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Archos 7 320 GB Internet Media Tablet by Archos
List Price: $549.99Our Price: $379.95You Save: $170.04 (31%)Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: CE See more product details
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Archos Model: 501160 Product features: - NOTE: For best experience, fully charge your device before turning it on (about 8 hours)
- 320 GB capacity for up to 400 movies, 3.2 million photos, or 190,000 songs
- Up to 39 hours music and 10 hours video playback time on a single charge
- 7-inch TFT LCD touchscreen; 800 x 480 pixel resolution; 16 million colors
- Video support: MPEG-4, WMV, and M-JPEG; Audio support: MP3, WMA, Protected WMA, WMA pro 5.1, WAV; plug-ins available for further video and audio format support
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Archos 7 320 GB Internet Media TabletCustomer Review: Looks great, touch operation is good, but not flexible with video file formats Summary: 4 StarsI bought the Archos7 as a portable media player for my toddler on long car trips (using a car headrest mount) and for other times when we need to keep her occupied. For this purpose, it works well. I had considered just getting a netbook instead, but the Archos7's slate/tablet & touch screen form factor works better. The 7" screen size is just right, the battery last a little over 3 hrs on a charge, the touch screen responds well (anybody with a touch-screen smartphone will feel right at home), the chrome shiny design looks sharp (though a magnet for fingerprints), and it feels substantial (quite heavy actually, which some may dislike, but I like heft). For more details on how it works, just head over to the Archos website, and there are lots of video demonstrations. I don't have any of the hardware plug-ins (e.g. DVR TV tuner, FM remote, etc), so I can't say anything about it.
Transferring files to the unit is easy: you can either set it up to show up in your Windows PC as a simple external hard drive or as a windows media device. Either way, it's a simple drag-and-drop operation to get files into the device. The real problem is that the device is finicky in the kind of video format it can play. The website says it supports these video formats:
---From Archos website---
MPEG-4 (ASP@L5 AVI, up to DVD resolution)
WMV (MP@ML, up to DVD resolution) including WMV protected files
M-JPEG (Motion JPEG Video) in QVGA resolution
With optional plug-in (downloadable from your tablet on [...]):
HD support: MPEG-4 (ASP 720p) & WMV HD (MP 720p)
H.264 up to DVD resolution with AAC
MPEG-2 MP@ML up to 10 Mbps (up to DVD resolution) and AC3 stereo sound (5.1)
---End of text from Archos website---
But the term 'MPEG-4' is not a video codec...it's just a video container. So it's not clear what that means. Will it take DivX or Xvid in the MPEG4 or AVI container? Don't know, and it's too much trouble to try out the different combinations. But, for sure you need to pay extra for support of h.264 files (the industry standard that Apple uses for iPod/Touch), and you need to pay extra to support DVD MPEG2 files. And this also means you can't play most video files from digital cameras, most of which is MotionJPEG in AVI or MOV containers or h.264 in MOV and MTS containers. All this means that you're pretty much left with Windows Media Video in the wmv container as the primary format for which playback will work out of the box. NOT VERY FLEXIBLE.
Still, I'm not detered by that since I'm knowledgeable enough about transcoding video between different formats and ripping DVDs to WMV. But for many people, I would imagine that this is problem.
I haven't tried dumping my MP3's into the device, so I can't say much about it. But again, your iTunes AAC files won't work w/o a paid plug-in.
Web access is a plus on this device. The built-in Opera browser with Flash support seems to load up some Flash-based video sites, but not others. So it's hit or miss. There is a moderate selection of bookmarks to various internet video sites and internet radio sites. These are pluses, though it doesn't make or break the product. You can apparently also setup the the mail client to get POP and IMAP accounts, but again, I don't use this...this is more the domain of my smartphone.
Finally, it doesn't look like this device is very hackable. I don't see a community of users out there hacking this with alternate OS's or adding additional functionality. Android or Windows Mobile or a Linux distro would be great to have on this ARM-based device.
