Advantages: Great sound, small, tough, stores loads of music Disadvantages: Monochrome screen, no album art or photos, few accessories
...songs.
The Manufacturer
Archos is a French electronics company, founded in 1988, which now specializes in making portable music and video players.
How do you use it?
You load music (or other audio such as language-learning material, audio books and podcasts) onto a computer and then transfer it to the player with the cable supplied. Listen with headphones or you can plug it into some newer car stereo systems. It can also be plugged into a hi-fi ... ...use…
Headphones
The Archos comes supplied with a set of earbud-type headphones in a silver and black finish with a long cable and standard 3.5mm jack plug to connect to the player. The phones supplied with all portable music players tend to be of the cheap and nasty variety and the Archos is no exception to this. They produce a fairly poor sound from the player; thin and over-bright with weak bass and a general “muddiness” and lack of clarity to ...
Mitsudan 16.06.2007
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS 202 20 GB
Advantages: Easy to use and carry, huge capacity, good sound quality, a resume feature! Disadvantages: No carry case, the ear phones could be better
...that achieved all requirements, the Archos Gmini XS 200.
And as a plus, Dixons even had this on offer. And so I paid over my £159.99 and received my mp3 player neatly packaged in an opaque Blister Pack displaying all the contents. Eager to get started, I tore at the packaging but no avail - that pack would not be opened. And so I had to wait until I got home and armed with a sharp pair of scissors finally got into the pack.
Included in the pack ... ...AC adapter, ear bud headphones and a multilingual quick-start sheet.
The Gmini fits tidily into your palm, 3" high x 2.3" wide in x 0.7" deep, perfect sizing. At 4 ½ ozs in weight, it is a little heavier than the ipod but not uncomfortably so. Enclosed within gunmetal brushed aluminum case with a chrome inset and buttons, it may not look as colourful as the ipod but it is more classy. One of the best features of the Gmini is its large 2" LCD screen ...
MAFARRIMOND 17.04.2005
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS 202 20 GB
Advantages: Sound quality, size, battery life Disadvantages: No USB charge
I bought this Archos 20Gb player about 3 months ago so that I could listen to my music whilst on the plane. I chose it as it was the same price as a 2Gb flash player, and a friend of mine had told me good things about Archos. I ordered it from Amazon after reading the good reviews on here and on their website.
Upon opening the box, what first struck me was the size - it's tiny! The first thing I did was give the Gmini a good charge before using ... ...works in the UK and the US through the use of a clip on UK attachment - a very neat idea. Sadly this is the only way to charge it as it does not accept a charge through the USB socket.
Transferring files to the device is really easy. Just plug the supplied USB cable into your computer and the other end into the Gmini. Then just drag and drop your MP3s into the music folder. When the player is unplugged from the computer, the first thing it does ...
robosapien 04.07.2006
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS 202 20 GB
Advantages: Small, Cheap, Lightweight, Excellent Sound. Disadvantages: New Model Available
OK, so I know that there are a few models out now that are newer than this one, if not superior. But I have this one, I like this one, and i really think this one is a superb peice of kit.
First, the design. This thing is STURDY. I've dropped it countless times, even onto concrete (admitedly not while it was turned on) and it is still in perfect running order, maybe with a few more scratches but nothing serious. I have no doubt that if it were an ... ...stopped working by now. It is sleek, too, with a metal casing that is moderm while not appearing pretencious *cough*the new sony*cough*, and the mirrored band around it really finishes it off nicely. The screen is huge, so its not like an i-pod where you can barely see much at all - this thing is high visibility.
The menu system can be slightly confusing at first, but anyone with some common sense can work it out in a few minutes and have it nailed ...
chrisxcore 20.01.2006
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS 202 20 GB
Advantages: Small, cheap, robust, 20GB! Disadvantages: Average sound quality
...research, I can see that Archos are slowly rising in the mp3 player market. They've released a wide range of products from flash memory to large hard drive mp3 players; and colour screens with video capability (but you won't get that with the Gmini XS 202). But back to the Gmini XS 202. Sound quality isn't great. And to be perfectly honest, I believe its the one area where it does let you down. There is a noticeable difference in sound quality between ... ...Windows® 98SE (driver available on ARCHOS web site), 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 (PlaysForSure™ downloaded) files: Windows® 98SE (driver available on ARCHOS web site), ME, 2000 or XP with Windows Media® Player 9 or 10. Package Includes: Gmini XS 202, USB 2.0 cable, AC power charger adaptor, headphones, quickstart guide (in-depth manual on Gmini XS 200 ...
alexpal 15.11.2005
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS 202 20 GB
Advantages: Small, stylish, easy to use, excellent value for money, stores documents as well as music. Disadvantages: Headphones aren't very good
...As it stands, the Archos retails on the Dixons website at £159.99.
