Archos 605 WiFi 40GB - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The Archos 604 has been one of our favorite digital media players since its introduction late last year. Our opinion of the new Archos 605 WiFi-which adds a high-resolution touch screen and wireless networking capabilities-isn't as lofty. Click Read ...

Pros: Touch-screen works great ; better screen res than old version

Cons: Lousy battery life ; 10% surcharge for Opera ; hazy-looking screen

Verdict: The touch screen works great-it's a much easier means of navigating the player's menus than the column of buttons on the right side of the device-so we can overlook the need to use a stylus. But if the touch screen is to blame for the screen's vaguely ...

Award: Editor's Choice!

Pros: Gorgeous wide-screen display ; supports wireless file transfer and content downloads ; works with PCs and Macs ; excellent Web browser supports Flash ; nice price

Cons: No built-in stylus storage ; support for certain file types costs extra ; Web browser Flash support or online video streaming requires extra-cost plug-in ; nonstandard USB connector ; mediocre battery life ; no AC charger

Verdict: From its overflowing feature set to its palatable price, the Archos 605 WiFi is simply the best portable video player we've seen.

Review summary: In its simplest form you'll find you can copy across and play compatible audio, video and photos, but you can upgrade the cheap base unit with a number of add-ons that include a cinema plug-in to improve format support and add surround sound and a web ...

Pros: Excellent display, impressive all-round performance, range of plug-ins, more adaptable than most

Cons: Doesn't support HD encoded content

Review summary: The Archos 605 WiFi sets the bar high for the competition with a touch screen, 800x480 pixel resolution, and a large storage capacity. It's too bad the optional plug-ins are so expensive...

Review summary: Not everyone's in love with the Apple and the iPod, and that's what Archos, Microsoft with their Zune and Creative count on. Archos' 5th generation portable music and video player, the 605 WiFi improved on the Archos 604 and give the iPod Touch a run ...

Pros: Fantastic display in terms of resolution, size and overall quality-- eat your heart out iPod Touch! Good sound quality, varied video and audio format support. Small, light and attractive. Web browser is quite good, though a tad slow. YouTube support ...

Cons: Battery life is passable but not being able to swap in a spare battery on the road is a kill-joy. Many features require additional purchases. Not very intuitive-- should we have to work hard just to have fun?

Verdict: A compact PVP with the best screen on the market. It's truly a pleasure to watch and at 4.3" your eyes won't cross half way through a transatlantic flight. The Archos 605 WiFi packs a lot of features into a very petit package, though we do wish that ...