Hi,

Are these Archos things any good? want to get my bf something like that for xmas. travel alot for work and wants to play on internet, watch movies, listen to music etc. Is the Archos thing any good or can anyone suggest any others??

Thanks, Sam

Ir really depends on what your boyfriend would mainly be using it for. I have one and although I love it, in my opinion it works better as a portable video player than a music player. If he has a large music library you may want to rethink, but as a nifty device for loading with dvds to watch on the go, it is great.

Wi-Fi is good, although some users say the signal is quite weak, I personally have not had any problem with this. The touch screen is great and easy to use.

Also you do need to pay extra for what many consider to be basic features like file supports etc and you/he will have to shell out for a mains charger as it only comes with a USB one in the box, which takes a lifetime to charge..

Do a quick google search for Archos 605 reviews you will get much more info that way...

Even the basic models aren't cheap though, so make sure you REALLY love your bf before you part with your cash lol...

LOL, he's worth it!!

Would mainly want it to watch movies as he has an ipod anyway for his music. Will check out some more review, thanks

Is this thing just Wifi?

Anyone know where's the cheapest I can get the 40gb version? Cheapest I've seen is £185 at Amazon.

Thanks

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Does anyone know if you can access internet radio including BBC radio listen again and iPlayer with this?

You can now but only if you buy the web tv / radio plug in for 19 euro...

I have done this but so far I am disapointed with the radio part, it uses the vtuner database or part of only it seems, many stations are not listed like the popular 2GB from Australia. Even LBC will not load properly

Try this link - mms://wm-global.london.as34763.net/LBC973?MSWMExt=.asf
works for me & I don't have that plugin.

(I think any link ending in ?MSWMExt=.asf makes the stream play with the video player)

Yes, the 605 will play Real Audio/Video and Windows Media with the related plugin.

I've had the 40GB version since Christmas and it's great.
With the plugin (£15 odd), it has played every media file i've thrown at it.
They released a firmware update last week which adds 'slingbox' functionality with a plugin. Still waiting for a price on that one through. With the new firmware, it will also stream internet radio and TV.

I have my Archos plugged into a docking station attached to my TV and use it to stream content from my PC to my TV - it works like a charm.

It does throw a strop very occassionally (no more than a PC), but a quick reboot sorts that out.

I've been trying to use the BBC iPlayer (right next to my wireless router) with my Archos 605 and playback is very stuttery (if that's even a word!)

I have heard people say that iPlayer works fine on theirs though...

Have you been over to the ArchosFans forum :-

http://forum.archosfans.com/index.php

You'd be better off paying a bit extra (I paid £224) for the 160GB version. Oodles more room for movies.

I would not buy Archos if you paid me. I have been trying to get mine repaired and they just keep returning it un-repaired. Even though the UK have confirmed the fault. Battery going flat when not in use.

I give up....Be warned

Paul