Archos 604 WiFi 30GB - Expert Reviews

Pros: The Archos 604-WiFi gives you access to the Web and e-mail ; touch-screen experience is good ; vibrant widescreen display ; can record audio and video with the optional kit ; has a removable battery, a built-in speaker, and a built-in kickstand ; ...

Cons: The Archos 604-WiFi is limited to 30GB ; must purchase separate kit to record audio/video ; must purchase separate kit to get a power adapter ; must purchase plug-ins for certain types of video files ; weak bundled accessories ; proprietary USB cable ...

Verdict: The do-everything Archos 604-WiFi is completely stacked with awesome video playback, Web surfing, and other useful features, but the sluggish processor keeps the experience from being totally satisfying.

Review summary: The Archos 604 is the 'slim 'n' sleek' model from the new multimedia player range, combining audio and video playback with a host of optional extras. It's just 17mm thick, and a glance at the sleek ...

Verdict: The Archos 604 is every multimedia user's dream, both if used as a portable player or as a DVR with the optional extras. It's the closest we've seen to a flawless product for some time and it's even very reasonably priced. There's nothing more to say ...

Review summary: Fed up trying to watch tiny videos on an iPod that take an age to rip and format? Take a peek at the brand new Archos 604, with its large 4.3" LCD screen and simple WMV playback, and it's only 225 pounds

Pros: - Fantastic, customizable menu with icon-based navigation- Brilliant widescreen display- USB mass storage compliant- Replaceable lithium ion battery- DRM support via WMP10- Excellent photo gallery function (thumbnails arranged in a 6 x 9 grid)

Cons: - Only 30 gigabytes of storage- Strange button layout- No PVR solution included ($100 option)- Remote not particularly responsive, not the same as on-board controls

Verdict: It may seem that the Archos 604 is $50 cheaper than the RCA Lyra X3030, but when you factor in the extra hundred bucks you'll need to get your hands on the DVR station, you'll notice that this offering will cost you an extra fifty dollars. That said, ...

Review summary: The do-it-all Archos 604 with its improved design and low base price is slightly marred by mediocre audio performance. It's an amazing PVP, but not a great audio player.

Pros: The Archos 604 has an excellent base price with a decent choice of accessory options; sharp and vibrant display; can record audio and video with the optional kit; has a removable battery, a built-in speaker, and a built-in kickstand; nice tactile ...

Cons: The Archos 604 is limited to 30GB; must purchase separate kit to record audio/video; must purchase separate kit to get a power adapter; disappointing audio quality; must download plug-ins for certain types of video files; weak bundled accessories; ...

Verdict: The 30GB Archos 604 next to the older 30GB Cowon A2. The 604 is thinner and lighter and has a bigger screen. The curved A2 feels soft in the hand, while the 604 is a bit boxy