For that you get a stylish stainless steel MP3 player, with a large crystal clear LCD screen (with backlight). On the front, it has only one toggle which controls the whole system. It does everything (think sony erricson phones with the control stick in the middle), and is silver to match the rest.
On top of that, you get a fast 2.0 USB connection, which makes transfering onto the ... ...it as if it was just another file or drive on your computer (which essentially it is).
Its light weight at 120g.
But this is the main selling point, it has 20GB!!! Thats a huge amount of memory. In comparison, the mini I-pod, (which costs an extra tenner!) only has 4GB. Thats five times more memory space, holding upto 5000songs. The 20GB I-pod is currently selling at about £210!!! You do the maths.
In addition, i must also add that this MP3 player ...
damessiahuk 16.03.2005
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS 202 20 GB
Advantages: Ease of use and value for money Disadvantages: Basic functionality
...recommend you to buy the Archos XS202.
Archos have an established reputation for their hard discs. I had one of the early Archos Jukebox MP3 players before I bought an XS202. The early jukebox may have suffered from flimsy buttons and below power AA Ni-Mh batteries, but despite all the use and abuse it took, I never had a single disc problem. I am confident that my XS202 will last similarly.
When a single product is as dominant in its market sector ... ...buy it. Compared to the Archos I can instantly think of two good reasons. Firstly the Archos is about half the price as a similar spec Ipod. Secondly, the Archos does not rely on iTunes ! I have used this software with a relative's Ipod and it drives me up the wall ! iTunes will automatically synchronise your ipod with your music library on your computer - great if you have all your music organised in one place on one computer but useless otherwise. ...
sirvaze 05.12.2006
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS 202 20 GB
Advantages: Fits into almost any pocket you might have! Disadvantages: Supplied headphones can be uncomfortable.
...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 ... ...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 ...
jokihughes 18.03.2006 (19.03.2006)
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS 202 20 GB
Advantages: Small, Lightweight, Reliable, Does what it says on the box Disadvantages: Monochrome screen
...player is only available from archos which is annoying as this means there is no competition on the price of accessories.
I wish archos had made a sports carry case - like an arm band to hold the player in.
Advantages
It is one of the smallest 20gb players on the market which makes it very light and good for sporty people to use.
Easy to use the basic functions
Price is very good/cheap for a 20gb mp3 player
Very simple and quick to transfer ... ...easily fixed
Monochrome screen - not a disadvantage to me though
Playlists aren't easy to create on the player itself
Not enough accessories - what is available is provided by archos only
No video supported - but then if you want video buy a different player ...
janevok 08.12.2006
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS 202 20 GB
Advantages: Size and cost 20gb for £150 Disadvantages: Slow scrolling
The XS202 immediately struck me as a good deal, 20gb for the price of an ipod mini?! When I got it I was not dissappointed, it looks amazing (that's real metal) and comes with all you need to get started!
The player does not use any software, just drag and drop (or if you want media player's syncronising feature) which makes it very easy to update and very versatile. I would suggest getting a program like "Tag & Rename" to ensure that all your music ... ...is awesome, i can;t fault it, it doesn't skip, which is something HDD mp3s can do and very rarely freezes up, something not even ipod can match. The headphones supplied are also quite good, however i would suggest switching if you really appreciate your music.
The xs202 is built like a rock ive dropped it from head height (and im 6ft2) and it survived with only minimal denting!! no cracks to the screen and no deminished performance! I also cycle ...
turnipeater 19.01.2006
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS 202 20 GB
Advantages: Many easy to use options, small with large capacity, memory stick tendencies. Disadvantages: Monochrome screen, possible weak screen, rubbishy headphones come with it.
...I am on my second Archos Gmini XS 202s because the screen bled on my first one, and I do not know why. Possibly to do with excessive pressure or heat. Nevertheless, my second one has been fine.
I also occasionally find the bright blue 'On' light really irritating! But this can be solved with a well-placed thumb.
My only other complaint is that the joystick is the only way to move through artists, and this can take a while compared to a scroller. ...
