Archos 605 WiFi 30GB Review

Well - I am going to stick up for the Archos 605 as it seems to be taking a bit of a battering here! I bought one a fair while ago and have never had a problem with it. I certainly couldn't describe it as anything other than a superb device. I have also heard the control system referred to as 'archaic' - total nonsense. This is incomparable in both price and usability to the ipod touch. I have a 16gb ipod touch that cost twice this - and it sits in the draw unused whilst the archos goes away with us as a matter of course. Totally open to play divx / avis etc - once again kicking the ipod into touch.

I have had the 160GB version for nearly a year now and am very pleased with it. Yes it is not perfect- very occasional rebooting, the add-ons and the slightly awkward user interface, but once you get over these you have yourself a highly decent media player that kicks all iPods and a Cowon or two into touch.
I use my device every day to alleviate the boredom of commuting, and have given my Archos a fair old beating- regularly synchronizing my sizeable music and film collection without a hitch.
Sound quality is excellent, but as with all devices it is better if you have a decent pair of 'phones (like Shure SE530 which cost me as much as the unit itself!)
Picture quality is as perfect as you are gonna get for a screen this size and have not had any problems with eye strain even after watching a couple of films back to back whilst stuck in traffic.
I highly recommend the Archos 605 to anyone who wants something that will do much more than just look pretty.

I am on my 2nd archos, firstly i had the 504 80GB, and i have to say that i loved it. The only bad point i would say is the already mentioned add-ons (plug-ins), but other than that i had no problems with it what so ever. So i recently upgraded to the 160GB 605 Wifi and i have to say im really impressed, its quite abit smaller than the 504 80GB i had before and the kick stand is a nice addition, but the wifi is the real reason i opted for this player and i have say im impressed, especially as it handles video sites such as youtube etc, which my PSP cant.

The only thing that i found a little disapointing is that you cant use the 3.5mm headphone jack as a TV-out socket anymore, which i could on my old 504 80GB, this was a feature i really liked as i could take the player round to friends and watch my videos on the TV without needing to take the DVR station with me. Other than that though its a fantastic player and is way ahead of the iPod in my opinion.

I have had 605s since they first were released. Initially I had the 30Gb model which was excellent and when the 160Gb model came out I passed the 30Gb model on to my son. I have never had a single problem with it, the secret being to keep the software fully up to date. I have added all the plug ins and I have found the Web TV Radio plug in especially useful enabling me to effectively have a portable radio and TV with access to over 10,000 TV and radio stations worldwide. With the docking station I can move films, TV programmes etc from my Sky+ box when that gets full and store them either Archos for viewing or move them again via USB to my PC and external hard drive. It is still working perfectly after a couple of years. In all a cracking little device!!!