Are you a penniless teen with a desire for a large memory MP3? Well, this could well be the device for you.
The Archos Gmini 202 XC MP3 (what a tongue twister!) is very small considering its memory, in fact, I have read that it is the smallest 20Gb MP3 on the market. The case consists of three metal layers: two plates (front and back) and a metal strip which runs round the edge of the device between the plates. The screen is about 3x3cm which I think is a decent size but it cannot display pictures, videos, data files stored, etc. because of its type. The 'DC IN' and USB ports are in the side of the MP3 player and are small enough to not cause any problems (although my key almost got stuck once). The ear/head phone port is on the top, possibly to accommodate for any MP3 cases you may wish to use to protect your player. However, because of its metal construction, I see no reason for a case to be used, the screen is the only particularly vulnerable part and that, as I've mentioned, is quite small anyway. The company has managed to minimise the amount of buttons needed and have given this player only three. One is for navigation and other in-music options (this is the joystick in the centre of the three), one is for turning on and locking the MP3 and the final button is the power off and cancel button.
The sound quality of the Gmini is in my opinion moderately good; admittedly, it's not the best I've ever heard but it plays WAV, WMA and MP3 files to an equally good quality. I think with better ear phones than the ones provided, the quality could be enhanced somewhat but that is a little extra money I expect. The MP3 with the headphones, charger & adaptors (US, European and UK) cost me £150 online.
It takes approx. five seconds to switch the device on and get to the main menu but after that, all the sub menus and folders open fairly quickly. You can adjust the settings of your MP3 to suit your own preferences; adjustable settings include sound, play mode, clock, display, power and system which all have more settings within them.
One of the best features in my opinion is the file management system. It's possible to make new play lists, name them, delete folders, sort through all your files (music or not) and basically use the hard drive to its full potential. In addition to that, all files are sorted into categories such as artist, album, title, etc. Finding the song you want is really is but when as the device has more files stored on it, it does take longer to search through them with the joystick.
In conclusion, I would suggest that anyone looking for a moderately cheap and discreet MP3 consider this one. Despite a few drawbacks, this makes an excellent go between for low cost and up to date technology.
Technical Specifications
Capacity: 20 GB Hard drive - store up to 10,000 songs1
Display: 2" level gray scale LCD, 128x128 pixels, 9 lines of characters. Intuitive menu with icons.
Music playback: Stereo MP3 decoding @ 30-320 kb/s CBR & VBR, WMA, WMA (PD DRM - download) and WAV (PCM) - ID tag 3 compatible.
Audio connections: Stereo analog Earphone/ Line Out jack
Interfaces: USB 2.0 high-speed device, compatible USB 1.1, PC & Mac.
Battery life: Up to 17 hours2.
Scalability: Download firmware updates from www.archos.com
Minimum system requirements: Windows® ME, 2000 or XP - Mac OS v.10.2.4 - computer with USB 2.0 interface (compatible USB 1.1 at a lower speed).
For protected WMA files: Windows® ME, 2000 or XP with Windows Media® Player 9 or 10.
Power source: Internal: Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery.
External: From USB computer port.
Dimensions: Approx. 7.6 x 5.9 x 1.9 cm / 2.9" x 2.3" x 0.7"
Weight: Approx. 120 g (4.42oz)
Package includes: Gmini XS 202, USB 2.0 cable, AC power charger adaptor, headphones, quickstart guide (in-depth manual on Gmini XS 200 HD)