Archos 605 WiFi (30GB)
Manufacturer: Archos Part number: 500948
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Archos 605 WiFi portable video player is one of the best mobile distractions money can buy.
Read more
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CNET editors' review
Archos 605 WiFi (30GB) price range: $189.99
- Reviewed by: Donald Bell
- Edited by: Lindsey Turrentine
- Reviewed on: 08/30/2007
- Released on: 08/30/2007
The good: With top-notch video resolution, incredible viewing angles, and integrated support for wireless movie downloads, the Archos 605 WiFi is the best of its breed.
The bad: Battery life is only average. Many users will need to shell out extra for software and hardware accessories they'll wish were included.
The bottom line: The Archos 605 WiFi portable video player is one of the best mobile distractions money can buy.
User reviews
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A wonderful little thing WHEN it works
by wiggler.catt on January 12, 2008
Pros: Sleek, light weight, intuitive interface, good sound..., won't repeat the cnet review.
Cons: Dead pretty much on arrival, buggy, incredibly long charging time, and poor customer support.
Summary: I got mine a week ago and was very happy. Spent the first day charging the unit (using USB taking forever, more than 24 hours and not even fully charged). ...
Summary: I got mine a week ago and was very happy. Spent the first day charging the unit (using USB taking forever, more than 24 hours and not even fully charged). The device worked for ~6 hours and I had a great time. Listened to a whole bunch of music and watch couple avi files. Really really like it the first day I got it.
I put the machine back to charge up. The next morning, everything started to go wrong. First, I turned the unit on and it just got stuck on the splash screen. Repeated power on/off multiple times, reset the machine multiple times, couldn't get past the splash screen. Then a blue screen show up giving an Error "Code 102", providing 3 options: doing nothing, recovery, reformat. Tried all 3, nothing happens.
Called customer service and telling them about the error code. They can't tell me what it is and said I have to return it to get it fixed. That doesn't seem right since I just got it. For the past 3 days, I just kept trying on/off/reset/recovery/reformat. You wonder why I am doing this? Because when it worked, it is a thing of beauty... I really want to get it to work. Yesterday it worked again. I quickly downloaded and installed the newest firmware from Archos, hoping that the update addressed the issues. Unfortunately it stopped working again. A new error code 103 show up. As I am writing this review, the splash screen has been on for 2 hours now. At this point, I am simply fed up and will return the unit first thing Monday morning.
For the past few days I had been searching for solutions. I found forum.archosfans.com quite a few threads talking about similar problems. However, there is no solution so far and Archos' technical/customer support doesn't help either. To be fair, there seems to be quite a few people happy about this device. But I don't know how long they own the unit.
To me the most frustrating aspect of this experience is that Archos 605 is definitely a multimedia gem when it actually works. Also, you can't help but suspect if there is something wrong with Archos' quality control.
Anyway, if you want to risk it, buy it from a retailer with good return/replacement policy. I am now kind of stuck because I need to pay restocking fee.Updated
My last opinion was based on a unit I received which simply does not work: take couple days to get fully charged, repeated cycle of restart, error message, and hanging at the flash screen. I returned the item last week and on Tuesday the replacement arrived. The replacement works GREAT for the past two days.
Charing takes only 4 hours to full (blinking) with the USB cable, unlike the >36 hours for the 1st unit. Secondly, the unit turns on and off without problem: boot up in ~10 sec, unlike the 1st unit which hanged at the splash screen. I haven't seen any error message after playing with it for two days. And have updated the firmware without problem.
It is not clear to me why the last unit is a piece of crap. I guess I will never know. The current unit works really well and I loved it. Very nice audio and video. Can't stop playing with it. If I have a way to change rating, I would change it to 8.5.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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very good but i have a problem can someone plz help me
by maxwell9999 on January 11, 2008
Pros: very good, the videos are good quality, and so is the sound and the web browser, TOTALLY WORTH ALL $29.99,
Cons: zip except it freezes sometimes which can be anoying
Summary: Once i received this player (it was a present) i knew it was good and i was right. at once i loaded a few songs and movies and everything worked. ...
Summary: Once i received this player (it was a present) i knew it was good and i was right. at once i loaded a few songs and movies and everything worked. anyway i got the web browser soon after and got some widgets and some games. then one after noon i turned on my archos every thing went normal the welcome screen appeared (ARCHOS entertainment /your/ way.).
then i waited as it takes a few seconds to load and nothing happened! my player has been on the welcome screen for over 24 hrs.
i turned it of and on again and again and I've hit the reset button at least 10 times
PLZ some1 help me!
TY (thank you)
maxwell9999Updated
I got this and it worked great 6 weeks in and what do ya know, it doesn't work. first it froze then i got it working and there is a message that says the drive needs to be checked (RO), after searching everywhere and trying every thing i resorted to a full restore. now it's frozen on the welcome screen so i'll return it unless i can get some help.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Very Pleased
by gdgatcnet on January 9, 2008
Pros: Great Screen for Video, excelent audio output quality, most bang for the buck
Cons: battery life
Summary: Which PVP to ask for for Christmas, The iPOD touch (so sexy) or the Archos 605 (better value)? I opted for the Archos and am very glad I did. The ...
