Archos 5 Review
I have owned or own a few different Archos PMPs dating back to the third generation (Now on the 6 th). They were good and very capable PMPs, but I never really got too excited about them, due mainly due to clunky hardware and haphazard interfaces. Oh - and let’s not forget about the lack-luster sound quality.
However, upon holding the new Archos in my hands, my aversion to Archos products quickly faded. The device is one of the sexier devices currently on the market, and small tweaks in the UI have made a drastic difference. If you are looking for a serious portable video player or had previously denounced Archos, please read on. Though there is still much room for improvement, there is much to like about the Archos 5.
- Quick Look
- Screen: 4.8” 800x640 pixel 16m color Touch
- Wireless: 802.11 b/g
- Processor: ARM CortexTM-A8, 32 bit, In-order, dual-issue, superscalar core @ 600 MHz + 32bit DSP @ 430MHz
- OS: Lunix
- Video Playback: MPEG-4 (including XviD/Divx), WMV, MJPEG [optional $30: MPEG-4 ASP 720p, WMV HD MP 720p, MPEG-2 MP@ML up to 10 Mbps up to DVD Resolution with AC3 5.1, and H.264]
- Video Recording: MPEG-4 AVI @ VGA resolution @ 30 or 25 FPS.
- Audio Playback: MP3, WMA, WMA Pro,n FLAC, OGG WAV [optional: AAC, AC3]
- Photo Playback: JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF
- Other File Types: PDF
- Transfer Protocol: MTP/MSC User Selectable
- Rated Battery Life: 12hrs Audio, 4 hours Video
- Size: 127.5 x 78.3 x 12.9 mm (60GB) / 127.5 x 78.8 x 19.4 mm (120/250GB)
- Weight: 250g (60GB) / 300g (120/240)
- Applications: Email (POP/IMAP), Opera Web Browser, PIM (VCF supported), Calculator, News Reader, Currency Converter, and many other Widgets.
- All of the Archos 5 features and specs
Accessories
Inside the Box
Archos packs in the very basics: the player, headphones, a cleaning cloth, an adapter for the DVR Station (sold separately), and a proprietary USB cable. They went with just the basics to keep the cost down, but it would have been nice to have at least had a dock or a cable that would allow you to connect to a TV.
Optional Add-ons
There are quite a few add-on accessories for the Archos 5, many tht add substantial functionality. For instance there are four docking stations, two of which give you the ability to use the Archos 5 as a DVR while hooked up to your TV: the DRV Station ($100 Retail) and the more portable DRV Snap-On ($80). The other two docks give you basic TV out and USB host, with one of the two including a battery pack (Battery Dock $50). It’s nice that they have given us some choice, but it is a bit absurd to have all these docks.
But the additional hardware add-ons don’t stop at that. There is a GPS cradle to turn the Archos 5 into a full blown turn by turn navigator, a snap on TV tuner/antenna, wired remote/FM tuner, and a helmet cam. Note that some of these are yet to be announced or released in the US. One thing I did find interesting is that you can use a USB 3G modem (from AT&T or Verizon) plugged into USB host port on one of the several docks. It would be such a messy dongle-infested, unusable setup, but neat none-the-less.
Plug-ins
Archos sells optional software plug-ins in order to give you additional codec support or additional applications. As of now the only plug-ins that are available are three different Codec packs for Cinema (DVD, MPEG2 video, AC3 audio), Video Podcast (H.264, AAC Audio), and HiDef Video (720p WMV and MPEG-4). Each of these sells for a ridiculous $15 a piece (or you can get all three for $30). I hate this, plain and simple. One reason I don’t agree with this approach is Archos’ argument that this keeps the cost down to the people who will not use all the codecs. The problem with this argument is that they are making some serious coin on the sale of each. Licensing does not cost Archos $15 per codec, more like a few bucks. and on top of this, it is a pain to find serial numbers, login to online accounts, purchase, download, install, then finally use the codec.
