• iAudio COWON S9 [Review]

    iAudio COWON S9 [Review]

    Frazier Barretto, Feb 10, 2009 1843 hrs IST

    The next device after the iPod/iPhone to have a capacitive screen

    Great screen quality, great audio quality, good video playback, classy design, USB 2.0, Bluetooth 2.0 A2DP, good battery life

    No Wi-Fi, touch sensitivity could have been better, minimalist package, a bit expensive

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The COWON S9 is a new slick player from iAudio. It's the first player after the Apple iPod, or should I say the next device after the iPod/iPhone that has a capacitive screen. Other than the AMOLED screen, the player also boasts of a sleek design that is esthetic to hold and use.


 



 


The S9 has great support for audio and video, so whilst it's got all the goods to showcase media, it can readily read them directly from the most common of formats without the need for conversion. The player looks to go head-on against the iPhone with its multimedia features, but not as far as connectivity goes; the S9 is minus Wi-Fi. Nevertheless, which of the two is able to provide the better multimedia experience or entertainment is what you'll know by the end of this complete review.


 



 


Bundle


iAudio COWON S9
Stereo earphones
USB cable
Manual & CD


The package just has the bare minimum of contents. I would have loved to see a travel charger and a carry case. Adding TV-Out cables would make it a complete package.

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iAudio COWON S9 Wi-Fi Apple iPod Apple iPhone Apple AMOLED screen capacitive screen XViD WMV



Discussion Board
(10) Comments
ramcharanteja
,hyderabad, on Feb 11, 2010 09:22 PM
this modal is very old so please get the new modal.
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Abhinav
,Ghz, on Nov 28, 2009 12:38 AM
Not a good review at all. Compare the reviews done by forums like anythingbutipod etc.. those are much superior. The S9's touchscreen has improved by leaps and bounds after the firmware releases, and there are some fantastic UCIs (claw's UCI) which make the interface look much more than just "nice". Also, it has no wifi and there is honestly no need for something like that either. Most people do not use it, as it would not be able to support internet browsing and as far as wireless playback is concerned, that can be achieved with bluetooth. I beg the indians to stop thinking that the iPod is the best PMP around. Cowon beats the touch by a !@#$ing mile!
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Anonymous
,Mumbai, on May 11, 2009 12:01 AM
Seriously, the duties and other taxes really beats the price of the same cowon anywhere. Logically thinking, one can even get it cheaper by post from ebay than from the indian distributors. And priced at 19k the indian office is giving an introductory discount of 500 bucks. I would say better not give! The microphone is at the back of the phone for the S9 models. Having it on the sides or on the top surce would have still provided a better sound clarity, but hiding it underneath will only make things worse. It may be a good media player in terms of video, yes but compromises on the sound and audio systems. the plus point which I see in all this is the 55 hour playback time for audio and it is far cheaper than I-pods of the same configuration.
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Anonymous
,Mumbai, on May 07, 2009 03:04 PM
When are we expecting the 32gig model to be launched in India? And what would be the price range for this model?
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rushabh
,bombay, on Feb 18, 2009 10:04 PM
cowon s9-16gb has hit the croma stores!! i got mine for 15,750.......and i lovee this baby...
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Anonymous
,Delhi, on Feb 12, 2009 06:33 PM
Mr Barretto seems to have learned a new word - (a)esthetics, and that too inadequately. Esthetics pertain to looks while ergonomics are what deal with usability and comfort. It would be a good idea to learn both words. It would be an even better idea if small words like looks are used instead of esthetics for better audience outreach.
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xotiq
,blr/denver, on Feb 10, 2009 10:38 PM
PAthetic Review..!! S9 has Bluetooth ver. 2.0 + EDR, hope Mr.Baretto understands the relevance. You mention 4hrs per day for a week as the Battery life??? so thats 28 hours not counting standby time. What is this thing about 'old school'..?? anyone who uses a PMP, does so for sound, picture, clarity, portability and features. Seems like you want to convey something, but end up doing the reverse. FYI....abroad, this unit retails for max $190-200 (Rs.10000). So it really doesnt make sense to pay 16k in India.
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varun
,bombay, on Feb 11, 2009 02:08 PM
Prices in India are official after customs duty, 12.5% VAT etc..I have made this comment over and over again, products imported into India are subjected to customs duty and a 12.5% vat, also 16k is the mrp which includes 12.5% VAT, look out for offers on our official website, croma and other retail outlets to get the best deal..goods purchased from outside India will not be under the official Cowon India warranty policy. We offer you local support etc..if anyone needs any further clarification on the prices please feel free to email us about it.
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Grimrocker
,Bangalore, on Feb 10, 2009 11:30 PM
I believe this particular model also comes with an 8 gb capacity and costs 'bout 11.5ks
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Dinesh
,Chennai, on Feb 11, 2009 11:38 AM
What is the cost of 4GB and 8GB model in chennai ???
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