Summary: Which PVP to ask for for Christmas, The iPOD touch (so sexy) or the Archos 605 (better value)? I opted for the Archos and am very glad I did. The screen is wonderful, very sharp and clear. Audio output through my Bose Radio makes Movies sound like you are in the theater. Slide show pictures of the grandchildren look great.
The touch screen works better than I expected and combined with the buttons make the interface easy to navigate. The interface seems very straight forward and easy to understand.
Every thing has worked perfectly, firmware update, getting content uploaded etc. I know
its not as cool as the touch but the screen size and resolution more than compensate.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent Video Player!
by kenick1012 on December 20, 2007
Pros: DVR.. Myriad video codec support
Cons: A little Bulky
Summary: I purchased this after reading the CNET review about 2 months ago. I LOVE this gadget. The video player simply cannot be matched for quality. The DVR (Optional of course) ...
Summary: I purchased this after reading the CNET review about 2 months ago. I LOVE this gadget. The video player simply cannot be matched for quality. The DVR (Optional of course) is fantastic! Yes its true that you have to purchase Plug-ins in order to get the full benefit of this baby, but I knew that going in. I have all of them, and love the Opera browser and Flash video support. Just updated the firmware and now have added games and widgets. This is a fun little toy. It is a little bulky for the gym, but I use my ipod for the gym. Overall, with 160 gig of hdd space I use it to backup my personal computer files and take it on the road with me to clients for support.
Highly recommended!Updated
Although it is the exact same item, with a much larger Hard Drive!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Impress your friends with this but don't show them the bill ;)
by neofile on December 8, 2007
Pros: Beautiful, versatile device gets better with each firmware update
Cons: low battery life, a philosophy of "no free ride" with accessories and software
Summary: Most every criticism about the lack of free accessories and free software is true. Likewise, low battery life (in my case, way below even the stated amount) is a nuisance ...
Summary: Most every criticism about the lack of free accessories and free software is true. Likewise, low battery life (in my case, way below even the stated amount) is a nuisance to put it mildly. Hence only an 8 from me when I would love to have given a 9 or even 10 for the sheer style, versatility and open-endedness of the device. If you can afford to add on the extra software - which in the case of the browser, should really have been free, no doubt about that - and the extra hardware (all those docking and charging devices and the headcam) then you have a hell of a sexy beast to play with. If you're stuck with the unit alone, you may not be so happy with it in terms of value for money. So be prepared to invest a couple of hundred bucks in bits and pieces and plug-ins, with which this unit is a real winner and the only device out there that can do all this so elegantly.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A walking talking Hand Held Computer A++++
by bbchem on December 1, 2007
Pros: Great Sound, Video and WIFI is super fast in my house
Cons: The battery is a tad short lived
Summary: I would give it a Ten but since its a little thicker than the Itouch, and the battery is tad short. The display is beautiful. I am a Stereo nut ...
Summary: I would give it a Ten but since its a little thicker than the Itouch, and the battery is tad short. The display is beautiful. I am a Stereo nut and the sound of the MP3 player is top notch with my high end headphones. In my house with a wireless G router the speed is faster than my lpatops!! I downloaded some fun games. Its real user friendly. I sold my IPOD VIdeo for it. A must have!!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The best there is and just wait for more software and widgets
by tedhartman on November 30, 2007
Pros: Huge screen, plays everything you need...
Cons: Browser and current plug-in's should be free
Summary: Bell, during the video review indicated the battery could not be replaced. What model was he talking about? The battery can be replaced, just as easy as a cell phone....
Summary: Bell, during the video review indicated the battery could not be replaced. What model was he talking about? The battery can be replaced, just as easy as a cell phone.
I see no corrections to his video review anyplace. Because the replaceable battery is very important to devices like this, the error should have been taken care of quickly.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Unbelievable!!! Incredibly Amazing!!!
by sragalyi on November 17, 2007
Pros: 30 Gb HD, Videos in any format, WiFi, Photos, Resolution, Touch Screen, Gasp, You name it, it's got it!
Cons: Minor firmware problems (that I'm sure will be addressed), customer support is hit or miss, plug-ins should be included.
Summary: This is an incredible product that can do just about anything. I am very picky about my electronics and have never written a review about anything, but felt compelled to ...
Summary: This is an incredible product that can do just about anything. I am very picky about my electronics and have never written a review about anything, but felt compelled to for this. It is a DVR, a PMP, you can get a battery dock, etc. This is an absolutely beautiful product. The resolution is beyond reproach. I can't say enough good about it.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This PVP has the most potential I have seen
by mark956101957 on November 14, 2007
Pros: Screen clarity, design, abilities, information
Cons: Proprietary usb/ charger
Summary: I have only had this one day. I bought it at Circuit City this morning and am still getting familiar with it but the low ratings here and the whining ...