I really commend Archos for adding the web browser for free in this generation (it was $20 as a plug-in for the last gen), but they have to come the rest of the way and include the codec plug-ins. It’s just not a fun experience to mess with the extra purchasing. Either eat the cost or add $10 to the price tag; don’t nickel and dime me.
Design & Build
Previous Archos designs have been solid but rather “clunky”. This time around they built one sexy piece of hardware. The majority of the player is solidly crafted out of a heavy gunmetal with just two pieces of plastic used on the left and right sides of the device. Although I would like to offer a word of caution to the obsessive compulsive, this gunmetal is highly susceptible to fingerprints, more so than the glossiest black device. It also shows scratches more so than many others - after just a week around the house use there were plenty. An attached case might seem like a logical way to go, but I believe that putting a case on this great design is blasphemy. Use it, love it, enjoy in the raw. Each scrape and scratch is a mark of your identity and interaction with this device. (However, you might want to put a screen protector on since it protects a crucial component and is invisible if applied correctly.)
As far as stress tests, I did not do any on purpose, but the player did take a few tumbles from my pocket. Once the player dropped about three feet onto a tile floor and only suffered a few light scuffs on the back. The other two times it landed on the carpet and there were no damages.
Screen
The screen looks fantastic. It’s bright, quick, and the colors are accurate. The 800x640 pixel 16.7 million color screen looks better than many laptops, and better than my Sony Vaio I paid $2k for two years ago. When comparing it to the last generation’s matte finished screen you will notice that the Archos 5’s screen is glossy, lending to a much better viewing experience. Overall, the screen is on point. I can’t find anything bad to say about it. I guess if you wanted to get really picky, it doesn’t do well in direct sunlight, but no non-transreflective screen does.
User Interface
With the previous generation Archos 605, one of my biggest complaints is the UI. This is because it’s a very awkward hybrid touch /tactile interface. Choosing to go strictly touch was a natural step but it also focused the efforts into a single purpose driven interface. While the UI could still use a lot of polishing, since there are a few inconsistencies, the difference between the Archos 605 and Archos 5 is night and day. While the 605 was frustrating, the 5 I find to be a delight to use. There may be a very slight learning curve that would take less than a day to get used to, but overall it’s a much more straight forward interface compared to previous Archos’ PMPs.
What they need in order to improve the overall organization of the UI would be to allow the user to add, remove, and rearrange the main menu items. There is a lot of clutter from menu items pertaining to features you can only get with add-on accessories like the GPS or TV. For instance when you look at the home screen’s main menu, “TV” is an option, but this menu item and sub items are completely useless if you don’t own the $80-100 DVR attachment. Looking further down, there is an entire section for adds and these are nothing more than “commercials” for each hardware accessory. If you never buy an accessory it’s a menu of junk.
Touch Screen
The responsiveness and accuracy of the touch screen is noticeably improved. Touch typing on the on screen keyboard works very well and is fairly accurate. I would equate my number of mistypes on this to any candybar QWERTY mobile phone (ie, Treo, Blackberry, Nokia e71, ect). “Flicking” a list of items to scroll could use some improvement; it doesn’t always behave predictably and sometimes “sticks”. This may be improved over time with firmware updates.
Battery
The battery life is rated at 12 hours audio and 4 hours video. My tests showed a bit less on the video: about 4-4.5 hours and about 12-14 hours for audio- both over the rated battery life. One note about this though, you will archive these battery times after 5 or so charges and discharges.
There is an optional battery dock that will give you video out plus extra battery time for $50. I didn’t want to shell out $50 bucks for this accessory so I don’t know how much more time this adds (If you have one and do know, please comment below). What I don’t like about this option is that it adds an awkward bulk to the bottom of the player. It would have been nicer to have a sliver type battery that snapped on the back.
Transferring Media
The Archos will work on any operating system since it used both MTP and MSC transfer modes. MTP should be used if you plan on managing your media with MTP based media player such as Windows Media Player. Or you should use this mode if you plan on using a music subscription service like Napster or Rhapsody. MSC mode works just like a portable hard drive on any operating system.
