I'm trying to decide between a Cowon A2/A3 and a Creative Zen Vision M

Have you considered an archos 605? I have mine on my desk at work right now, and I like it just fine. I really like the wifi feature, I can use it to stream video from youtube or my computer to my tv. The Cowon A3 ability to play hd would definitely swing me that way if I were shopping now. The Creative is old news, I don't even consider it a comparison to the other 2. I would recommend you try to buy one at a store locally and try it out for as long as you can return it. I bought the creative, didn't really like it, swapped for the archos.


Whatever you get, make sure you use it for at least a week or so and get used to the interface and the process of dumping media on it. I almost returned the archos after a few days because I was frustrated with some of the interface features. For one, it does NOT do music playlists without considerable effort. I don't care, because I use it for movies. There is also the issue of the addons which some people disagree with.


Now I have to go find a Cowon to play with. They look nice.



Edit: Just saw the ability to add on TV reciever. That would be a very tempting trade for the wifi on my archos... I could be convinced to give it a shot.

I actually was able to try and compare a Cowon A3 and an Archos 605 for a few days. I ended up getting an Archos 605 80gb with the works (all codecs and DVR Dock).


The Cowon was a very good player for audio and it handled more video codecs, but I liked the Archos screen better.


I personally didn't have a problem with video codec support with the Archos once I got the plug-ins. 2 of my videos didn't play in either the Cowon or Archos without converting.


I also got a wireless router, and since we already had a laptop with Wi-Fi built-in, it wasn't just for my Archos (at least that's my justification for it......hey quit looking at me like that!!!)


The Wi-Fi for the Archos is decent for light web surfing, but where it really shines is streaming stuff from your computer. That is probably my favorite feature on the Archos.


If all your looking for is straight up music and video without much else, get a Cowon A3. If you have Wi-Fi and can pick up the plug-ins, or don't mind video converting, the Archos gets my vote.


Sorry for the mega-long, hyphen and comma intensive post........

I really appreciate the update JLW. However it doesn't make my decision any easier.


There is no place local to me that handles the Cowon A2/A3 but everyone handles the Archos 605. I do already have WiFi, but it's locked down so that I can use my work laptop to connect to my company's network via VPN over WiFi. So does the Archos support WPA2 with AES? Also if memory serves me correctly, the Archos does not have an FM tuner. This is more important to me than WiFi capability.


If the Cowon had WiFi and a touchscreen + the joystick interface, there would be no debate for me. I wouldn't hesitate to get the A3. Maybe if they create an A4 they can add WiFi and still keep the FM tuner.


Oh well. The debate continues......