Summary: I have only had this one day. I bought it at Circuit City this morning and am still getting familiar with it but the low ratings here and the whining I can't stand! I mean, you research something before you buy it and you know what you are getting and if it really is that bad take it back but so many negative responses with the many of them being groundless. Stop already! This unit has the best value I think you will find on the market, along with the best screen and if you really need the extras you buy a few but you should know all of that before you buy the thing. Do the research before you buy it and KNOW what you are buying and if it doesn't function as advertised take it back. Personally I am amazed at what this does and the abilities it has from taking my TiVo shows off my computer and downloading them onto the 605 to watch away from home. To being able to either use the touch screen or the buttons on the side as well. To the information it displays of the videos and the songs being played to the variety of video files it can use. So far I think it's a great product and very smartly designed.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awsome player, Best Archos to date
by raphaelmeillat on November 8, 2007
Pros: Beautiful, crisp screen, good sound quality, easy to use, great browser, touch screen responds well
Cons: No bundle discount when you buy multiple plug-ins, one too many plug-in to buy, nowhere to keep the stylus!
Summary: Best Archos so far. Had the 504 80Gb before and I just upgraded to the 605 WiFi 160Gb. Great value for money. Better sound quality than iPods' (including the iTouch). ...
Summary: Best Archos so far. Had the 504 80Gb before and I just upgraded to the 605 WiFi 160Gb. Great value for money. Better sound quality than iPods' (including the iTouch). Screen size is good for a movie. Picture is great when you connect it to big screen tv via component output. Browsing experience is great (very good loading speed, easy to read despite screen size, great remote with full keyboard).
Archos clearly is THE brand to beat when it comes to PVP's.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Archos
- Part number: 500948
- Description: Featuring the highest quality screen resolution, highest quality video, touch screen, WiFi capabilities for streaming content to the device or a TV, the ARCHOS 605 WiFi is the top product in the line-up for flexibility, portability, features and price.
General
- Device Type Digital AV player
- Key Features Digital photo viewer ,
External HDD function ,
Digital audio player ,
Digital video player - Width 4.8 in
- Depth 0.6 in
- Height 3.2 in
- Weight 6.7 oz
- PC Interfaces Hi-Speed USB,
IEEE 802.11g,
IEEE 802.11b - Features PDF viewer
Display
- Display Type TFT 4.3 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Built-in
- Image Aspect Ratio 16:9
- Display Features Touch screen
Memory / Storage
- HDD Capacity 30 GB
- HDD Form Factor Built-in
Digital Audio
- Supported audio formats PCM ,
MP3 ,
ADPCM ,
WMA ,
Protected WMA (DRM) ,
WAV - Supported bit rate 30 - 320Kbps
- Digital audio features VBR
Still Images
- Supported Still Images Formats JPEG,
BMP,
PNG - Photo Playback Modes Auto slide show
Video
- Video Playback Formats MPEG-4 ,
WMV ,
Protected WMV (DRM) Connectivity
- Connections Headphones - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
Hi-Speed USB,
Audio / video output Battery
- Rechargeable Battery Rechargeable
- Battery Enclosure Type Internal
- Technology Lithium polymer
- Battery Life Details Audio playback - up to 17 hour(s),
Video playback - up to 5.5 hour(s) Miscellaneous
- Firmware Upgradable Yes
- Included Accessories USB cable,
Carrying pouch,
Stereo headphones
Product series
-

Manufacturer: Archos
Specs: Digital AV player,
TFT 4.3 in - Color,
PCM,
MP3,
ADPCM,
WMA,
Protected WMA (DRM),
WAV,
MPEG-4,
WMV,
Protected WMV (DRM),
4.8 in x 0.6 in x 3.2 in,
6.7 oz -

Manufacturer: Archos
Specs: Digital AV player,
TFT 4.3 in - Color,
PCM,
MP3,
ADPCM,
WMA,
Protected WMA (DRM),
WAV,
MPEG-4,
WMV,
Protected WMV (DRM),
4.8 in x 0.8 in x 3.2 in,
9.2 oz -

Manufacturer: Archos
Specs: Digital AV player,
TFT 4.3 in - Color,
PCM,
MP3,
ADPCM,
WMA,
Protected WMA (DRM),
WAV,
MPEG-4,
WMV,
Protected WMV (DRM),
4.8 in x 0.8 in x 3.2 in,
9.2 oz -

Manufacturer: Archos
Specs: Digital AV player,
TFT 4.3 in - Color,
PCM,
MP3,
ADPCM,
WMA,
Protected WMA (DRM),
WAV,
MPEG-4,
WMV,
Protected WMV (DRM),
4.8 in x 0.8 in x 3.2 in,
9.2 oz
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Archos products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Archos
- Address:
3A Goodyear, Irvine, CA 92618 - Phone: 1-866-489-4718
- Email: us-sales@archos.com
- Fax: 303-962-3365


