Archos 604 - Does This Multimedia Player Perform To Satisfaction?

What do you look for in a good multi-media player?

As the name suggests, it should be capable of accessing various media, for our entertainment and information. These include audio, and video media, as well as the Internet. The other tasks a multimedia player should be able to perform include displaying digital photos, and recording and playing back of audio and video content.

A good multimedia player should not use much processing power and deliver playback of the highest quality. Using a multimedia player one should be able to use different kind of files. Some of the popular file formats include wav, mp3, avi, DVD, midi, mid, mpeg and mpg files. We also look for other features like the ability to change from normal screen to full screen mode, a play-list, auto replay, slow motion, a good interface, and more.

How fast the player loads and unloads can make a difference to your multimedia experience. Another question to ask is whether the hard drive is large enough to store your collection of movies, or MP3 music files, or an album of photos. Also, how useful is the player when you use it on the go, on a vacation, or while traveling for business?

Archos 604, which comes in two variants, 30GB and WiFi, delivers on some of the above counts, and has a few limitations with respect to the others.

For instance, it can be used as a digital video recorder, and can record from television and other devices. Also, with a dock control, you can play back video on any television, or on the in-built screen. (Audio can similarly be played on your home or car stereo.) Those who look for full-screen mode on the device may be disappointed with the screen size.
Also play back is not possible in some popular formats.

The memory of 30GB can hold over 100 hours of movies, which are stored in MPeG-4 compressed format. People with large collections of movies, music and photographs may find the memory size a bit small for comfort, especially as the 605 model comes with a 160GB memory.

On the go usage as a camcorder is possible only if you buy the WiFi variant which has a special helmet accessory, for the purpose. WiFi also allows the player to access the Internet for audio and video files.

All in all, although this multimedia player is becoming popular with audio and video lovers, it could have performed better, in some areas.

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