Does anyone know what the exact difference between the two versions is? Am I missing something when I get a hold the old hardware? And is there actually the danger to not buy the new one but the old one instead? Because I saw that the e270's price was recently lowered from ~150 to ~100 € in one shop but those players will only be available in January... now since they have to reorder this player it might already be the new version.

I don't see any reason why I shouldn't buy the model with the newer hardware even tho that would mean that I have to wait for a Rockbox update.

PS: I hope they have added a more robust jog dial to the V2 model.

I believe I read somewhere that the new v2 hardware uses a completely different chipset, so Rockbox support could be QUITE a wait indeed, if it ever shows up.

Bummer!

Now that you mention the chipset, I some links with relevant information:

http://www.anythingbutipod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22353
http://daniel.haxx.se/sansa/v2.html
http://daniel.haxx.se/blog/2007/11/25/has-sandisk-gone-ams/
http://forums.rockbox.org/index.php?topic=14064.0


v1: SoC: Nvidia PP5024 -> CPU: ARM7TDMI and RAM: 32MB mentioned in one of the discussions.
v2: SoC: AMS AS3525 -> CPU: ARM9TDMI and it seems the RAM is doubled: 64MB.

Also re-engineering seems possible and a Rockbox port is likely, and looking at the hardware specs I'd say it's worth the wait.

Since no one is working on a rockbox port, and its a SOC with no prior rockbox port, I would not expect a port anytime soon, if ever.

It won't be soon, but it is actually easier than most targets (such as PortalPlayer) since AMS supplied Daniel with the data sheet. Also one other difference between the v1 and v2 is that the v2 supports Audible- however, you will never see this in Rockbox.

Charles

I disagree. The PP targets were much, much easier since there was a working linux port to the ipod.

It is true now because of all the work done on the iPod's. However, as a new port it should be easiler than when the PortalPlayer was new. Even with the PortalPlayer targets, not everything have been figured out yet- for example, hardware video decoding, increasing battery life, etc.

Charles

I don't see how having a datasheet for a single component makes it easier then having working code for all necessary components (ipod) or nearly all (Sansa).

It doesn't solve all problems, but it helps a lot. You do realize that the e200 port was so quick because AMS provided info for the AS3514 (the DAC in the e200). They also invited some Rockbox coders to their company for a meeting and answered a lot of questions (they are also very interested in getting Rockbox support for future players based on their SoC):

http://forums.rockbox.org/index.php?topic=3225.675

Sandisk also help out a lot by providing players since they were the ones who approached the Rockbox team for a port initially.

I quote Daniel in regards to the e200 v2:




from this page.

Charles

Up until this point I though you and Mike were arguing two sides of the same coin: Mike being pessimistic and you being optimistic about how long a port will take.

Yes Sandisk provided a couple of players, but they provided nothing else of value, no datasheets, no tips, no tricks. Just a silly printed copy of the PDF manual.
Giving Sandisk credit for "help" would be like allowing your deadbeat absentee father take credit for your college graduation simply because he paid the $30 application fee after months of asking him for tuition support.

Hi Soap, nice seeing you here.



Yes, I guess you are right about that. I stand corrected.

Charles