Archos 705 WiFi (160GB)

Manufacturer: Archos Technology Inc. Part number: 501016

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$399.99 - $455.73 at 5 online stores

CNET Editor rating:
4.0 stars Excellent
Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 6 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Product series; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: Archos 705 WiFi is the biggest, baddest PVP on the market. What you get in screen size, however, you pay for in portability and picture quality.

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CNET editors' review

Archos 705 WiFi (160GB)

price range: $399.99 - $455.73

Reviewed by: Donald Bell
Reviewed on: 02/22/2008
Released on: 12/01/2007

The good: The Archos 705 WiFi is a portable video player with a gigantic screen, killer audio, video, and photo format support, an attractive user interface, Flash games, wireless movie rentals, and one of the best Web browsers on a mobile device. Unlike other Archos models, the 705 WiFi includes a QWERTY keypad remote control, built-in AV output, and USB device hosting.

The bad: The Archos 705 WiFi is just too big for daily use. It's also heavy, the screen resolution could be sharper, there's no tactile control for volume, and the Web browser costs extra.

The bottom line: Archos 705 WiFi is the biggest, baddest PVP on the market. What you get in screen size, however, you pay for in portability and picture quality.

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Archos 705 WiFi

In the world of portable video players, there are swift little cheetahs like the Apple iPod Touch, midsize workhorses like the Cowon A3, and then there are breathtaking mastodons like the Archos 705 WiFi. If you take your gadgets extra-large, the Archos 705 WiFi offers a boatload of entertainment in a sturdy design priced at $399 (80GB) and $499 (160GB).

Design
With its 7-inch, widescreen display, the Archos 705 WiFi is an intimidating, metal-clad gadget that is equally useful for playing videos and clubbing assailants--seriously, this thing is enormous. Unlike its fifth-generation kin (the Archos 405 and the 605 WiFi), the face of the Archos 705 WiFi is utterly devoid of buttons, relying on its touch screen to take care of everything from menu navigation to volume control. Headphone output, power adapter input, and buttons for power and TV output are located on the left edge of the Archos 705 WiFi, leaving the right and top edges bare. The bottom edge of the Archos 705 WiFi is packed with ports for USB transfer, USB hosting, and Archos' own proprietary jack used for accessories such as the company's DVR Station, FM receiver, and battery extender. Flipping over the Archos 705 WiFi, you'll find a metal fold-out kickstand for hands-free use and a removable battery pack (replacements run $29).

The iPod Touch (left) and the Archos 605 WiFi (right) are but puny snacks for the hulking mass that is the 705 WiFi.

Features
The majority of the features found on the Archos 705 WiFi are identical to the excellent ones found on the Archos 605 WiFi (the recipient of a 2007 CNET Editors' Choice). Packed within the 705 WiFi's giant metal husk are a music player, a video player, a photo viewer, a PDF reader, a Wi-Fi video rental portal, and an optional Flash-enabled Web browser (Opera), as well as optional widgets such as games, weather, an RSS newsreader, and more.

It's tempting to call the Archos 705 WiFi simply an overgrown version of the 605 WiFi, but in truth there are some critical differences--both good and bad--between these two PVP powerhouses. Aside from its larger screen, the Archos 705 WiFi distinguishes itself from the 605 WiFi by including built-in TV output (composite through headphone jack), an outstanding QWERTY keypad remote control, USB hosting for transferring media from external drives and digital cameras, built-in stereo speakers, and a replaceable battery. On the downside, the 705 WiFi lacks the 605 WiFi's hardware controls (especially useful for quick volume changes), pocket-worthy size, and a crisp, more colorful screen.

The Archos 705 WiFi case is a shoulder strap short of being a purse. If Archos ever makes an 805, it'll need a suitcase.

The Archos 705 WiFi is a portable video player, first and foremost, and it does not disappoint when it comes to movie playback. Out of the box, the Archos 705 WiFi is capable of playing MPEG4, AVI, WMV, and DIVX video files up to DVD resolution. For an extra $20, you can also purchase a plug-in for H.264 video playback and a separate plug-in for MPEG2/VOB video playback. In a perfect world, the 705 WiFi would support all of these formats out of the box, but it's only a small inconvenience to buy the plug-ins a la carte. Once you're actually playing video, you can bookmark, resize, and skip through your movie with ease.

While its imposing size makes the 705 WiFi one of the least-portable portable music players available, its sound quality and breadth of music features equals that of most of our preferred MP3 players. For those of you pulling media files from both a Mac and a PC, you'll be happy to know that the 705 WiFi can boot in multiple USB modes, both MSC and MTP, allowing it to work as both a drag-and-drop hard drive and a Windows Media Player device.