Description of Archos 7 320 GB Internet Media TabletThis Archos 7 digital media player gives you the memory you need for fun on the road. Archos, award-winning for its technology innovation and leadership in portable media players now introduces a new concept: the Internet Media Tablet (IMT). The Archos 7 is the jewel product of this new line, bringing you a new way to enjoy Internet, your media, and TV--all in a handheld device. The Archos 7 redefines the high-end portable device with its ultra-thin design and a black stainless steel body, a high-resolution 7 Inch touch screen, combined with the horsepower of a laptop from the world's first implementation of the ARM Cortex superscalar microprocessor. You can browse the Web in full width just like on your PC. No needs to zoom in and out, web pages are fully displayed on the ARCHOS screen. Plus, with Adobe Flash 9 video support, you can natively browse video-sharing websites such as Dailymotion or YouTube. When you are at home and want to watch a movie or listen to music stored on your PC, just browse its hard drive wirelessly and play any file stored on it without transferring the file. Just stream it via your WiFi network and play it immediately on your ARCHOS. In less than 3 clicks, you can access nearly 1,000 Web TV channels, over 10,000 Web radio stations and 100,000 podcasts. There's no downloading wait time. Radio and TV start streaming right away from a worldwide list of traditional and independent radio and TV stations. Registration required for Internet usage. Audio Playback - Stereo MP3 decoding at 30-320 Kbits/s CBR & VBR, WMA, Protected WMA, WMA pro 5.1, WAV (PCM/ADPCM) Video playback - MPEG-48 (ASP L5 AVI, up to DVD resolution),WMV (MP ML, up to DVD resolution) including WMV protected files, M-JPEG (Motion JPEG Video) in QVGA resolution 7 TFT LCD High Resolution, 800x480, 16 million colors Touchscreen 3.5mm mini jack for headphones Built-in speaker, and built-in leg stand Power source - Int Archos, award-winning for its technology innovation and leadership in portable media players now introduces a new concept: the Internet Media Tablet (IMT). The Archos 7 is the jewel product of this new line, bringing you a new way to enjoy Internet, your media, and TV--all in a handheld device. It redefines the high-end portable device with its ultra-thin design, black stainless steel body, and high-resolution 7-inch touchscreen. Plus, it boasts the horsepower of a laptop, thanks to its ARM Cortex superscalar microprocessor. Enjoy Internet, your media, and TV in a handheld device with a 7-inch touchscreen. Click to enlarge. | Uncompromised Web Surfing in the Palm of Your Hand With an 800-pixels-wide resolution and a 7-inch screen, you can browse the Web just as you would on your PC--no need to zoom in and out, the web pages are fully displayed on the Archos screen. Plus, with Adobe Flash 9 video support, you can natively browse video-sharing websites, such as Dailymotion and YouTube. The Archos IMTs boast enough processing power to surf the Web on the go, giving you the same browsing experience as your laptop. No more endless waiting for the page to load; just grab your Archos 7 and check the latest news right away. Your PC wouldn't have even finished booting up by the time you've put the Archos back in your bag. Once connected to a Wi-Fi or 3.5G network, the included email software lets you to stay in touch no matter where you are. Check your email (compatible with POP/IMAP) whenever you want, view or send attachments (only compatible formats), and store them. Download hundreds of useful and fun widget applications and then put your favorites on the Archos home screen. Check the traffic or the weather without having to start a new application. In less than three clicks, you can access nearly 1,000 Web TV channels, more than 10,000 Web radio stations, and 100,000-plus podcasts. There's no downloading wait time. Radio and TV start streaming right away from a worldwide list of traditional and independent radio and TV stations. Your Digital Library in a Thin Handheld Tablet The Archos Media Club remains the easiest way to get video and music content on the go. With an even richer library with new partners and the biggest industry players, the Media Club lets you discover a large library of movies, documentaries, music, and games. Buy or rent your entertainment in a couple of clicks and start watching it on your Archos 7. Enjoy a great multimedia experience on the go with the high-resolution touch screen. The 7-inch screen lets you comfortably share a movie or TV show with someone else, and with the Hi-Def Video