Grudge Match: Apple iPod Touch vs. Cowon J3

There have been a few devices that have cropped up that aim to steal the high and mighty iPod Touch’s throne in portable media land. One of these is the Cowon J3. It’s as close as it gets to the Apple media device. But could it really bump the Touch off of its high horse? We’d like to know what you think. Here are the facts.

Form Factor
iPod Touch

Weight – 115g
Display – 3.5-inch, capacitive touchscreen, 480 x 320 pixel, 163 ppi, multitouch
Connectivity – Proprietary USB/Charging, 3.5mm earphone jack,

Cowon J3

Weight – 76g
Display – 3.3-inch AMOLED, capacitive touchscreen, 480 x 272 pixels with 16 million colors, multitouch
Connectivity – Proprietary USB/Charging, 3.5mm earphone jack

Interface
iPod Touch
UI – Proprietary Apple OS and UI, multiple page support, downloadable apps and games via AppStore, accelerometer, graphics accelerator (only in 64GB 3rd Gen model)
Media transfer – via proprietary software (iTunes), third part software (some are freeware) are also available,
Hardware – accelerometer, updated graphics in 64GB and 32GB models

Cowon J3
UI – Flash based UI, Multiple page support with widget support, supports flash based apps and games.
Media transfer – No software necessary, compatible with Windows Media Player for media transfer, drag and drop media playback.
Hardware - accelerometer

Audio
iPod Touch
Format Support – AAC, Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV
Settings – EQ presets, no customizable EQ settings on the device
Other Audio Features – microphone present on bundled earphones for voice recording and voice activated features, Volume and play/pause buttons also available on earphones
Playlist Creation – Genius Playlist selects songs of the same kind based on the first selected option. On-the-Go option allows you to create a singular playlist while using the device.

Cowon J3
Format Support – MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, APE, and WAV
Settings – 39 EQ Presets (35 Presets + 4 User Presets), JetEffect 3.0 (customizable) BBE+: BBE, Mach3Bass, 3D Surround, MP Enhance, Stereo Enhance, Reverb, 5 Band Equalizer (EQ Filter), built in speaker
Other Audio Features – FM radio, Line in function, microphone for voice recording
Playlist Creation – multiple Playlists can be created on the fly (Check)

Video
iPod Touch
Format Support – H.264 video, m4v, mp4, and mov file formats; MPEG-4 video. Other formats will need to be converted to the appropriate type and transferred via iTunes or third party compatible software.
TV Out – Yes, not cable not included

Cowon J3
Format Support – AVI, WMV, ASF, XviD, WMV, DivX, Avi. No conversion is required for most of these formats and files and be copy pasted to the drive for instant playback.
TV Out – Yes, not cable not included

Other Connectivity Options
iPod Touch
Wi-fi for internet browsing and accessing net based apps for social networking, chatting, email etc.
Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP support and co-op gaming support
USB 2.0 (proprietary)

Cowon J3
Bluetooth with A2DP and AVRCP
USB 2.0 (proprietary)

Battery (Average after testing)
iPod Touch
Audio – 23 hours
Video – 5 hours

Cowon J3
Audio – Over 52 hours
Video – 9 hours 45 minutes

Price (MRP)
iPod Touch
32GB – Rs. 18, 400
64GB – Rs. 24, 400

Cowon J3
4GB – Rs. 10,750     
8GB – Rs. 12,500
16GB – Rs. 14,500

Our Verdict
Based on the facts and experience with the two devices individually, the Apple iPod is the winner. It may have it’s quirks with regards to data transfer and the lack of support for popularly watched video codecs but it makes up for them with connectivity features like Wi-Fi for email and net access. The gaming experience that this device delivers can be compared to Sony’s PSP which also ads to it’s overall appeal.
The J3, although a formidable opponent, isn’t as versatile. If this comparison were based on strictly audio and video quality, the J3 would win hands down, since it’s not, the iPod Touch walks away with its display held high retaining its throne.

Based on the parameters listed and the information provided we’d like to know, if you had a choice would you buy an iPod or opt for the Cowon J3. Our comments section below is open to you for debate.