UPnP: The Archos 5 like previous Archos PMPs will automatically recognize your UPnP media libraries on your home network. So if your media library on your computer is set up to share, the Archos 5 will automatically see that shared network folder and show it in your media library on the device. This is great for streaming your music and video when connected to your wireless network. In addition to being able to stream massive amounts of media, you are also able to transfer songs from your computer to the Archos. This is somewhat slow, but it is quite convenient not to have to connect the player to the computer every time you want to transfer media.
Media Playback
Video
Video playback is incredibly smooth, with lower resolution videos scaling nicely. Even full screen YouTube videos look great (as good as a YouTube video will get). Archos PMPs have always been strong in the playback department, and the Archos 5 is no exception.
The Archos was able to handle most of the videos I threw at it, including XviD/DivX. You will start to run into problems with codecs using audio streams that are only available by purchasing the codec pack. Some XviD/DivX use AAC audio streams as opposed to MP3; these files will only be playable if you bought the codec pack. Frustratingly, H.264 is also only available via $30 purchase. This is a shame since H.264 is becoming more and more of a standard with many video podcasts being in this format.
Web TV: Thrown into the main video menu is a link for web TV. This is basically a repository for all kinds of video feeds from all over the world. The video quality can vary by stream, but they are generally of a lesser quality, even lower than YouTube vids. Other than that, it’s a fantastic feature. I have been using it to catch up on world news, carrying it around the house as I cook, or go though the morning routine propping it up with the built in kick stand. I get a big kick out of being having my video follow me throughout the house so conveniently. I would love to see a SlingBox or a Windows Media Center client on this PMP.
Music
The large screen lends itself very well to music playback and manipulation. It is much like the previous generations but is easier to use due to the improved UI. The main music screen is similar to a standard file browser with an info window on the right showing album art and other meta data pertaining to the selected item. The content is displayed primarily with the ID3 tag info with Artist, Album, Genre, Title, Year, etc. But for those who love the standard file folder browsing, that option is available above all the ID3 tag categories.
Playlists: Playlisting is also a treat since you can very easily create, rename, and manipulate playlists all from the device. Playlists can also be done on your desktop computer, but it’s way more fun to be able to do it on the go and on the device. Audiobook listeners will be happy to know that bookmarking takes place with a single click in the options menu. On the downside, you can only bookmark up to 32, although I’m not sure I would ever use more than 32.
Internet Radio & Podcasts: Built into the main music screen is a menu for “Web Radio”. This is a simple but comprehensive list of available internet radio streams - everyone will be able to find something he likes. What is a bit odd to me is that under this Web Radio menu is a section for podcasts (audio only). It is another very rich list with something for everyone. However, this is an example of the poor organizational skills of the Archos UI team. Podcasts do not belong under in the same category as internet radio; there needs to be a separate menu for these. In addition, in order to give this player a strong podcast offering, they will need to include video podcasts and the ability to download them. As of now you can only stream podcasts while connected to a wireless network.
Sound Quality
One of the biggest concerns I had with previous Archos players was the lack of acceptable sound quality. This was one of the reasons I would never use Archos as an audio player. This time around, with the Archos 5 they have stepped out of that poor sound-quality doghouse. While not the top echelon, the sound is very good and might only displease those who spent more on their headphones than they did on the Archos 5.
Built in speaker
The built in speaker is very weak in terms of performance as well as volume. This is only something that you can use while sitting in front of it or in a small quiet room. It also easily distorts at higher volumes. Not that I expect a lot from a tiny built in speaker, but almost all of the recent players I have reviewed easily outperform the Archos 5.
Photo
Photo is not something I use that often, mainly because I don’t want to show people picturess on a small screen. In this case I would be much more apt to use the Archos 5 as a photo browser, not only because of its big screen but because it’s more of a rich, hands-on browsing experience. Since the 5 has USB host abilities (with optional accessory), it may be a nice companion for a photographer, athough without RAW support it does have its limitations.
