Donald Bell, Senior Editor for CNET’s Digital Audio & MP3, describes it as “the most super-duper, feature-packed video player we’ve ever gotten our hands on.” Released on December 1st, 2007 (so last year), the Cowon Q5W appears to be competing in a similar field to the iPod Touch – albeit, with a lot more storage at a much higher price. However, Bell definitely wasn’t exaggerating when describing the Q5W’s features.

Source: http://www.mobilemag.com/content/images/13998_large.jpg

It’s got a 5-inch screen – a huge size advantage over the iPod Touch’s own, plus a whopping 800×480 resolution to match, giving the Archos 605 Wi-fi a run for its money. In contrast to the Archos 605 Wi-fi however, the Cowon Q5W does look much cleaner without the buttons on the side that the Archos 605 Wi-fi sports. The Cowon Q5W, like the Archos 605 Wi-fi, is capable of surfing the internet via wi-fi as well. The Cowon Q5W also has bluetooth, and a variety of other features – not to mention the Cowon Q5W also comes with a whopping 40GB of storage, arguably enough to install a whole operating system upon one might suggest.

Source: http://www.windowsfordevices.com/files/misc/cowon_q5w.jpg

An operating system it is! The Cowon Q5W comes with Windows CE 5.0, basically a stripped down embedded version of Windows. This function allows the personal media player to double as an ultra-portable PC – not with the greatest interface though. The interface is in fact quite old, and could’ve done with either a custom skin from Cowon or – heck – a Cowon-modded version of Linux.

Source: http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/17/0,1425,sz=1&i=175949,00.jpg

What the Cowon Q5W lacks in the GUI department it makes up for in its client, the actual media player aspect of the Cowon Q5W – what did you think they’d use, Windows Media Player? Pft. But besides that, video playback in the client is great thanks to the high-res screen – which does make it a bit larger-sized and clunkier. I think it’s a trade worth making – if you wear baggy jeans or clothes. Otherwise, unh-unh.

With a price tag of CDN$499.99 for the 40GB version and an extra CDN$50 for the 60GB version, you’re going to have to shell out a bit more than you would for an iPod Touch. Due to issues with the interface, its slightly bigger design, and uber-high price, I’m going to give this battle to the iPod Touch. However, if you’ve got the money and video playback is your priority or you need an UPC, go with the Cowon Q5W.

Other iPod Touch Competitors:

1. Olympus M:Robe 500i
2. Archos 605 Wi-fi
3. Cowon Q5W
4. Archos 705
5. Samsung P2

Runner Ups:

• Cowon iAudio X7
• iRiver Clix 2
• Microsoft Zune

The Archos 605 Wi-fi was ahead of its time – in fact, it may not look the mould, but it’s actually nearing its first birthday. Archos actually has made a solid name for itself as being a pretty popular iPod alternative, and it would very well have been the iPod killer had it not been for one thing hindering it from achieving its full potential.

Source: http://www.trendygadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/archos-605.jpg

It’s got a touch screen, already qualifying it to be an iPod Touch competitor. Speaking of its screen, it’s 800x480px, giving it a dramatic boost over the iPod Touch’s meazly 480x320px. It also comes with two styluses, keeping those fingerprints off the screen. Heck, it’s got arguably stronger wi-fi capabilities than the iPod Touch does. It comes in 30GB and 80GB variants – so what the heck is keeping it from stomping on Apple? Two things.

1. Marketing

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/arts/images/pics/adyearend.jpg

Apple’s ingenius marketing schemes can’t be beat. And you definitely can’t hope to succeed in the Personal Media Player market without a strong marketing campaign; due to the fact that I’ve never seen a single one of Archos’ commercials, I’m going to assume that there is none (pretty ignorant, but I do watch a lot of TV). There also isn’t a major selling point; with the iPod Touch, it’s the gestures and the form factor, but with the Archos 605 wi-fi, it’s…nothing. Speaking of form factor, we come to our second point…

2. Aesthetics

After getting my hands on one of these ducklings, I realized that it was an ugly one. I didn’t actually go out to buy one, mind you – I did it the conspicuous consumer’s way and went to Future Shop to try it out.

• It’s huge.
  • I’m not even the pickiest person here: as long as it fits in any of my pockets, I’ll be fine with it. Too bad it doesn’t – it’s dimensions are amazingly huge and its really thick. Er, AnythingbutiPod would call it “clunky”, and I’m going to have to agree with that.
• It’s ugly.
  • Not that I’m shallow about it, but it really isn’t a looker. The Archos 605 Wi-fi goes for the “retro” 1980s styled look with rectangular buttons on the side. Why the heck would you need buttons if there is a touch screen? You should only need one button, and that’s to get to the iPod Touch menu.
• It’s got nothing on the iPod.
  • Combining these two features and contrasting them with the iPod Touch really kills it. The iPod Touch is well-known for its sleek, slim, flawless design. Where the iPod whispers elegance, the Archos 605 Wi-fi shouts clunk. Where the iPod can be looked upon, the Archos 605 Wi-fi can’t. I’m sorry to be the one to say this, but even if it was a universal remote control that came at half a bill, I’d still have to pass on such a horribly-designed unit.

Source: http://regmedia.co.uk/2007/06/15/archos_605_3.jpg

So will the Archos 605 Wi-fi be a great iPod Touch alternative? Yes, and no. It’s got the stuff on paper, but it really doesn’t have anything that can compare to the iPod Touch in the looks department, I’m afraid. Archos, please revise the design and I think we might have ourselves a winner. Er, if you want, you could send me a sample and I’d be more than happy to help suggest improvements. Haha, stick around for the next iPod Touch alternative, folks.

Oops, forgot to mention, you can usually find this device for less than $300. Not a bad deal, to be honest.

Other iPod Touch Alternatives:

1. Olympus M:Robe 500i
2. Archos 605 Wi-fi
3. Cowon Q5W
4. Archos 706
5. Samsung P2

Runner Ups:

• Cowon iAudio X7
• iRiver Clix 2
• Microsoft Zune