CIAO Review on the Archos Gmini XS 100 - (light grey model)07/11/2007
Archos Gmini XS100 3GB of Storage*
Available RRP - 02/2005
- Archos Introduction - > A short insight into Archos.
Archos was an established company in 1988. A storage data 'niche' was found in the market; by which they ... Read review
ARCHOS Gmini XS 100 is a 3GB hard-drive based music player.Competitively priced the ... more
Gmini XS 100 is also the smallest and thelightest of the Archos range. It offers a great storage capacityallowing you to load up to 1500 songs1 (includingPlaysFor...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
ARCHOS Gmini XS 100 is a 3GB hard-drive based music player.Competitively priced the ... more
Gmini XS 100 is also the smallest and thelightest of the Archos range. It offers a great storage capacityallowing you to load up to 1500 songs1 (includingPlaysFor...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: small and 3GB of data storage Disadvantages: 88g a bit heavy for it's size
CIAO Review on the Archos Gmini XS 100 - (light grey model)07/11/2007
Archos Gmini XS100 3GB of Storage*
Available RRP - 02/2005
- Archos Introduction - > A short insight into Archos.
Archos was an established company in 1988. A storage data 'niche' was found in the market; by which they explored with different types of data components. It wasn't too long when Archos got into portable media players (PMP) and ... ...In February 2005, Archos launched the 3GB MP3 player 'Archos Gmini XS100'.
Archos have been a global leader in portable technologies since the early 1990's. If, you are not aware of Archos; I can state that everyone in the Western world has certainly used their products and technologies on a daily basis. Anyone who has been through an electronic door while on a shopping trip, or had had their credit card scanned or even used a 'touch-screen' ... more
CIAO Review on the Archos Gmini XS 100 - (light grey model)07/11/2007 Archos Gmini XS100 3GB of Storage* Available RRP - 02/2005
- Archos Introduction - > A short insight into Archos. Archos was an established company in 1988. A storage data 'niche' was found in the market; by which they explored with different types of data components. It wasn't too long when Archos got into portable media players (PMP) and specialised in storage data for entertainment in audio and video. In February 2005, Archos launched the 3GB MP3 player 'Archos Gmini XS100'.
Archos have been a global leader in portable technologies since the early 1990's. If, you are not aware of Archos; I can state that everyone in the Western world has certainly used their products and technologies on a daily basis. Anyone who has been through an electronic door while on a shopping trip, or had had their credit card scanned or even used a 'touch-screen' monitor for map reading, or purchasing items, have at some point been in 'touch' with Archos, without knowing it.
**- Historical fact -** While setting up Archos, Frenchman, Henri Crohas, decided to use an anagram of his surname that incorporated a global recognition of a pioneering establishment during the 'yuppy' image conscious 1980's> Crohas >became > Archos.
- The Online store - The URL for the global market leader is: http:// www.archos.com The site is one of the biggest in global features I've seen. It reminds me of Sony's site yet has not got the marketing savvy. The choices of languages are endless. Archos's have reached all corners of the globe. A boasts a great portfolio of retailers.
- The Archos Gmini XS100 3GB (100 for short) and the extras -
*The whole package * What you get is a very well compact package that includes: The Archos Gmini XS100 3GB MP3 Player> Battery Charger > Earphones > URL's Special support service> USB cable for PC/Mac compatibility> Manuals (PDF Format) // > Adobe Acrobat Software is required to view the document > All the descriptions and online support is available. There is an after sales Customer Support contact online on the web site http://www.archos.com.
**A useful hint ** while using the 100 is to not over charge the battery overnight, similar to a mobile phone, the overcharging of the battery will incur the internal battery to fade quicker and become less responsive, as it burns the filaments, due to getting too hot. Please review the manual for estimated battery charger timers. I believe 45 minutes to 2 hrs is ample time for all re-charging.