For an extra $30 (money well spent) you can round out the Archos 705 WiFi's media features with a Web browser capable of playing Adobe Flash content (unlike the iPod Touch). Need to type in a password or a URL? The 705 WiFi's touch screen presents a responsive, iPhone-esque QWERTY keyboard. The Archos 705's Web browser also displays Flash-based videos from sites such as YouTube, Dailymotion, and CNET in full screen. Those of you who'd prefer not to buy the Web browser can still take advantage of online movie rentals using the included Archos Content Portal feature, which offers a great selection of mainstream movies from Cinema Now, that can be downloaded directly to your device for as little as $3.99.

While you're shelling out cash, for another $99, Archos offers a hardware accessory called the DVR Station that unlocks the 705's ability to act as a sophisticated digital video recorder. By docking the 705 in the DVR Station and connecting it to your television, the 705 effectively becomes your home entertainment system. Another benefit of the DVR Station is that it provides an easy way to display content on your television (over component, composite, or S-Video), allowing you to browse your music and movie collection, flip through photo albums, and even surf the Web from the comfort of your couch, using the included remote control. If you're not interested in using the 705 WiFi as a digital video recorder, you can probably content yourself with using the composite AV output built into the 705's headphone jack (a feature lacking on the 605 WiFi).

The fold-out metal kickstand on the Archos 705 WiFi is durable and downright necessary for extended viewing.

Performance
Whether you consider the Archos 705 WiFi big and beautiful or a monstrous absurdity, there's no question that it's a niche product. Its size alone makes the Archos 705 WiFi unsuitable for daily commutes, workouts, or any situation where you don't feel like carrying a separate bag for your PVP. During our time with the Archos 705 WiFi, our favorite uses included watching movies in bed and connecting it to a TV for browsing music and the Internet using the remote control. Archos also sells a headrest mount to transform the 705 WiFi into an in-car entertainment system for dreary road trips.

From an audio perspective, the Archos 705 WiFi doesn't dazzle, but it certainly meets our expectations. Both the customizable five-band equalizer and independent Bass Boost controls err on the side of subtlety, but we think they offer just the right amount of sonic sculpting without mangling the sound into an overprocessed mush. (The same sound-enhancement features apply to movie audio playback.) Considering that the 705 WiFi is aimed squarely at movie buffs, we would like to see a cinematic 3D sound-enhancement feature like the one found on the Cowon A3.

The Archos 705 WiFi's battery shares the same disappointing lifespan as the 605 WiFi, which is rated at 15 hours of audio and 5 hours of video. Unlike the 605 WiFi, however, the 705 includes swappable battery packs that you can stock up on for portable movie marathons. Considering that the 705 WiFi's screen size and processor demands nearly match that of a full-fledged laptop, we feel compelled to cut Archos some slack on battery performance.

Final thoughts
The majority of people are going to find the Archos 705 WiFi's size to be complete overkill. Still, it's hard to reconcile the fact that we ranked the Archos 705 WiFi lower than the smaller, less feature-filled 605 WiFi. When it comes to portable devices, however, less is usually more, and the 705's substantial girth places it well beyond the pocket-size sweet spot. Despite its gigantism, we still believe the Archos 705 WiFi makes an excellent portable video player for those of you who like your technology plus-size.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 6 reviews
My rating: 0 stars

Showing opinion 1 to 6 out of 6

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8 stars

where is the stylus

by shanemike on January 3, 2008

Pros: everything i need in a PVP

Cons: no stylus strage

Summary: This PVP is everything I wanted in a PVP. I have waited years to buy one unit that does all that this unit does. That said there are a few ...

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Summary: This PVP is everything I wanted in a PVP. I have waited years to buy one unit that does all that this unit does. That said there are a few things I think Archos could have done better. This is a touch screen which requires a stylus. One is provided with the unit but there is nowhere to store it in or on the unit. I would imagine there will many a stylus lost, they are hard enough to keep. One other con (at least for me) is the Opera operating system. Why didn't Archos just use Windows. They sync up the media player through Windows media but the Archos player looks nothing like WM 11. The screen is average at best. That aside this is the best PVP out there and the price isn't much more then an 160 gig Ipod which doesn't come close to the available functions.

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3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

Simply an awesome device

by ashlewis2 on January 7, 2008

Pros: Beautiful screen, good interface, good sound

Cons: Extra cost for [optional] features/plug-ins

Summary: This is just simply an awesome device. From the time I turned it on, I was hooked. Once I got the [optional] plug-ins installed, everything worked like a charm. With ...

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Summary: This is just simply an awesome device. From the time I turned it on, I was hooked. Once I got the [optional] plug-ins installed, everything worked like a charm. With the [optional] DVR Dock, can record almost anything. I love this machine!!!

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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

This is what I've been waiting for from Apple!

by bill2403 on November 7, 2007

Pros: Size is perfect for people (adults) who fly alot -

Cons: content could/should be easier

Summary: I have been waiting for this size PVP - expecting Apple to be the one who identified the demand for and adult size product. I expect to see these on ...

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Summary: I have been waiting for this size PVP - expecting Apple to be the one who identified the demand for and adult size product. I expect to see these on every flight I take from now on. BTW note to Archos - please get more content.

