removable disk when you connect it to your PC via the USB cable. You no longer need a separate USB drive with small storage any more. There is support for Mac and Linux.

Discover true, rich bass sound.iAUDIO is the only mp3 player that provides exquisite sound with world-renowned U.S. BBE Sound System for the first time in the world. BBE Sound System is known for its true sound reproduction and clarity.It is only available with iAUDIO. No other mp3 player can be compared! BBE, has been used in the recording industry for quite a while now. Many moons ago I had purchased a unit which I used on vocals and guitar.

Create your own world with high-quality EQ JetEffect.iAUDIO U2 can create up to 1.2 trillion different sounds with a total of six top-of-the-line sound effects (5 Band EQ, BBE, Mach3Bass, MP Enhance, 3D Surround and Pan).

Whether it’s Rock or Jazz, Easy Listening or Classical, you will enjoy rich sound from the most delicate to the most powerful.

Superb Cresyn headphones are a standard accessory with iAUDIO U2.Cresyn is one of the leading brand in sound reproduction. With this light, top-quality headset, you wouldn’t want to take them off! I’ll probably invest in Senheizzer or Sony high quality ear buds.

You can enjoy your music and read lyrics at the same time! New Lyric Display Feature provides you with lyrics on wide color LCD

iAUDIO X5 support Clock feature to do View Clock, Alarm, FM radio recording and more through this.

Support USB 2.0 interface to transfer your 700Mbytes movie files within few seconds! Max speed is 480Mbps.

Scan through your music folder while listening. X5’s intelligent control is designed for your convenience. Command-oriented navigation window and popup-type menu window make organizing simple! X5 allows you to spend less time in hassle and more time in enjoying your favorite music.

Create and edit playlists directly on the X5. Organize your songs any way you like. Random and other playback modes available.Also user can edit playlist while playing. Add or delete.

Supports M3U playlist that mostly used in PC. Can playback by storing music files each different folder into the list

Display mode, Auto off and Sleep function are included with the iAUDIO X5.

You can use the firmware upgrade feature to improve product performance. We support user’s requests and suggestions by continuously providing firmware on a non-periodic basis.

Up to 12 minutes of anti-shock. Enjoy your music while running or driving.

The custom made leather case fits perfectly to your X5 to protect and make your X5 look even more attractive. (Optional Accessory)

Easy to manage iAUDIO X5 through JetShell, which is upgraded and it’s compatible with removable disk. JetShell can do CD ripping, File convert and music playback.

JetShell, the file transfer software included in the iAUDIO package, allows you to convert music to MP3 files easily and rapidly. Now you convert and upload your favorite music from Audio CDs to iAUDIO.

Also included in the package is JetAudio, the most popular integrated multimedia player software in the world. Also, a simple video conversion for X5 is possible using the JetAudio conversion tools without need for any additional program.

Use Mac or Linux? No problem!! iAUDIO X5 is available to be used on Mac or Linux OS.

All functions are easy to controlled by 6 line wide LCD remote controller and it include indigo blue backlight. (Optional Accessory)

Stylish designed cradle has 3 main functions. File and data transfer and fast recharge thru USB interface, direct encoding thru line-in port, external speaker output thru line-out port. (Optional Accessory).