- Graphics and UI (user interface) - Graphically it is not too enhancing but gets the job done. It is slick in style and very rebust in shape and in handling. It appears styled on computer component manufacturer 'Creative', as they are very similar in look and feel. - Personally, I don't think it is as chic as their competitors as in style and shape; however; functionally it is first class, perfect for the sound techies amongst you; who simply just want to play and listen to MP3 on a daily basis and of course if your wanting a MP3 Player on a shoestring.
- Performance - MP3 Quality - The XS100 screen definition is very good, though is not of HD quality. The MP3 Player only is compatible with JPEG customary images. That you can load off from a digital camera, the PC, or from the internet itself. The audio quality is crystal clear, of course depending on the size of file the MP3 file as the higher the size of the file the better the quality. The one thing that saddened me with this product was the fact that it has limited file recognitions. No MP4 converting or encoding is available. For any songs that have been downloaded onto your PC from paid music sites (Protected by copyright) will be able to be played by the 100.
- 3GB storage - I find the 3GB is sufficient to play my 1000 tracks. The storage of 3GB will allow an excess of 2,000 tracks that includes every type of audio media format. The transfer rates are fast due to the fast USB transfer fast - track Windows music browser software. What is a noticeable difference is that it is not an ipod. There are not so many features nor as stylish and slick. ------------------------------------------------ - Price -
The price is a respectable -- £49.99 > When come to value and features the 100 is very good value for money. I give it 7/10.
- Recommendations and my thoughts - In years gone by, I've seen MP3 Players come and go. A good brand such as Archos has a lot in store for future generations to enjoy. The colour 'light grey' is an unisex colour that is universal worldwide; it has an icey metallic style to it, whith a black inner design around the user navigation. The design does not do itself any justice in my opinion. It has a small navigation button that just looks plonked their like an after thought.
The Archos Gmini XS100 series, exemplifies small compact technology that is very savvy functionally, and that won't let you down. I see this product as a stepping stone for more stylish brands in the future. Archos, has the capacity technology wise to astound it's competitors. Though falls short in design. The100 not too slick compared to it's counter-parts. The brand could suffer now, by not having a 'wow' factor; Archos may have to think about future designs to stay afloat as the competition hots up. I do recommend this product for the novice or even for a MP3 collector, as it still has something likeable about it.
Advantages: All the fun of the ipod Disadvantages: Cheap as (micro)chips
I have ummed and aahed for ages over buying an MP3 player. Some are too small, some too big, all are too expensive. I wasn't taken in by the premise that I must buy an ipod because everyone else has got one, then I chanced upon this little box of tricks. It holds 3GB, which equates to 1500 songs, which means 100 albums, which is more than enough for my trips to the gym or on the train. It's simplicity itself to use, so much so that having opened ... ...to music pretty much instantly, as there are some samples already loaded on the player for that very 'I can't wait to have a go with this' feeling - oh and it was fully charged as well. There are a total of 3 buttons and an updownleftright 'wheel' thingummy, and the navigation is all pretty logical. Back home sitting in front of my 'pooter, I loaded a CD which instantly begged to be copied, or ripped for the initiated, this was using Windows Mediaplayer ...
Clara 03.10.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS100 3 GB
Advantages: great storage capacity Disadvantages: Not enough function and can faulted before
...box and advertising on the Archos website states that a fully charged player will play for about 14 hours of music, i found this to be more like 10 or 11 hours on average, although thats still long enough for me. Some of you may requiare longer but it comes down to the individual i guess. The filetypes played on the Archos MP3 Palyer are MP3, WMA & WAV format, which is pretty much all you need, as these are by far the most popular types of digitally ... ...indepth for what the player acually does, and goes into often tedious depths to explain things which seems pointless and exhasperating at times, although the english is well written and easy to understand.
Overall this player is average, its let down by the fact it is so basic, the screen size, the feel of it, the menu system, all just lack any real feel of someone has really sat and thought to improve on the industry standard, the iPod. The money ...
foehammer 10.01.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS100 3 GB
Advantages: Slim Line, Cool Looking, Feminine, Small to Store in the Smallest of Bags Disadvantages: Music can stop playing, stalls, or can crash.