LetsPretend 24.02.2008
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS 202 20 GB
Advantages: 20 GB, can be used as external hard drive, good sound quality, great battery life Disadvantages: old school look, scratches easily
...The gmini as with most archos products can be very different if you are used to other mp3s such as the ipod however once you get your head round it, it is quick and easy to use, although scrolling through thousands of tracks can sometimes be frustrating. The battery life is admirable, although as mine is aging, the life is gradually declining but not noticeably, sound quality is great and 20GB is plenty is you're just using it for music, although ... ...in the past which has been highly convenient. Features - Creating playlists while listening to music is a great feature and also the queue feature which many other makes of mp3 lack is like a godsend for me, browsing and selecting the next tune, while the a song plays. Look - Obviously no colour screen, but it really makes no difference, it's a durable piece of equipment that has a long life span although it is larger than many mp3s today, it can ...
Anna1990 22.02.2009
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS 202 20 GB
Advantages: Spacious, good battery life, robust Disadvantages: Doesn't play videos, simple screen
The Archos Gmini is not an mp3 player like the Apple iPod - it doesn't benefit particularly from its image, as it is something of an ugly little brute! That said, it is actually very small and surprisingly capacious, transfers to and from the player are fast, and unlike the iPod, the player uses the standard mp3 formats and no special software.
The player does have one major shortcoming - it does not play videos, and the screen is basic but a good ... ...the charge time is excellent. Also, the stock headphones are a tad poor, but for the money they are acceptable.
The Gmini is an mp3 player that does exactly what is asked of it - it plays music files to a high quality and is surprisingly easy to use. For this, it comes highly recommended. ...
readie25 18.07.2008
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS 202 20 GB
Advantages: LOADS of memory!!!!! Disadvantages: Sometimes doesn't react to the pressing of buttons
I bought my Archos XS 202 about this time last year. I searched and searched for the best prices, finally buying it from Pixmania for about £180. I wanted to boy an i-Pod, but because my computer is ME I can't have one. This MP3 seemed like the next best thing - it had 20GB of memory and it said I could make playlists and store thousands of tracks on this small, durable player. I thought it was a bargain, because although it was a lot of money, compared ... ...for that amount of money.
As soon as it arrived I should have realised that in fact, it wasn't worth the money. There were no instructions, and although it said it was compatible with ME the instructions on the outside of the box told me otherwise. Using my limited knowledge of computers, I had to work out how to transfer tracks on to it, and have never actually worked out how to delete/transfer/make folders on it, without having to plug it into ...
trudi_bear 25.09.2006
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS 202 20 GB
Advantages: easy to use, quick to find music on, durable Disadvantages: no neck starp
...it any longer!
The archos Gmini has more than enough storage for music and also any documents etc u might want to store. It is incredibly easy to use, so much so that i never had any need to look at the instructions! music is sorted into folders by artist and album so any song is easy to find at any time! The battery lasts really well on it and even when it goes down to 1 or 2 bars of charge there is generally still another few hours playback on ... ...also an attractive bit of machinery and although not the smallest mp3 player you can get its very durable and has put up with being left at the bottom of a post bag during my work! i use the mp3 player during anything and it doesn't skip or jump if i take it out running! My only critisism is that there is no neck strap which i find useful if i dont have pockets, but if you were inclined you can pick up a cover with a belt clip for £5 from ebay or ...
bannyboo 30.04.2007
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Archos Gmini XS 202 20 GB
With its small; lightweight design and sleek appearance; Gomadic's new Rapid Wall AC ... more
Travel Chargers; remains highly portable and fits easily in your briefcase to save you both space and time. This kit includes plug styles for use all over the world. Handy for the international traveler; or for those of cannot buy a charger that will work in their country. Custom designed with integrated circuitry to prevent overcharging that might damage your device; the Rapid Charger is also compatible with Gomadics TipExchange technology that allows you to use one cord for hundreds of mobile devices. In addition; this product; like all Gomadic products; is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Postage & Packaging:£4.57 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Our New Gomadic Car Vent Mount allows you clear visibility and finger tip access to your ... more
device in an attractive; streamlined package. The Vent Mount promotes reliability along with style and ease. Our New Gomadic Auto Vent Holder is also the only mount on the market with a lifetime warranty and keeps you in touch on even the longest road trip. Here are just some of the highlights of this holder.
Postage & Packaging:£4.73 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Our New Gomadic Car Vent Mount allows you clear visibility and finger tip access to your ... more
device in an attractive; streamlined package. The Vent Mount promotes reliability along with style and ease. Our New Gomadic Auto Vent Holder is also the only mount on the market with a lifetime warranty and keeps you in touch on even the longest road trip. Here are just some of the highlights of this holder.
Postage & Packaging:£4.73 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...