TV / DVR
There are a few optional accessories that will turn the Archos 5 into a full blown DVR. Two of these are docking stations and the other one is a portable TV tuner that clips onto the bottom. Since these are major purchases of between $80-100 ($30 for the simple TV out adapter), I will cover them in a separate upcoming review. I was far from impressed with the last generation DVR features, but I have seen a lot of improvements thus far, so I’ll keep my fingers crossed for something usable this time.
“Media Club”
The media club icon is one of those menu options I want to remove. The media club is a content portal where you can buy or rent videos from Cinema Now or Archos Media Club. The selections contain few, if any, new releases and are typically priced at more than what you would pay for the physical movie on DVD ($15-20). Also under this menu option is DailyMotion (Video) and Jemendo (Music) both of which are free, but can also be accessed just the same with the web browser.
I don’t know if this does well back in France or the rest of the EU, but quite frankly Archos needs to nuke their efforts in building this content portal for the United States. The Media Club is poorly implemented and does not cater well to the American market. Instead in order to have a solid content delivery plan they should be partnering with bigger US content players like Amazon, Rhapsody, or even NetFlix.
Applications
Email & Contacts
On the main home screen there is an option marked “internet”. In the sub-menu you will find applications for email and contacts. At the time the 5 was released, these applications still carried beta software warnings. Rightfully so, since I have had to perform a few resets while using these apps, and the mail accounts don’t always display your inbox correctly. However, while using a Gmail account, it will display your labels as folders. You can have multiple email accounts, POP or IMAP, as well as import VCF contact files.
Widgets
Built on top of Opera’s platform, these widgets are simply small applications built with HTML, CSS, Ajax, and Javascript. There are only a handful of applications, but most of them are simple and useful mini apps - calendar, calculator, currency converter, news reader, notes, weather, and even a world factbook. It’s hard to say at what rate these widgets will be released, but I’m betting on not too many more since they’ve already had over a year to develop on the previous generation Archos 605. They are fairly straightforward being that anyone with HTML and or Javascript knowledge can make them, but few seem interested in targeting the Archos PMPs. I hope this changes since it is a cool feature despite the lack of content. If you are interested in making widgets for the Archos players check out widgets.opera.com or this quick video overview.
One of the annoyances I did run into with the widgets was that it will not automatically start the wireless connection. They do not have the ability to turn on the wi-fi so you always have to remember to turn it on before launching widgets that use a connection.
Games
Games come into the Archos 5 as purchased applications. There are three different game packs costing $10 each which include 4-5 games in each pack. Did not purchase the games this time around because I don’t think they are worth the money. I had played the same games on the Archos 605, but found them to be rather generic and they didn’t really keep my interest. In all fairness, though, Texas Holdem, Solitair, and Video poker typically don’t entertain me very long. Check them out on Archos website to see if they are worth it for you.
Flash Applications
Upon turning on your Archos and selecting the flash applications folder you will find nothing. The idea is for people to develop Flash 9 applications for the Archos 5, but none are available at this time. I’m also wondering if we will see any kind of development support, as we don’t see a lot of support for the Widgets. It will run any flash based application, but the problem is the application needs to be targeted to the control sets of the Archos 5. For instance, I can run Flash apps from the iriver clix 2, but they won’t work since they are looking for the clix button layout. All in all it’s a great idea, it just lacks content.
File Management
With this PMP you have full control over all files residing on the device. Managing these files (moving, renaming, deleting, browsing, etc.) is similar to the music UI and not much different than typical file/folder UI found on any computer OS. This particularly comes in handy in browsing your network and transferring files to the device from the network. Additionally there is a way to password-protect folders and files by marking them as “Adult” content.
File Sharing
There is an option for file sharing over a wireless network with other Archos players. It’s still an internal beta and not available yet, but definitely something to look forward to.
Conclusion
Archos has taken a big step with their newest generation of PMPs. The hardware is substantial, well built, and a leap better than the previous generations. Despite the fact that I’m not a big fan of the touch interface, I do very much commend them for getting rid of the hardware button. This improved the overall usability of the device, though they do have many more things they can improve and better organize in the UI. I’m also feeling a bit burned by the additional costs of what are standard codecs with other PMPs, mainly H.264. $30 for a pack, That, long with knowing that licensing fees don’t cost that much, does not sit well with me. I love the idea of having the ability to add on Flash 9 or Widget applications, but I fear that few developers are interested in creating apps for the Archos 5. However, there are always web based and cloud applications to access though the very robust Opera browser, which is now free (Bravo!).
