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