Archos 604 WiFi (30 GB) Digital Media Player
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- Number of Songs: 7500
- Usage: Music Video Recording Photo Viewing
- Interface: USB 2.0 Wi-Fi
- Screen Size: 4.3 inch
- Main Storage Type: Hard Drive
- Storage Capacity: 30 GB
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My New Favorite Device!
Pros
versatile, easy to use, very solid construction, GREAT screen, responsive, very stylish
Cons
heavy, speaker is weak, accessory nightmare
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Do your research and get the Archos 604. You won't be sorry.
I wanted a good PMP for long road trips. I started out with an Archos 404 and I thought it was a bit lacking. So I returned my 404 and got the Archos 604 (without the unnecessary Wi-Fi) instead. I'm very glad that I did. The screen is a glossy ultra bright seemingly hi-resolution widescreen that's just the perfect size for a portable. I wanted to have something that was as non-proprietary and versatile as possible. I scoured review after reviews on many different devices. Offerings from Creative (Zen), Apple (iPod), Microsoft (Zune), are locked into either a specific software program or Operating System. I wanted USB Mass Storage functionality and only the Archos 604 offered that in a design that was nice to look at while being durable and efficient.
While many people seem to complain about the rocker-button interface, I rather like it. Admittedly it doesn't seem as fluid as when you first use an iPod (with a jog dial) but after a few minutes of tinkering, it's really a pretty slick interface. The icons are easy to understand and the menu structure simple and uncluttered. I like the fact that I have many different options for changing it's color scheme and wallpaper. Once you get used to the Archos OS and file system, it's a breeze to operate and you don't get tired thumbs from making circles!
It has played basically any *.MPEG, *.MPG and *.AVI container file I have thrown at it. It plays XviD and DivX files flawlessly. The only exceptions are podcast and AC3 audio encoded files. Those require separate plugins. I like the fact that I can buy the unit without paying for codecs I may, or may not use. Podcast and AC3 are two codecs I have no need for.
My DVD rips look wonderful on the little screen. The colors are very vibrant and the hues and tint look perfect. Blacks are true and white balance is exceptional. Much better than the Archos 404 that I returned. The screen seems to be brighter too. Video playback is quick and smooth and I have not experienced any of the freezing or crashes I've read about. I am guessing that other reviewers must be using older firmware that was prone to those problems.
Speaking of firmware, updating the Archos 604's firmware is a snap. Download firmware, drag to root directory, and -- via menu -- update the unit. Even if you've never flashed a BIOS it'll be a cakewalk. The Archos OS is very stable and very responsive. Menus are snappy and there's no lag.
One of the reasons I wanted this, was to show off my digital photographs. Even with a couple thousand photos, it flies through them without a hitch. The slideshow options are great and when manually clicking through your photos, it's quick no matter what transition you use. Let me stress, it does a great job with photos. You can even zoom in on the photographs to view them in greater detail.
To me a unit like this just has to be built solidly. When you hold an Archos 604 in your hand, you can feel how well-built it is. It's got a nice cool feel to it because of the aircraft grade anodized aluminum casing. The screen, even though it's glossy, doesn't seem to be prone to scratches. The attention to detail is obvious in everything from it's futuristic styling to the tiny (iron reinforced) kickstand that works perfectly.
I do have a few gripes however. But in reality these are just me being nitpicky. The tiny (and tinny) speaker is weak. Any ambient noise and you can forget listening with that speaker. Compared to other units though, at least it has a speaker. The included headphones are functional at best. Of course this is common among audio devices. The flimsy bag it came in really wouldn't protect the Archos 604 (with it's rather heavy weight) from any kind of fall. Even the 404 came with a slightly padded leatherette sleeve. Fortunately, I found that a Nintendo DS Lite carry bag fits the Archos 604 wonderfully, and I carry it in that. When folded, the Nintendo DS Lite and the Archos 604 have similar dimensions. The cases are abundant and cost is minimal. Try the cases out before buying. My final gripe with the Archos 604 is that there is no hold switch. It's very easy to hit a button while holding the unit, so I would think that a hold switch would be something they'd have included in the design.
I'm very, very, happy with this unit. There is no such thing as the perfect device. This multimedia player works flawlessly with my Intel-based Macbook with OS X and my Windows XP desktop. If you want a better all-around PMP you won't find one (until new models are released).
