Apple iPod vs. Archos Gmini 400 vs. the rest

[tres-b]

I got a 40G iPod for Christmas like the rest of the world... : It is still unopened b/c I want to get some opinions.

I have read about the Archos 400 online but never used it. Is is easier to navigate/organize/etc than the iPod? What other models are out there that you guys like? Pros, Cons, etc will be appreciated.

[pod]

I own a similar device to the Gmini 400 called the AV140. However, my opinions of the device carry to the whole line.

With the Archos line of products, you are purchasing what is essentially an external hard drive (USB 2.0) with an operating system layered over it so you can play back audio and video.
You hook it up, and you move your audio, photo, or video files over to it for playback. Archos doesn't care how you got them or what you do with them. If you have a live set on your Archos that I like, I can easily grab it from you.

With the iPod, the files on there essentially remain there unless you engage in some software trickery that Apple doesn't necessarily endorse, i.e. they are locked to your player. Plus as of right now the iPod is largely photo and audio, no video features at all.

Price wise, the Archos devices are quite competitive. The Gmini 400 holds 20 gigs, and is around the same price as an iPod 20 gig, depending on where you shop. Plus the Gmini has an integral CF reader for your digital camera files. iPod requires a third-party dongle.

The advantages of the iPod are that it is a bit more user friendly, and can play back Itunes music store files. The Archos only does MP3 and WAV. Though the more advanced models such as the AV400 series are pretty much akin to PDAs and have an open architecture, so you can download plugins to play other files.

Archos' advantages lie in the fact that they have the most bang for the buck, play back a lot more than audio files, and since they are pretty much external hard drives, work with both Macs and PCs without any goofy software in between. On XP, you plug it in, and it merely shows up as a new hard drive. And as I mentioned before, they have no DRM crap so you can do what you will with your files.

Oh, and all the Archos devices support recording from an external source, too. You can connect it to almost any device with RCA outs and record both audio and video. The AV140 I have even supports S/PDIF if you know what that is.

I have an Archos AV140, and am quite happy with it. $300, 40 gigs.

It really comes down to what your emphasis is on...the iPods are a bit more user friendly, and are the "in" gadget. The Archos line isn't as polished, but are far more versatile devices.

Archos recently just got a US investor, so expect a bigger presence from them on this side of the pond, soon. Archos is a German-French company.

[macboy]

First of all, congratulations to you and everyone else that received an iPod this holiday. Welcome to the family.

Here's what you do:

Open the box. Take out your brand new iPod. Use the accompanying cables to attach it to the computer. Add music. Unplug. Enjoy. :P

There is no other player that comes close in terms of ease of use. I would only say go with the Archos if you want to use file formats other than MP3 or AAC (which is the format used in the iTunes Music Store).

Now what are you waiting for? ???

Go open that box!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D

[guyman1966]

Don't listen to the anit iPod crowd. Its a fantastic product.

Look at all the cool things you can do...

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6450_7-...?tag=cnetfd.ld

[pod]

Oh, it isn't a bad product...but for the price it should do more.

[tres-b]

I dont doubt that iPods are great, but there are disadvantages. The primary one being that I cant upload music from the iPod to my computer. The flexibility of the Archos is a big positive. My only issue now is do I want the user friendly iPod or the more flexible Archos device.

Either way, I will be happy. ;D

[web_norah]

i like my Ipod.

[pod]

I like my Archos ;D

[B612]

Originally Posted by tres-b

I dont doubt that iPods are great, but there are disadvantages. The primary one being that I cant upload music from the iPod to my computer. The flexibility of the Archos is a big positive. My only issue now is do I want the user-friendly iPod or the more flexible Archos device.

Either way, I will be happy. ;D

The iPOD is an unbelievable product. VERY USER FRIENDLY!!!! There are a million sites with tips and tricks for u to do whatever you please with it. As of uploading files to your computer from your iPOD use this software (iPodRip http://www.thelittleappfactory.com/a...hp?app=iPodRip)

This discussion about which one is better than the other one is pretty much crap. It all depends on what you want to use it for. I use it as an external hard drive and to carry all of my music. I don't even use the iTUNES Store... but I do believe that iTUNES is an incredible way to organize your music and obviously it is as user friendly as the iPOD itself.

By the way... In the manual it is said that iPOD's cannot be used both on PC's and Macs at the same time.. . There’s a way around this. As long as you format your iPOD in windows and then plug it into a Mac (OS X Panther) it will function perfectly in both systems.

Something you should think of is that iPOD is pretty much the standard in the market. There are a million gadgets being developed at the time for you to use with this thing.

My opinion.... OPEN THE THING AND ENJOY IT!!!! It is amazing....
;D

[saintjohn]

Originally Posted by trancepriest

I'm thinking of upgrading to a boombox though.

Me, too! I'm saving up for a Clairtone: