Cowon A2

The time when you switched from one FM radio channel to the other on your phone, or changed CDs into your disc players, is passé. Now with newer technologies and affordable prices, there is a whole new world to explore. I, for one, am really pepped up about the changing face of the portable players' industries in India. Although it's still plagued by the vices of duties, malpractices at the customs level, and more taxes. This leads to undue price inflation. Cowon's new baby to have hit the Indian shores is the jazzy portable video player, the A2. There is lot it has to offer, let's see what Cowon has in its goody bag this time.

 Design

The A2 comes in a plush blend of glossy white and elegant gray, and boasts a somewhat minimalist design. The front side of the player carries only the screen and an array of neatly piled buttons. The thumbstick is a four-way navigational key, placed right at the top where it's easy to access. Working with the thumbstick poses some amount of challenge, though, as it doesn't respond to the jabbing favorably. Often you will find the selection cursor going down or selecting options when you hit the left key and vice versa. Once you get used to it, there'll be some respite, but not completely.

The back button and the three function keys (A,B & C) are in line one below the other. The function keys correspond to the on-screen options, and are well spaced. No hassles here! The right side of the player is bare save for the power button. The standard 3.5mm earphone jack flanks the left side, and right below it you will find the AV in/out jacks, the mini USB slot and one USB host slot, all encased in a gray enclosure. Slightly below this you will find a 5V DC in jack. At the bottom of the player you will find a button that allows you to toggle between the LCD screen, AV out and hold.

At 133 x 79 x 22mm, 298g the player makes for a bulky purchase. Yet the fact that it’s loaded with features doesn’t leave much space for complaints. The player comes with a leather carry case that makes handling the player very easy. The case can also be folded into place to kickstand the player, although it's not very reliable and requires an absolutely even surface. Considering the fact you will be watching a lot of movies on the player, not providing a sturdy kickstand is a bad move in my opinion. Anyone listening??