Archos AV440 Pocket Video Recorder 40 GB

Advantages: Everything you could want apart from a phone!!
Disadvantages: Earphones might be a proble for some people

...I previously bought the Archos Jukebox and have had it for a few years. I had been really pleased with it, unfortunately it was not holding its charge as well and decided to upgrade. I wasn't 100% sure about buying an AV700 because of the reviews I had read about it. I had read some reviews which pointed out some difficulty when transferring files. I must say I have not had any problems with transferring and files from my pc and in fact have found it very easy. Other problems which I have read about are the viewing screen quality. I have not had any problems with this myself but, I did spend quite a lot of time going through the manual to familiarise myself with the controls etc. I had been so pleased with the products from them that I decided to go for it anyway and I am so glad that I did. The picture quality is fantastic, I... Read review

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Advantages: portability
Disadvantages: battery life

...This model now seems defunct, however, the new archos (av700) seems large and cumbersome. The massive screen just seems impractical for it's portability. If a simple video/music player is what you are looking for then this is the answer. The price has come down a lot recently. The software does seem slow and songs can take a while to load when the harddrive is full. but the information that is displayed is relevant and the sound quality is good. Some features that are not immediately noticable are the button lock and in built speaker toggle, which is available when the each of the option buttons are held down for 2 seconds. The cradle is a great feature, allowing direct from TV recording.... Read review

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Advantages: Amazing picture quality, easy to use software, attractive product and interface
Disadvantages: Long video conversion software, very expensive!

...I decided that I'd try and top my friends' new Ipods by buying a multimedia player. Looking at the market, the new Archos AV400 series easily came on top. They brought out two models, the AV420, the 20gb model, and the AV480, the 80gb model. Thinking of all the mps and films I intended to put on there, I decided to go to the 80gb model, added expensive, but definately worth it. All the software needed to convert files so they are compatable with the Archos come on the system, and are easy to install and use. I did find, though, that converting a full length film does take a few hours, which can be a bit of hassle. The Archos comes with its own little docking station that allows you to connect it to a television. So if you don't have a computer, yo can record programs, dvds or videos straight from or via your television. Similarly you... Read review

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