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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
7 stars

What's wrong with the screen?

by norfolkzack on November 16, 2007

Pros: everything but the screen

Cons: the screen is the con

Summary: What the Hell is wrong with Archos? The screen resolution is the same for the 4.3 inch 605. Common sense states that you should have a better resolution for ...

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Summary: What the Hell is wrong with Archos? The screen resolution is the same for the 4.3 inch 605. Common sense states that you should have a better resolution for the bigger screen. I passed on the 605 to patiently await the 705, but after seeing the screen resolution which will be lower than the 605, proportionately speaking, I guess I'm buying the 605 this Christmas. Since I'll be saving a hundred bucks, I may as well get the DVR station. I've been waiting 3 years for the perfect mp3/PVP but I'll have to settle for the 605. If the 705's screen res was better, this would indeed be perfection. Yet again another tech company can't use common sense and ends up pissing off their potential profits and consumers.

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4 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
2 stars

Lousy Support from Archos

by ang2gigi on October 2, 2008

Pros: Nice product to listen to music and watch movies, if only it would work properly and actually lasted without being corrupted or freezing problems.

Cons: Does not last long, has multiple product defects, freezing and heating up. All accessories have additional cost. Tech support is lousy in resolving problems, and slow to response.

Summary: If only the products are fully supported and stable functioning and long lasting, this would have been a great gadget to have. But with all the problems it will give ...

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Summary: If only the products are fully supported and stable functioning and long lasting, this would have been a great gadget to have. But with all the problems it will give you in terms of functionality, spare yourself the heartache and get another product instead of this expensive useless item.

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1 stars

Archos not telling the whole truth about this unit-don't buy it - beware !!!

by heissler on May 15, 2008

Pros: Nothing to write about

Cons: The Archos 705 WiFi doesn't record HD shows

Summary: The Archos 705 WiFi doesn't record any HD programs from my DVR , Archos didn't tell me that information , they don't say it on their web site instead ...

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Summary: The Archos 705 WiFi doesn't record any HD programs from my DVR , Archos didn't tell me that information , they don't say it on their web site instead they blame Dish Network for this flow.
The internet is very slow - almost the speed of dial up when you use it at a high speed wireless location.
Customer support is terrible , took me 45min. to stay on hold all in order to speake with somebody that knows very little.
Even if money doesn't mean anything to you I will still recommend to you NOT to touch this product - you'll be disappointed !!!

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0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

Showing opinion 1 to 6 out of 6

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Archos Technology Inc.
Part number: 501016
Description: PRODUCT FEATURES: Record your favorite TV shows Enjoy the high resolution 7" touch screen (800x480) Stream and watch videos from your PC Download movies and music directly on your ARCHOS 705 using the ARCHOS Content Portal Internet enabled to surf the Web, share content, and access Web video sites (eg. Dailymotion or Youtube) Customize your ARCHOS with great accessories and plugins View, zoom photos and make slide shows with music and transition effects, for viewing on the PMP or on TV Listen to all your favorite music in more formats than in any other player

General
Device Type Digital AV recorder
Key Features Video capture from external source, Digital audio player, External HDD function, Digital video player, Digital audio recorder, Digital photo viewer
Width 7.2 in
Depth 0.8 in
Height 5 in
Weight 1.4 lbs
PC Interfaces Hi-Speed USB, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Features PDF viewer, USB host function
Packaged quantity 1
Display
Display Type TFT 7 in - Color
Display Form Factor Built-in
TV Standards Supported PAL, NTSC
Display Features Touch screen
Image Aspect Ratio 16:9
Memory / Storage
HDD Capacity 160 GB
HDD Form Factor Built-in
Still Images
Supported Still Images Formats JPEG, BMP, PNG
Photo Playback Modes Auto slide show
Digital Audio
Supported audio formats WMA, WAV, Protected WMA (DRM), PCM, ADPCM, MP3
Supported bit rate 30 - 320Kbps
Audio output Built-in stereo speakers
Digital audio features VBR, Equalizer
Video
Video Playback Formats MPEG-4, WMV
Video Capture Supported Yes, via DVR station
Video Capture Formats MPEG-4 SP
Video Capture AVI - 640 x 480

Connectivity
Connections Hi-Speed USB - Mini-USB Type B, Docking station, Headphones - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Hi-Speed USB - Mini-USB Type A
Power Adapter
Type Power adapter
Battery
Required Qty 1 day(s)
Rechargeable Battery Rechargeable
Battery Enclosure Type Internal
Technology Lithium polymer
Battery Lithium polymer Rechargeable Internal
Battery Life Details 25 hour(s), 5.5 hour(s)
Capacity Internal - Rechargeable -Lithium polymer
Software
Software Included Drivers
Miscellaneous
Firmware Upgradable Yes
Included Accessories 2 x stylus, Stereo headphones, USB host cable, USB cable, Carrying pouch, Remote control
Manufacturer Warranty
Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year

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Archos 705 WiFi (160GB)

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Specifications

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Memory / Storage

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Software

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