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        Windows CE-based PMP has WiFi, Bluetooth, HDD

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Nov 26, 2007 | Comments: 1


        Cowon has announced a new portable media player (PMP) said to be the company's first based on the Windows CE 5.0 Professional operating system. The "Q5W" features a 5-inch WVGA (800 x 480) display plus Bluetooth and 802.11b/g wireless connectivity, according to the company.



        (Click here for a larger view of the Cowon Q5W)

        Previously, Cowon has specialized in Linux-based PMPs, such as the A2.

        The Q5W uses an RMI Alchemy AU1250 processor clocked at 600MHz. It has 128MB of DDR2 DRAM and 64MB of NOR flash memory, according to Cowon. Unlike the majority of Windows CE devices, it also includes a hard drive for media storage, offered in either 40GB or 60GB capacities.

        The company says the Q5W will play audio for up to 13 hours using its internal battery, or video for up to seven hours. The device can be operated via a customized multimedia user interface, or users can exit to a standard Windows CE desktop, according to Cowon.

        In the latter mode, users can access the Web via a browser and embedded Adobe Flash Player, or use instant messaging software, according to the company. The Q5W also includes Microsoft Office viewers and an e-book reader. On the version of the device advertised in Korea, a dictionary and Encyclopedia Britannica are included, though Cowon has not confirmed their licensing for global release.

        For displaying video on an external monitor, the Q5W includes composite, S-Video, and component video outputs. It can also display JPEG, BMP, PNG, or Nikon RAW images up to 10MB in size, or text files up to 7MB, according to Cowon.

        Other features include a microphone and integrated voice recorder, plus stereo speakers. "JetEffect" audio circuitry is claimed to enhance bass, provide five-band equalization, and give a virtual surround sound effect with only two speakers.

        Features and specifications touted by Cowon for the Q5W include:
        • Processor -- RMI Alchemy Au1250 clocked at 600MHz
        • Memory -- 128MB of DDR2 SDRAM, 64MB of NOR flash
        • Storage -- 40GB or 60GB HDD
        • Display -- 5-inch WVGA (800 x 480) touchscreen display, with 500:1 contrast ratio and 200-nit brightness rating
        • Audio codecs -- MPEG 1/2/2.5 Layer 3, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, Wave, FLAC, APE, MusePack
        • Video codecs -- DivX, XviD, MPEG4, WMV7/8/9
        • Networking:
          • WLAN -- 802.11b/g
          • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
        • Other I/O:
          • USB 2.0 host and device ports
          • Headphone jack
        • Battery type -- 6500mAH lithium-polymer battery, with 5.5-hour charge time
        • Dimensions -- 5.5 x 3.5 x 0.8 inches
        • Weight -- 13.4 ounces including battery
        Cowon has not released pricing or availability information for the Q5W. However, the device is rumored to be available later this month for approximately $550 in the 40GB configuration, and $600 in the 60GB version.


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