I bought the new Archos 605 wi-fi with some trepidation, as I was replacing a 604 which had died after less than a year. I felt compelled to stay with the brand as I had built up a stock of peripherals (chargers etc) which will only work with Archos machines.
First, the good:
The 605 is more than capable at playing films, music, displaying photos, and going online. The touch screen is a nice gimmick, although I find that I don't use it much apart from web browsing. Navigating is still easier through the buttons.
By far the biggest improvement over the 604 is the ability to record in widescreen. The previous models all failed to recognise UK widescreen, instead compressing the image so that people appeared tall and thin. Finally Archos have adressed this problem and the unit can now truly call itself a widescreen recorder/player.
And now the bad:
All Archos products do not feel as well built as other alternatives (Apple products for example). Archos also operate a firmware upgrade system so that any bugs can be eradicated following the launch of the player, however this does lead me to believe that insufficient testing is undertaken prior to full production. Apple for example do not feel the need to operate this kind of a system.
Archos have a policy of producing very capable products, which some of their features locked, forcing the user into costly upgrades. They also sell this unit as a means of recording directly from television. this also requires a extra cost as you'll have to buy a DVR station.
I would urge anyone looking to buy this or any other Archos to research these extra costs thoroughly before parting with any cash.
In summary:
Even with the recent launch of the Apple touch, I still believe that Archos make the best personal media players available. There are a few issues that I wish that they would address, however as long as you fully budget for the extras that you will need to buy to use the full potential of the system, then I would heartily recommend this player.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Superb video, easy to record from TV and DVD, excellent screen and easy to use Disadvantages: Nowhere to store stylus, rubbish case, expensive extras to get best out of it
jasonalakija 24.10.2007 (24.10.2007)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Archos 605 WiFi 160 GB
Advantages: Record from TV/DVD, Excellent for watching movies, has many features Disadvantages: Expensive upgrades, poor inbuilt speaker, limited for gamers
Ruraji 19.08.2008 (19.08.2008)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Archos 605 WiFi 160 GB
very helpful by (90%):
helpful by (10%):
