EmailBest Reviewed
Portable Media Players
- Best portable media player Apple iPod Touch *Est. $300
- Budget portable media player Archos 405 *Est. $150
- High-capacity media player Archos 5 *Est. $420
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High-capacity media player
- Large memory
- Excellent video playback
- Large screen
- Glossy finish prone to smudging
- Extra cost for optional software
- Resolution not commensurate with screen size
The Archos 5, with its glossy black case and touch screen, challenges Apple's iPod Touch (*Est. $300 for 16 GB). The Archos 5 boasts a huge 4.8-inch screen, and critics find that video playback is one of the Archos 5's strengths. Reviewers who tested the unit as it came on the market note some problems with software and battery life, but later firmware upgrades appear to have addressed these concerns. However, some find the glossy case and reflective screen distracting and smudge-prone, and nearly all reviewers bemoan the cost of software extras. If you don't need so much memory, the iPod Touch (*Est. $300 for 16 GB) easily gets the best reviews in this class of media players.
The Archos 5 is somewhat underrepresented in reviews, especially compared with its predecessor, the Archos 605 WiFi. However, it is still covered by the major portable media player reviewers, including CNET and PCMag.com.
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Our Sources
1. CNET
CNET's Donald Bell likes the Archos 5, especially its video playback capacity, which he calls "stunning." However, he admits that the interface and accessories can't match those of the iPod Touch. Web browsing and Flash functionality are also disappointing in a model touted by Archos as an "Internet Media Tablet."
Review: Archos 5 (60GB), Donald Bell, Sept. 25, 2008
PCMag.com's review of the Archos 5 has few complaints. It praises the unit for its improved design over earlier Archos models, as well as its video capabilities. Tim Gideon finds that the interface is improved, though it's not quite as seamless and intuitive as the iPod Touch. The rather high price is cited as a drawback.
Review: Archos 5, Tim Gideon, Oct. 9, 2008
U.K. site TrustedReviews.com reports on a few portable media players, but they are lumped in with MP3 players. In this review, Stuart Andrews calls the Archos 5 "very nearly a great product." Video and audio are very good, but the interface, buggy software and extra cost of add-ons, when taken together, keep him from recommending the Archos 5 wholeheartedly.
Review: Archos 5 60GB Review, Stuart Andrews, Oct. 31, 2008
TestFreaks.com compiles reviews from users and professional review sites, and it ranks products within brands and categories. MP3 players are lumped in with PMPs, although many PMPs get the highest score possible. The Archos 5 gets an 8.6 out of 10, behind the iPod Touch and Cowon S9. Its big screen and capacity are seen as advantages, while its bulkiness and proprietary USB connection are considered disadvantages.
Review: Archos 5 Reviews, Editors of TestFreaks.com
InfoSyncWorld.com covers all sorts of portable devices, but relatively few portable media players. The most recent review is the Archos 5. Overall, the Archos 5 is very good, with excellent video capacity. InfoSyncWorld picks up on some downsides other reviewers don't mention, such as the Archos 5's lack of a power adapter, and a low maximum sound volume.
Review: Archos 5 Review, Mike Perlman, May 16, 2009
6. PC Advisor
British magazine PC Advisor covers a handful of portable media players. Ginny Mies's look at the Archos 5 echoes the pluses and minuses cited in many reviews: It has stunning video and audio playback and looks great. But to get full functionality, you'll have to pay extra on top of an already-rather high price tag. Internet connectivity is also seen as unsatisfactory.
Review: Untitled, Ginny Mies, Nov. 7, 2008
7. Amazon.com
Nearly 100 user reviews are available on Amazon regarding the Archos 5. About one-third give the unit five stars out of five, and another third give it four stars. Those who give it fewer than four stars cite software issues, compatibility and customer service as contributing to their dissatisfaction.
Review: Archos 5 160 GB Internet Media Tablet, Contributors to Amazon.com
Portable Media Players Runners Up:
4 picks by top review sites.
Archos 605 Wi-Fi Portable Media Player (80 GB)
 from Amazon.com New: $265.00 In Stock.
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