Thank you for reading this!
UPDATE ON DURABILITY: It's a pretty durable device. I was holding it in my hand (outside of the case) and walking and a lady bumped me from behind. The Archos 604 flew from my hand and hit the rough asphalt pretty hard, while playing. My headphones disconnected and when I plugged my headphones back in it was still playing! There's a few tiny scratches where the asphalt met the aluminum corner of the unit but all else is well. The case didn't crack open, the shape of the entire unit isn't warped and the screen didn't crack! I'll be more careful next time but I find that I'm not babying it as much anymore.
While many people seem to complain about the rocker-button interface, I rather like it. Admittedly it doesn't seem as fluid as when you first use an iPod (with a jog dial) but after a few minutes of tinkering, it's really a pretty slick interface. The icons are easy to understand and the menu structure simple and uncluttered. I like the fact that I have many different options for changing it's color scheme and wallpaper. Once you get used to the Archos OS and file system, it's a breeze to operate and you don't get tired thumbs from making circles!
It has played basically any *.MPEG, *.MPG and *.AVI container file I have thrown at it. It plays XviD and DivX files flawlessly. The only exceptions are podcast and AC3 audio encoded files. Those require separate plugins. I like the fact that I can buy the unit without paying for codecs I may, or may not use. Podcast and AC3 are two codecs I have no need for.
My DVD rips look wonderful on the little screen. The colors are very vibrant and the hues and tint look perfect. Blacks are true and white balance is exceptional. Much better than the Archos 404 that I returned. The screen seems to be brighter too. Video playback is quick and smooth and I have not experienced any of the freezing or crashes I've read about. I am guessing that other reviewers must be using older firmware that was prone to those problems.
Speaking of firmware, updating the Archos 604's firmware is a snap. Download firmware, drag to root directory, and -- via menu -- update the unit. Even if you've never flashed a BIOS it'll be a cakewalk. The Archos OS is very stable and very responsive. Menus are snappy and there's no lag.
One of the reasons I wanted this, was to show off my digital photographs. Even with a couple thousand photos, it flies through them without a hitch. The slideshow options are great and when manually clicking through your photos, it's quick no matter what transition you use. Let me stress, it does a great job with photos. You can even zoom in on the photographs to view them in greater detail.
To me a unit like this just has to be built solidly. When you hold an Archos 604 in your hand, you can feel how well-built it is. It's got a nice cool feel to it because of the aircraft grade anodized aluminum casing. The screen, even though it's glossy, doesn't seem to be prone to scratches. The attention to detail is obvious in everything from it's futuristic styling to the tiny (iron reinforced) kickstand that works perfectly.
I do have a few gripes however. But in reality these are just me being nitpicky. The tiny (and tinny) speaker is weak. Any ambient noise and you can forget listening with that speaker. Compared to other units though, at least it has a speaker. The included headphones are functional at best. Of course this is common among audio devices. The flimsy bag it came in really wouldn't protect the Archos 604 (with it's rather heavy weight) from any kind of fall. Even the 404 came with a slightly padded leatherette sleeve. Fortunately, I found that a Nintendo DS Lite carry bag fits the Archos 604 wonderfully, and I carry it in that. When folded, the Nintendo DS Lite and the Archos 604 have similar dimensions. The cases are abundant and cost is minimal. Try the cases out before buying. My final gripe with the Archos 604 is that there is no hold switch. It's very easy to hit a button while holding the unit, so I would think that a hold switch would be something they'd have included in the design.
I'm very, very, happy with this unit. There is no such thing as the perfect device. This multimedia player works flawlessly with my Intel-based Macbook with OS X and my Windows XP desktop. If you want a better all-around PMP you won't find one (until new models are released).
Thank you for reading this!
UPDATE ON DURABILITY: It's a pretty durable device. I was holding it in my hand (outside of the case) and walking and a lady bumped me from behind. The Archos 604 flew from my hand and hit the rough asphalt pretty hard, while playing. My headphones disconnected and when I plugged my headphones back in it was still playing! There's a few tiny scratches where the asphalt met the aluminum corner of the unit but all else is well. The case didn't crack open, the shape of the entire unit isn't warped and the screen didn't crack! I'll be more careful next time but I find that I'm not babying it as much anymore.
