Archos's new 04 series of portable video players
James Kim,
Senior Editor
August 21, 2006
Archos, the unofficial king of portable video players, has updated its current lineup with the 04 series, which includes a total of seven models: the impressively petite 404 (30GB) and the 1.3-megapixel camera-equipped 404 camcorder (30GB), the thicker 505 (40GB, 80GB, and 160GB!), and the sleek wide-screen 604 (30GB) and the Wi-Fi and touch-screen-enabled 604 Wi-Fi (30GB).
Read our full review of the Archos 604 to get an overall impression, since the devices share the same basic design, feature set, and interface. We'll have full reviews of the rest of the players soon.
| Product name | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.99 | $179.95 to $269.99 | $538.99 | $229.00 to $266.79 | $182.99 to $479.99 |
| CNET editors' rating | |||||
| Average user rating | |||||
| Review date | August 28, 2006 | March 07, 2007 | October 03, 2006 | August 17, 2006 | November 10, 2006 |
| The Bottom Line | The attractively priced Archos 404 is a PVP in an MP3 player's body. If you want a better screen and a removable battery, spend $50 more for the wider 604. | The uberversatile Archos 404 camcorder is a good option for anyone looking to buy a compact portable video player with a nice screen. It's an OK convergence device, but it makes a far better video player than camcorder. | Measurable bulk and pricey 160GB version aside, the do-it-all Archos 504 is an awesome A/V performer. | The do-it-all Archos 604 with its improved design and a low base price is an amazing PVP. Just make sure to figure in the cost of some essential extras. | The do-everything Archos 604 WiFi is completely stacked with awesome video playback, Web surfing, and other useful features, but the sluggish processor keeps the experience from being totally satisfying. |
| Similar Products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products |
| Features | |||||
| PC interfaces |
Hi-Speed USB |
Hi-Speed USB |
Hi-Speed USB |
Hi-Speed USB |
Hi-Speed USB IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g |
| Supported still images formats |
JPEG BMP PNG |
JPEG BMP PNG |
JPEG BMP PNG |
JPEG BMP PNG |
JPEG BMP PNG |
| Device type |
Digital AV player |
Digital AV recorder |
Digital AV player |
Digital AV player |
Digital AV player |
| Key multimedia features |
Digital audio player Voice recorder Digital video player Digital photo viewer |
Digital audio player Digital camcorder Voice recorder External HDD function Digital video player Digital photo viewer |
Digital audio player Voice recorder External HDD function Digital video player File transfer operation Digital photo viewer |
Digital audio player Voice recorder Digital video player Digital photo viewer |
Digital audio player Voice recorder External HDD function Digital video player Digital photo viewer |
| Video capture formats | Info unavailable |
MPEG-4 |
MPEG-4 SP |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Sensor | Info unavailable |
1.3 megapixels Mpix / |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Supported audio formats |
WMA AC-3 WAV Protected WMA (DRM) MP3 AAC |
WMA AC-3 WAV MP3 AAC |
WMA AC-3 WAV PCM ADPCM MP3 AAC |
WMA AC-3 WAV Protected WMA (DRM) MP3 AAC |
WMA AC-3 WAV Protected WMA (DRM) MP3 AAC |
| Battery technology |
Lithium polymer |
Lithium polymer |
Lithium polymer |
Lithium polymer |
Lithium polymer |
| Weight |
6.7 oz |
6.7 oz |
9 oz |
9 oz |
10.2 oz |
| Height |
3.1 in |
3.1 in |
3 in |
3 in |
|
