Archos Gmini XS100 4 GB

Author's product rating:   

Sound Quality	Good
Ease of Use	Simple
Look & Design	Good
Range of Features	Average
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	4 GB of MP3 data storage
Disadvantages:	flimsy ear - phones

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

*Archos Gmini XS100 4GB of Storage*
4,000 MP3 storage on your portable player BLACK.

- 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 'Archos Gmini XS100' 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.

They have been a global leader in portable technologies Archos. 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 4GB (100 for short) and the extras -

*What do you get when buying this product?*

What you get is a very well compact package that includes:
The Archos Gmini XS100 4GB 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.

** A little bit of TRIVIA ** The Archos branding is well used now especially as the AV 604 version is now on mainstream UK television. The show is called 'The Real Deal'; and is hosted by David Dickinson. Have a look for his monitor when the dealing is taking place.

The 100 is certainly very compact and is very user friendly navigating around the menu screen. 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 and MP3 Quality -

I've always been interested in these types of component packages whether it's a standard screen model, or whether it is HD quality or Blu-ray quality. The 100 screen definition is very good, though is not of HD quality. The 2cms X 2cms squared screen is of very high quality and holds it's own in the function stakes. 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.

- 4GB storage -

I find the 4GB is sufficient to play my 1000 tracks. The storage of 4GB will allow an excess of 4,000 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. Naturally, there is no itune extravaganza, with freebies and membership options that Apples ipod do include. In my opinion there is only one ipod MP3 player. No-one can emulate it. If, you're an ipod fanatic this MP3 player could put your nose out of joint; it carries a slightly clumsy portable player look and feel than Apples' ipod marketing dream machine. The display is of good quality but now looks a little outdated.

- The 100 Series-- Model Specification -

Product Description: Archos Gmini XS100 - digital player
Product Type: Digital player - hard drive based
Enclosure Colour: Black
Dimensions (WxDxH): 4.3 cm x 1.4 cm x 9.1 cm
Weight: 80 g
Sound Output Mode: Stereo
Supported Digital Audio Standards: WAV, WMA, MP3, protected WMA (DRM)
Built-in Display: Colour - 1.5" - OLED
Digital Storage Media: Hard disk drive - built-in
Capacity: 4 GB
Headphones: Headphones - binaural - ear-bud - stereo
PC Interface Supported: Hi-Speed USB
Battery: Player - rechargeable

*Technical Details*

Main Specifications
Product Description: Archos Gmini XS100 - digital player
Product Type: Digital player - hard drive based
Enclosure Colour: Black
Dimensions (WxDxH): 4.3 cm x 1.4 cm x 9.1 cm
Weight: 80 g
Sound Output Mode: Stereo
Supported Digital Audio Standards: WAV, WMA, MP3, protected WMA (DRM)
Built-in Display: Colour - 1.5" - OLED
Digital Storage Media: Hard disk drive - built-in
Capacity: 4 GB
Headphones: Headphones - binaural - ear-bud - stereo
PC Interface Supported: Hi-Speed USB
Battery: Player - rechargeable
Extended Specifications

*General*

Depth: 1.4 cm
Enclosure Colour: Black
Height: 9.1 cm
PC Interface Supported: Hi-Speed USB
Product Type: Digital player
Weight: 80 g
Width: 4.3 cm

*Audio System*

Digital Storage Media: Hard disk drive - built-in
Features: JPEG photo playback
Sound Output Mode: Stereo

*Battery*

Battery: Player - rechargeable
Included Qty: 1

Built-in Display
Built-in Display: OLED - colour
Diagonal Size: 1.5"

*Connections*

Connector Type: 1 x headphones ( mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ) ¦ 1 x USB 2.0

*Digital Player (Recorder)*

External Hard Drive Function: Yes
Supported Digital Audio Standards: WAV, WMA, MP3, protected WMA (DRM)

*Headphones*

Connectivity Technology: Wired
Headphones Type: Headphones - binaural - ear-bud
Sound Output Mode: Stereo

*Miscellaneous*

Cables Included: 1 x USB cable
Included Accessories: Neck strap
------------------------------------------------

- Price -

The price is a respectable -- £79.99 > When come to value and features the 100 is very good value for money. I give it 7/10.

- Recommendation -

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 black is an unisex colour that is universal worldwide; it has an icey metallic style to it, which is more evident than the silver version.

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 is slick, it has it's own fan base without pulling a 'rabbit out of the hat'. By not having a 'wow' factor the next generation of MP3 players could suffer; as the competition hots up. I do recommend this product, though try and get a bargain especially if you're a MP3 novice.

Thank you for your time.