Aside from the problems, I do think that the Archos 5 is one of the best - if not the best choice - for a bonafide portable video player. If you had a previous aversion to Archos as I did, I would encourage you to take a second look.
Compare the Archos 5
- Archos 5 vs Archos 605 Cowon A3
- Get more help deciding from our Archos Forums.
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Fantastic screen
- Improved touch screen
- Improved UI
- Good sound quality
- Good native video support
- Lots of accessories and add-ons
- Support for OGG or FLAC
Cons
- Menus not customizable
- Plugins cost extra
- Games cost extra
- Non removable battery
- TV out needs a dock
- Metal housing scratches easily
Purchase
You can pick up the Archos and all the accessories from Amazon for the best price, usually free shipping, and no taxes. UK, EU, and the rest of the world should check here. Note that you can only purchase the Plugins directly from Archos.com.
Comments
Jon C on September 25, 2008 2:07 PM
Ooo... the hardware is bloody sexy! A shame that it scratches so easily, in contrast to that robust E71.
Great review!
BeautifulZune on September 25, 2008 2:37 PM
Great review. That is one sexy looking player.
Brent on September 25, 2008 3:18 PM
Looks pretty good, but not perfect. Better battery life and video out from the 3.5 mm jack (like their older players had) would make it much more desireable for me. More stable software or a customer service reputation that makes me confident that bugs will be fixed would also be nice.
Too bad archos is the only option for anyone wanting something with more than 120 GB. And really, you don't get many options unless you're willing to settle for 32 GB or less.
Why doesn't archos release something like an ipod? Apple made a 160 GB ipod, couldn't archos make something pocketable with that kind of storage? I'd be interested in something like that, since I love how archos supports MSC, and I like being able to browse the file structure on the player.
Alex on September 25, 2008 3:31 PM
so....should I upgrade from my 504 40gb+ DVR dock?
Tech on September 25, 2008 5:48 PM
wow! good review. T>H>A>N>K>S
aaa on September 25, 2008 7:11 PM
Grahm Skee, you said you want a Slingbox client, but doesn't the Archos already have TVportation?
swild on September 25, 2008 10:30 PM
Alright, I don't intend to piss anyone off by mentioning apple... But honestly are there any devices that come close to the Touch's versatility?
This Archos player is sweet, but not something you can drop in your pocket.
Brent on September 26, 2008 12:46 AM
The ipod touch is sweet, but not something you can drop 250 GB into.
Seriously, though, I do like the touch, but I can't do anything with less than 80 GB.
rahul on September 26, 2008 1:36 AM
Its running whats probably the most advanced microprocessor ARM core on market right (better than the iphone for those wondering) now AND its running linux. But .. stupid Archos is not providing SDK to write native apps :(
sprockkets on September 26, 2008 2:00 AM
It runs an open source OS but no open source codec support, ironic.
@Brent, Apple no longer sells the 160GB ipod. Besides, the top goal for each ipod generation is make it thinner. There won't be a "classic" ipod anymore, since they just can't make it thinner!
Maybe you should compare this to the Nokia Tablet.
noam on September 26, 2008 7:44 AM
hi
grate review!!!
does someone know what language ops do i have when i buy it in the us?
thanks
Brent on September 26, 2008 1:24 PM
I'm aware apple doesn't make the 160 GB ipod anymore. That they stopped making it is irrelevant to the point I was making. Which is that a company besides apple (like archos) could make an ipod classic-sized mp3 player with at least 160 GB of storage. That's really the type of product I'm looking for.
Aspra on September 26, 2008 4:11 PM
How did you get Doboys D.I. mixs?
Galileo on September 26, 2008 4:25 PM
For the battery life after 4 to 5 charges I achieve 4h45 with my A5 250Gb and test done by french users show the same duration on video ( http://www.archoslounge.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4849 ).
