Archos 605 WiFi 30GB Digital AV Player

Archos 605 is getting old as a model, but still useful, simple and reliable... it was featured at OldVideoToDVD.com a few years back

First, i did not buy this at Amazon, but I bought it refurbished which makes it cheaper, especially since most add-ons are a necessity.Pros: Good Build, easy interface, 30gb is a lot of space, Tv-out(optional), DVR ability(optional), Web browsing(optional), plays most mp3's, pictures with slideshow, large screen, plays flash gamescons : videos need to be converted, TV-Out/DVR/Web Browsing all need extra plugins and/or accessories at additional cost, not many accessories are available locally, flash games are slow, pic files up to a certain res, barely supported by the manufacturer, unable to delete files on the flyThis player is good if you are willing to shell out the cash to buy the add-onsDVR dock($60)/mini dock($30) + plug ins(video/browser/etc)($30) + video converter software($0-30) + screen protector($7) + case ($20) = $100 - $150 extra + $150 for the player. For that price you can buy a Zune or even an Ipod touch with the same capacity.What I do like about the player is the bigger screen and the price I got it for, this is good video player which is why a bought it, my converter software converted a 700mb file to 400mb in about 15 min with minimal quality loss, if you buy the software plug-ins, conversion is almost not necessary. also battery life quotes are inflated i got 13 hrs audio or 3.5 hrs video(a battery dock is also available @$50). I would say pass on this one since it is the older model unless you can get it below $110 or so and have some tech knowledge.

I decided to take a chance with the Archos because I wanted a portable jukebox that, unlike my Creative 30gb, could be edited as well as recharged. The Archos is a potential multi-media circus; through buying extras from their website you could have the internet in your hand as well as a personal cinema, and maybe a tea-service? To be honest, I don't feel the desire to have a cinema, tea-making/satnav apps or the 'net in the palm of my hand - all I want is my music at my fingertips. I've deleted some of the features I know I'll never use and this has freed up over 6gbs extra. So that's at least thirty more albums I could rip or download!Archos software loads on fast and after about three hours of complete charging you can start loading up the player via Windows Mediaplayer, always more reliable and user-friendly than synchronising software exclusive to particular brands. So you can drag'n'drop happily. Volume is controlled from the left side of the play screen menu and sound quality is fine. You can visually build up playlists in a split-screen mode as you play tracks. Navigating between menus is tricky at first but once you understand the system it's easy.The only criticisms I have are that the machine eats power frighteningly fast - I've ordered a docking station - and accessories shown on the Archos site are rather pricey. The docking station is about the only one I think I actually need. Overall, I really like this machine. It's a smart looking brick, slicker-looking than most Ipod-alternatives but worth taking the chance.

I bought this primarily as a replacement for a faulty 604, to play back audio and video files.Just as well, because you can no longer download (that is' buy' in the Archos world) any of the plug-ins that let you browse the web, or use the device for web TV or radio. I contacted Archos, and they say this is because the product is no longer supported. Looking through the world of Archos forums, there have also been problems with the plug-ins not being upgraded to cope with web innovations.So, be warned that none of the internet-related features on the Amazon promo page are available because Archos will not let you unlock them.That being said, audio and video playback is good, and some Flash games will also work. I find WMV files are readily accepted by the Archos, which I create using Serif software.May 2013 postscriptThe hard drive has just failed after 8 months, so I guess that's the end of that.

I have had my archos for some time now and find that it is not really delivering what I expected.The picture and sound quality is good and I have used it to watch films on flights with no problems.The web TV plug in is of very little value as the channels in the UK are a waste of time. The web radio is quite good though.I have looked at the vizumi web site for films to download but the selction is very limited. You can buy some films that come with a portable version for the archos but I generally rent films.It is not compatable with the tiscali TV set top box, so recording from TV is not an option.I can also confirm the support is useless and I don't think they have ever answered a question I have sent them.

Brought this item 10 months ago for £70 to watch movies. I like how small and easy to use it is. Would recommend buying a plug in charger as its alot quicker ( only a USB charger is supplied). I found a small problem with the battery on this item that it didnt tend to last very long. What is not explained in the booklet is to charge the item you need to hold down the off button until it says shutting down in order for it to charge correctly. The battery life does slow down a tad. The touch screen is good ( only a small problem where its slower responding). Archos are not very helpful if you have a problem with this device yet Amazon have been fantastic (recommend them everytime!). I've just purchased another Archos same version for around £50 with more memory. only small issues but a GREAT PRODUCT for a small fortune!

very poor this item stopped working after first year and conviently when out of gaurantee