Operation:
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The operation has been greatly improved compared to the X7 with the use of Android: While the X7 was getting used to, especially with the navigation arrived through the File Browser, the Z2 in the operation has been very similar to the advantage of an Android phone to be - simple, logical and very tidy!
The Z2 also features ordinary buttons on the side. So you can adjust the volume easily without pulling the player out of his pocket. There is also a play / pause button and buttons to fast forward or rewind or change the tracks.
Sound:
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Both the X7 and the Z2 have the usual Cowon good sound. Strong, but not clearly defined thumping bass can be heard even with earbuds or in-ears the low price range (15-40). The five-band EQ, including BBE makes it possible to adjust the sound according to his needs. For high-resolution sound in-Ears recommend the middle price range (100-200).
And often in the comparison with the iPod Touch is hired by Apple as the Z2 to put the competition in this class. Apple may in this respect with Cowon but not compete. The touch may be cheaper, but its sound is in my opinion not nearly as good as that of the Z2.
File formats:
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The Z2 is as the X7 multitalented, As for the playing of various file formats. MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, OGG, MPEG, MP4, AVI and so on - no problem.
Speed / memory:
=================
The Z2 has a flash memory, which makes it very fast, the X7 (HDD), however, was very tough in many ways - so turning lasted often unpleasantly long, while Z2 is ready to start in a few seconds. The reading of the metadata will also work very quickly and done, this is good news, in the background - the player remains usable. When X7 you had but to wait very long until you could hear music after uploading music.
The music recorded with the Z2 also works very quickly. With nearly 30GB he proposes loose the X7.
There are also reports that he through Micro SD cope not only with 32GB of memory expansion, but even with 64 GB. This I will not test in the coming weeks and perhaps confirm or refute!
Especially the owner X7 have naturally long pampered with 120 or 160GB - to store all the music on the player has the advantage that you have to leave nothing you like to listen only occasionally. Longer trips and vacations are therefore not a problem, even without the option for memory expansion.
The Z2 is supplied with a maximum of 32 GB - with a possible extension to 64 GB to get still proud to 96GB (minus the conversion inaccuracy - 32 GB are usually given for ~ 32000 MB).
Battery:
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The X7 had a "monster battery". The given Cowon 110 hours music were not an empty promise. Tatsächloch I had my X7 even with intensive use only once a week (!!!) charge. Of course, the battery but also quite large dimensions had to have, so that he could provide this service. For week-long vacations, I could spare myself the take of the charger.
The Z2 can not keep up with the X7 in terms of battery performance. 22 hours are the absolute maximum and that's the reason why I (the spoiled X7) a star depart in the evaluation.
Of course you can see the duration of a number of settings still optimize (WIFI from, reduce display brightness, time of the automatic shutoff of the display Quit unnecessary tasks ...), but overall could be probably better battery performance.
Display / touchscreen:
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The X7 was in contrast to the Z2 a pressure-sensitive screen - it was slow and imprecise, making operation much more difficult. The Z2, however, scores with a kapizitives display, which brings the usual precision and speed. The representation (colors, sharpness) that of a mid-table entsprecht smartphones.
Processing:
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The processing of Z2 is top notch. It is built shapely and also differs significantly from the usual design with many curves, such as the iPod Touch. The rubber backing also ensures a good grip. While the X7 was very clunky and heavy, the Z2 presents very light and almost petite (compared to X7).
It wobbles nothing one hardly notices gaps between individual parts - all this points to very good quality. The keys sit tight, and also suggest that they could work for long (at this time is that however hard to prove).
Connections:
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The Z2, unlike the proprietary connectors X7 no longer. By default, equipped with Micro USB, the Cowon can be loaded with any Micro USB charger. Similarly, the data connection to the PC so requires no separate cable more. In addition, the Z2 also has a Micro HDMI output, I have not yet tested.
Conclusion:
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+ Sound (Jet Effect)
+ Display / touchscreen
+ Operation (Android)
+ File format-rounder
+ Micro USB Standard
+ Processing
+ Flash Memory
+ Memory expansion (acc. Manufacturer +32 GB, LT. Reports on the Internet +64 GB)
+ Light and handy
+ Hardware buttons (volume, play, RW, FF, Lock screen or power)
+ Play Store can be installed and used (allows the use of apps)
+/- Price (~ 350 for the 32 GB version are a bit steep, but you get a lot of quality for his money)
- Battery life (compared to Cowon X7 / X9)
The Cowon Z2 is a very good player with excellent sound. Operation is simple, the functions varied. He can play any video and audio files that you need or may need. In my opinion, Cowon has brought to the Z2 a good overall package on the market. From me there is a strong buy recommendation!
Updates of the review (especially for memory expansion) will follow!
