Cowon R7 tablet stays offline with 1080p video

Cowon made an unusual step sideways this weekend by unveiling the R7. The seven-inch tablet and media player crossover carries Cowon's usual broad format support, showing up to 1080p video (over HDMI out) with 3GP, Flash, MKV (Matroska), and other formats. In an odd step, though, it runs a heavily modified, artistic version of Windows CE 6.0 and doesn't have Internet access, taking a step back from the smaller but more aware Android-based D3.

In return for being offline, it does carry up to 64GB of built-in storage along with a microSDHC card slot for even more. Audio support is also wide and includes esoteric formats like APE, Musepack, Wavpack, and True Audio on top of more common formats and its own audio recording. Cowon's distinctive BBE+ audio tuning is inside, and a pair of educational e-book supporters give it a dictionary and teaching help.

Battery life is long for a seven-inch tablet at 10 hours of video, even at the higher resolution, and up to 65 hours for music.

Cowon hasn't given a price or outlined release plans for the R7 beyond its presumed availability in South Korea. Many Cowon players reach the US, although the R7's lack of Internet support and 800x480 screen may limit it to custom imports. [via iAudiophile forums]

By Electronista Staff