JQuilty on September 26, 2008 7:46 PM
Lunix based? Don't you mean Linux? Lunix hasn't been worked on for god knows how long.
aaa on September 26, 2008 7:49 PM
^lol true
since the 80s I believe
Warofart on September 27, 2008 2:17 AM
The price and the pay-to-get codecs are the only thing keeping me from buying this.
When it comes down in price a bit, this probably will be my main device.
Chris on September 29, 2008 5:03 PM
If you want more then 160GB on something other than an Archos you will have to the Vosonic VP8860. It has a detachable 2.5" SATA hard drive, so you can put a 500GB HDD and even a 1TB HDD when they come out. Although the lack of a video out is huge, you can use the device as a DVR without any attachments. Also it has a detachable battery, memory card readers, and the ability to view RAW photos. Look on Mydigitaldiscount.com to buy it if your in the USA. Lastly, the Vosonic is about half the price of the Archos, but does not offer internet connectivity.
n81acc on September 30, 2008 1:02 AM
Can this play full DVDs? That includes DVD menus, commentaries, subtitles, etc.
Basically, I'd like to be able to copy a ripped DVD's VIDEO_TS folder and play the whole DVD.
The Cinema plug-in says it supports VOB files, but I'm not sure if that includes the full DVD experience.
Simon on September 30, 2008 11:12 AM
I really like how the 605 worked as a DVR. Mine is hooked up to its own freeview box. With the TV guide its easy to record what I want. It also turns on the freeview box and changes channel and switches it off when its done. This is great for match of the day etc which I can watch at a sensible hour the next day. All of this does come at an extra cost but so long as you take that into account when buying there is no need to moan as its better to have the choice than everyone paying top price for things they dont need.
Nicholas on October 2, 2008 6:49 PM
How easy is this to recharge? Can I plug it into the wall with a usb to electricity plug, or is it just computer charging?
sapibobo on October 5, 2008 1:34 PM
Maybe it is not related with the review. I was wondering, would you sometimes review the sound quality of your Nokia E71?
I think for once in a while it is worth to have specialized review of mobile phones, especially between vast array of dedicated music player reviewed here...
EFA on October 8, 2008 12:22 PM
Is there any way to transfer all my video/dvd/tv recorded content from my 504 to the new 5?
dutch4life on November 6, 2008 10:39 AM
Great review and a great device this Archos 5
But one thing i can't understand is that it's in stores for such a low price! I live in the Netherlands and it's only 300 euro's over here (still a lot more than for what it's sold in the US) I mean it's just a little bit more expensice than the Ipod touch 16 GB version. While this thing has 60 GB! And the Archos beats the Ipod touch at video quality, sound quality, it has a bigger and better screen. The only things in wich the Ipod Touch beats the Archos is the quality of the touch screen and the interface.
How is it possible that this device is sold for such a low price is it really that good? because I almost can't believe it :P
TJ on November 12, 2008 10:25 AM
Sound Quality: Can the Archos 5 be a dedicated audio player with decent earphones? (w/ UE SuperFi5 for instance) A more general question: what's the best option for someone looking for a large capacity player with excellent sound quality? I'm looking at the Archos 5 and the iPod Classic 120GB -- is the sound quality basically the same, or would you say one is better than the other? (I'm wary of the iPod sound quality) thx!
Gonzo on November 12, 2008 6:07 PM
@ dutch4life
Maybe because iPod Touch is an overpriced POS? Its price point is not realistic, you're just paying for the "privilege" of owning an Apple product. IMHO, 300 euros is just about right for a player with this kind of hardware and capabilities at this point in time. iPod is WAY overpriced for what it offers. It doesn't even come in capacities larger than 32GB ffs! It only plays like 2 video formats and 3 audio formats! It's got a nice interface, you gotta give it that, but still it tries to limit what you can do with it every step of the way. It's just not worth it.
whataname2c on November 12, 2008 8:22 PM
Just wondering, do i need to convert anime files before putting it on the product. I'm thinking about getting this and was wondering if i would have to convert a lot of videos in order to play them on this
anonymouse on November 26, 2008 5:29 AM
WTF is Lunix? Is that like linux or something?
