Archos 704 WiFi (80GB, Silver) - Expert Reviews

Review summary: Archos 704 Mobile DVR review: Good old Archos. The world had pretty much forgotten its not-bad-actually personal media player, the AV500.Then Archos comes bounding back onto the market like some sort of hyperactive technology-providing spaniel

Pros: Widescreen movies, anywhere-ish, Plenty of GB for your pounds

Cons: Wants to be all things to all men. Isn't., Touchscreen could be the work of Satan

Verdict: I really, really wanted to like this, but the 704 will have you pining for an iPod Video in minutes

Review summary: Archos' new touch-screen, fourth-generation media player can surf the Web as well as display photos and play videos or music files. Is this enough to warrant an upgrade? First, let's look at the touch screen. It's fun and simple to use

Pros: Touch-screen functionality, Wide file compatibility

Cons: Inconsistent wireless, Bulky

Verdict: Too big to be truly portable

Review summary: The 704 WiFi is the current flagship product in Archos's lineup, available in 40GB or 80GB capacities. While the 40GB version we tested doesn't offer the most storage space of players in its class,...

Pros: Large screen compared to most portable media players, Attractive video playback (at ideal viewing angle), WiFi networking and web browsing,

Cons: Not portable enough, Crippled web browsing, Costs more than some laptops,

Review summary: This player has loads of functions and options, from video recording to Wi-Fi connectivity and file streaming. And though its capabilities can overwhelm, it's worth all of its $550 price.

Pros: Huge, sharp, bright TFT screen. Video and audio recording capabilities. Wi-Fi-enabled. Excellent sound quality. Highly customizable through plug-ins and onboard settings. Programmable for auto-recording TV.

Cons: Huge and heavy. DVR station (sold separately) is essential for recording. No built-in line-in audio jack. No FM tuner.

Review summary: The Archos 704 Wi-Fi is part portable media player and part PDA. It can playback movies, pump out music and show digital snaps, but like a PDA it has a touchscreen, support for Wi-Fi and a built-in Web browser

Pros: Large screen ; smooth video playback ; good recording quality ; Web browser

Cons: Web browser not compatible with all sites ; recording dock costs extra ; need to purchase plugs-in to play some common file types

Verdict: The 704 Wi-Fi impresses with its large and clear screen, smooth video playback and interesting Wi-Fi features. With a few software tweaks, this could be a truly great player – as it is, it's just a very good one