plug-in, you can enjoy HD video support for the first time on any portable device. View your photos in high resolution and make slide shows with music and transition effects for viewing on the Archos tablet or TV. Don't leave any song from your music collection at home when you travel--the Archos 7 lets you bring along up to 190,000 songs and offers you advanced functions, such as playlist creation and album cover display. Listen to your music while surfing the Web. You won't get bored in the train, car, or plane anymore, thanks to the fun Flash games. Premium games (strategy, sport, action) are purchasable directly from your Archos Tablet on www.archos.com. Plenty of others are downloadable for free on the Web. When you're at home and want to watch a movie or listen to music stored on your PC, just browse the device's hard drive wirelessly and enjoy the files without transferring them. Just stream it via your Wi-Fi network and play it immediately on your Archos. Experience the Best TV at Home or on the Go With the optional DVR Station, you have the perfect match for your Archos at home and on the go. Schedule and record TV shows and movies in one step using the included remote control. Just locate the TV show on the program guide grid and make a recording to enjoy later at home on your widescreen TV or in the palm of your hand. It will also turn your TV into a real multimedia platform connected to the Web. Enjoy all the Archos functions on the big screen of your living room. Watch your movies in HD (with the HD plug-in), listen to your music, share your high-resolution pictures, play games, or surf the Web. Technology Meets Design Any difficulties with portable screens are a thing of the past with the Archos 7's large 7-inch screen. You'll be fully immersed in your movies either alone or with others. Access all of your Archos functions without having to press a single button. The touchscreen technology ensures the most instinctive and direct way to access your movies, view your pictures, listen to your music, or browse the Web. Thanks to the 320 GB capacity, you won't have to choose just a few movies to take with you when you go on vacation--take them all! Store 400 movies on the 320 GB Archos 7. The new graphical interface has been designed for easy finger touch control. Reach the main functions with only a tap, return anytime to the home screen and use the search function to easily find your video or music files. Add shortcuts to your favorite files and display them directly on the Archos home screen for quick access. Additionally, you can now bring your home screen background to life with the new animated wallpapers. Finally, you'll be sure to enjoy PC-like performance with the world's first implementation of the ARM Cortex superscalar microprocessor. Add-ons--Enhance Your Archos 7
- DVR Station
Record TV, play video back to your TV, and charge your Archos device via the DVR Station. With the included TV Program Guide, scheduling and recording from your satellite receiver, cable box, Digital TV adapter has never been so easy. You also can surf the Web or stream web video to your TV while comfortably laid back on your couch using the included remote control as a keyboard and mouse pointer. - DVR Snap-on
Record from most any audio or video analog source on the move with the DVR Snap-on, a small device that's no bigger than a pack of gum. - Mini Dock
Transfer your files directly from USB keys, digital cameras, or other portable media players with the Mini Dock. Quickly charge your Archos with the included charger/adapter. Play video out to your TV with video output in high quality S-Video or standard quality composite. - Extra Battery
Double the battery life of your Archos 7 with an extra battery. - Battery Dock
Benefit from all the great features of the Mini Dock and get extended playback with the built-in backup battery. - Helmet Cam
Turn your Archos into a hands-free digital camcorder with the Helmet Cam, perfect for sports and family fun. - FM Remote
A built-in FM receiver and microphone on the FM Remote let you listen to radio anywhere or make voice recordings. - Protective Cases
Protect your Archos and show your style with a protective case. - TV Snap-on (Available by end of 2008)
Watch live digital TV right on your Archos, record, and enjoy the time-shifting function. What's in the Box Archos 7 320 GB Internet Media Tablet, headphones, Archos USB cable, DVR Station adapter (DVR Station is sold separately), power adapter/charger, screen cleaning cloth, quick start guide, legal and safety notice.
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