Concept on December 13, 2008 11:08 PM
Man, I really dont like how they make you pay for the things that are supposed to be standard. I didnt even notice that before I bought it. Its like they are trying to suck as much money as they can ou of you. Its still a pretty good device but, damn can I enjoy the features of the device with the purchase price. Also a pretty good review.
Renee on December 15, 2008 2:04 PM
I think this link answers so questions to those who are truly looking to compare Archos to Touch:
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2008/10/archos_5_lightning_review.html
marco on January 4, 2009 6:09 PM
would you classify this as pocketable or not.
Franico on January 5, 2009 12:30 PM
As an owner of an iPod, an Archos 605, and an Archos 5, let me see if I can address some of the questions/issues brought up by other contributors. Due to length, I'll have to break this up into multiple replies.
Nicholas - The Archos 5 will charge from any source that provides a USB output. I actually use a number of charging options: the (obvious) USB port on my computer; a small handy little USB converter that plugs into the wall; and (this one I love) a pocket-sized UPS (uninterruptable power supply) that charges by plugging it into the wall, but then has a 3600mAh battery inside it, with a USB output that will either run the Archos directly from the UPS battery, or just charge the Archos from the UPS battery. (One UPS charge will charge the Archos battery multiple times.)
To be continued...
Franico on January 5, 2009 12:31 PM
Continued from previous...
swild - I agree that the Touch is sexy. My son owns one, and we played with it over the holidays. But my response would be that a) the Archos 5 is incredibly sexy (much more than my iPod or the Archos 605), and b) they really are two different gadgets. If you want a true media player, you can't limit yourself to something like an 8GB player. I have the *smallest* Archos 5 (60GB), and I have 30-40 full-length videos, hundreds of MP3 tracks, and thousands of digital photos -- with room to spare. Also, with its TV integration, it is way ahead of the Touch. On the other hand, as my son pointed out, the Touch has applications like a remote control for his Sonos audio system, which he just loves.
TJ - Yes, you can definitely use this as a dedicated audio player. In fact, my iPod is a 60GB iPod with literally tens of thousands of tracks on it... and I haven't used it once, since getting my Archos! I use the Archos for everything now -- music, videos, e-books (it reads all PDF files), photos, etc. And the audio quality is excellent -- especially if you get a good set of earbuds.
More to come...
Franico on January 5, 2009 12:40 PM
Continued from previous...
whataname2c - about converting files... You've actually hit it on the head. I agree with all commenters that it's a pain to have to pay additional for plug-ins to be able to play AAC music, or certain video formats. But I don't bother with the plug-ins. I've focused on one or two formats I like, and have a couple of really good freeware applications that will convert music and/or videos to the formats I like. Yeah, it's an extra step; but by the same token, I can also compress the resulting files a bit more, and get more on the device.
FYI, I particularly like AutoGK (Auto Gordion Knot) as a video converter, although there are many other freeware apps out there.
Concept - as far as paying for plug-ins... see the previous comment. For me, converting the files takes care of the audio and video plug-in issues. That only leaves the fact that Archos still charges extra for things like the Games that you can download, etc.
marco - The Archos 5 is definitely "pocketable". I carry mine in my pocket all the time. Admittedly, depending on what case you use (and I personally like to use a case, to keep it "new and shiny"), it may not fit some shirt pockets; but I can always drop it in my pants pocket. And by itself (i.e., outside the case) it's quite manageable.
In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find another device with the screen size (4.8") and resolution (800x640), in a unit this compact.
Hope that answers some of the questions. Needless to say, I like it a lot. And for anyone wondering, even after reading the review, the Archos 5 is definitely a worthwhile investment even for someone who already owns an Archos 605 (or smaller) player. (And I haven't even mentioned all of the "positives" about the wireless capabilities! Try sitting in an airport for 6 hours, with full access to Web Radio, Web Videos, E-mail, Web browser, etc. It's easy to miss your call for the plane!)