TheYorkGuy
Still Fresh
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2009
- Messages
- 5
I just got my A320 2 days ago, there have been enough reviews about it's various emulators so i thought i would offer my comparison as a satisfied GP2X owner. I've had 2 F100s (the original and the second version with the better control stick) and an F200. These are opinion based observations, take them or leave them:
1. My primary reason for purchasing the A320 is that I am a big impatient baby. I was on the original list for the Pandora and have since given up my place in line with all the back & forth about money. I also pre-ordered the WIZ and have yet to see it. This little bugger was cheaper than both and was ready to ship.
2. When i opened the A320 box i was surprised how wide it was, in pictures it appeared to be substantially smaller that my GP2X. This is not a complaint, in fact i find it's easier to handle than i expected since i have larger than average hands.
3. The device is as thin as i had hoped. I do love my F200, it's still my go-to machine but it's very thick in comparison to this. I was looking forward to the thinner profile of the WIZ but while i'm waiting for my pre-order this will suffice.
4. I'm torn on the internal battery, i prefer the GP2X approach to power, AA batteries because on long trips i never have to recharge. I do realize this internal battery is what allows such a slim case though so i knew i'd have to get used to it.
5. One complaint would be the polish of the emulators, without getting into specifics i will just say i hope they address the clunky nature of the interfaces. It would sure be nice if it remembered volume and had better auto-frame skipping, but I'm sure these things will come. I am satisfied with the consistency across all the EMUs though, Unlike the GP2X (which obviously has many different people developing and keeping it fresh) I do see the benefit of using the same interface, and the same button from every Emu to get to the menu is helpful.
6. It would help if the A320 creators opened up to the homebrew scene a bit more, it's what i love about the GP2x community. MAME is the one killer app (for me at least) that my GP2X offers and this A320 doesn't. There are so many sharp developers out there wanting to improve the software, it would certainly speed up the development of the emulators. I hesitate to try the custom firmwares till they get more stable.
7. More thorough English documentation would be a big plus, i spent more time than usual combing the Internet trying to find answers to simple questions like what extension to use on various files to get the EMUs to work. In contrast, Gamepark Holdings is light-years ahead on their English support.
8. I hate myself for saying this but TV-Out compared to the GP2X is pretty comparable, if not a little better for some games. Throw in the fact that more video formats are handled and i have to give a slight advantage to this little A320.
9. The larger and heavier GP2x feels more solid and comfortable for me personally, but the A320 makes up for that with the convenience of it's portability (drop it in a cargo-pants pocket and you don't even know it's there).
All-in-all, i would buy it again.
1. My primary reason for purchasing the A320 is that I am a big impatient baby. I was on the original list for the Pandora and have since given up my place in line with all the back & forth about money. I also pre-ordered the WIZ and have yet to see it. This little bugger was cheaper than both and was ready to ship.
2. When i opened the A320 box i was surprised how wide it was, in pictures it appeared to be substantially smaller that my GP2X. This is not a complaint, in fact i find it's easier to handle than i expected since i have larger than average hands.
3. The device is as thin as i had hoped. I do love my F200, it's still my go-to machine but it's very thick in comparison to this. I was looking forward to the thinner profile of the WIZ but while i'm waiting for my pre-order this will suffice.
4. I'm torn on the internal battery, i prefer the GP2X approach to power, AA batteries because on long trips i never have to recharge. I do realize this internal battery is what allows such a slim case though so i knew i'd have to get used to it.
5. One complaint would be the polish of the emulators, without getting into specifics i will just say i hope they address the clunky nature of the interfaces. It would sure be nice if it remembered volume and had better auto-frame skipping, but I'm sure these things will come. I am satisfied with the consistency across all the EMUs though, Unlike the GP2X (which obviously has many different people developing and keeping it fresh) I do see the benefit of using the same interface, and the same button from every Emu to get to the menu is helpful.
6. It would help if the A320 creators opened up to the homebrew scene a bit more, it's what i love about the GP2x community. MAME is the one killer app (for me at least) that my GP2X offers and this A320 doesn't. There are so many sharp developers out there wanting to improve the software, it would certainly speed up the development of the emulators. I hesitate to try the custom firmwares till they get more stable.
7. More thorough English documentation would be a big plus, i spent more time than usual combing the Internet trying to find answers to simple questions like what extension to use on various files to get the EMUs to work. In contrast, Gamepark Holdings is light-years ahead on their English support.
8. I hate myself for saying this but TV-Out compared to the GP2X is pretty comparable, if not a little better for some games. Throw in the fact that more video formats are handled and i have to give a slight advantage to this little A320.
9. The larger and heavier GP2x feels more solid and comfortable for me personally, but the A320 makes up for that with the convenience of it's portability (drop it in a cargo-pants pocket and you don't even know it's there).
All-in-all, i would buy it again.
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