I love this MP3 player. Before this i had some square clumpy little thing, that i hated having to pull out of my pocket or bag as it was ugly to appear at. When i was given this for my birthday i was estatic. Its pretty, sexy, cool and sophisticated and that was just its gorgeous pink colour alone. The silver chrome button finish adds a little more glamour and with its blue lit screen it looks even sexier when i pull it out in the dark. My MP3 player ... ...contiues to grow. I can store loads of music on this little thing, so tiny yet so powerful. The main screen comprises of four options, it took me a while to understand the instructions to learn how to operate the buttons and the option as it only came with one sheet, but after a lot of experimentation i found it easy to search through my music, create playlists and arrange the music in any form i wanted. I can also delete music permantlely from the ...
gracie2301 30.01.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS100 3 GB
Advantages: sleek elegant desighn Disadvantages: none in my eyes!
an excellent little mp3 player its sleek elegant desighn is excellent and is available in a range of colors pink being the color of choice for the other owners i know its simple wheel desighn controll system seems to be inspired from the ipod range but never the less seems to be a fine choice as its space saving and ergonomic its simple to master and has an excellent screen qulity some would class it as a cheaper alternative to the ipod this may ...
finchx18 21.11.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS100 3 GB
this Mp3 can be your best friend or your worst enemy dependent on how many songs you put on them. after a while you will find that the MP3 will begin to go slower and sometimes even crash on you. when you purchase this item you will get a free neck strap, which will break within the 1st 3 months (not handy at all) then you have the headphones, which if they dont break within the first 3 months count yourself lucky! but this MP3 is not all bad, ive ...
lucky151 08.05.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS100 3 GB
Sound Quality
Ease of Use
Look & Design
Range of Features
Value for Money
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- Archos Introduction - > In the beginning.
Archos was an established company in 1988. A storage data 'niche' was found in the market; by which they explored with different types of data components. It wasn't too long when Archos got into portable media players (PMP) and specialised in storage data for entertainment in audio and video. In October 2005, Archos launched the MP3 player 'ArchosGminiXS100' series; which is a portable MP3 Player (very similar to an ipod) without the (UI) User Interface facilities, (Touchscreen) like many other Archos products specialise in.
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Product Information for "Archos Gmini XS100 3 GB" »
Audio system
Capacity
3 GB
Digital Storage Media
Hard disc drive - built-in
Sound Output Mode
Stereo
Features
Upgradeable firmware
Digital player (recorder)
Supported Digital Audio Standards
WAV, WMA, MP3, protected WMA (DRM)
ID3 Tags Support
Built-in
Playback Modes
Playlist
Supported Bit Rate
30 - 320Kbps
External Hard Drive Function
Built-in
Features
Variable bit-rate compatible
Headphones
Headphones Type
Headphones - binaural
Connectivity Technology
Wired
Sound Output Mode
Stereo
Connections
Connector Type
1 x headphones
1 x USB
System requirements
OS Required
Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, Microsoft Windows XP, Apple MacOS X 10.2.4
Peripheral / Interface Devices
CD-ROM, USB port
Manufacturer's product description
The principal function of the Gmini XS 100 is, of course, to play music. Because it has a real hard disk inside of it, you can store hundreds of songs. Using a standard audio cable, you can also play your music through a home entertainment system. You can bring your entire CD collection with you anywhere and play it over anyone's sound system. Putting music onto your Gmini XS 100 is as easy as 'drag and drop' for your unprotected music files. And for protected purchased music from PlaysForSure web sites, it is as easy as clicking the Sync button in Windows Media Player. Plus, with its USB 2 high-speed port, transfers are finished before you know it. The Gmini XS 100 is also ID3 compatible. This means that the ARCLibrary will sort your music so that you can listen to it by artist, album, title, year, or genre. Click on Shuffle, and listen to your music at random. Finally, you can always use the Gmini XS 100 as a portable hard drive to carry your important files with you. You can even use the Archos double-browser to rename, create, copy, move, and delete files and folders.
