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 enlarge | Brand: Archos
Category: CE
List Price: $499.99
Buy New: $379.99
You Save: $120.00 (24%)
New (52) Used (4) from $320.00
Rating:  55 reviews
Sales Rank: 5620
Color: Grey
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: Yes
Hard Drive Size: 160
Native Resolution: 7
Display Size: 7
Removable Memory: Unknown
Size: 160 GB
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4
Dimensions (in): 7.2 x 0.8 x 5
MPN: 501016
Model: 501016
UPC: 690590510166
EAN: 0690590510166
ASIN: B000W0Q2PU
Release Date: November 20, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Condition: Brand new, ships immediately!
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| Customer Reviews:
So much potential! May 5, 2008
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
I just bought one of these (the latest in a list Archos devices I've owned), and while I really like it, there a few buts:
First, with previous devices you got pretty much everything you need in the box. You had to buy extra batteries and an auto adapter, but that's pretty standard. With the Archos 704 wi-fi, you need to buy a DVR station if you want to hook it up to your TV for another $99. Almost all of the connection ports are proprietary. It comes with a web browser, but if you want to take advantage of all the features, then you need to download the Opera plug-in for another $29. You can download movies from Cinema Now, but if want access to your past purchases, you need to download another plug-in for $19.
You can use it to play simple games, but you have to download those in packs, no ala-cart, for $9.99 each. Very reasonable, but it you only want one of the games, you're stuck with the whole pack.
This device would make a perfect ebook reader, but there's no software. I read on one of the blogs that you can transfer PDF of HTML books. I haven't tried this, but it appears there is no way to autoscroll or change size of fonts.
As for audio books, you can convert Audible books to MP3 formats with third-party software. It also does allow you to bookmark audio files. Audible tells me it has no plans to develop programming for this device.
Archos does make GPS model 605. How hard would it be to write software for use with an external antenna? It's a large device for a portable GPS, but no larger than most in-dash GPS units.
Lastly, from what I read on the forums, the Archos OS is so proprietary, that it's nearly impossible for third-party software developers to create new applications. Oh, and would an expansion slot be too much to ask?
Overall, I'm pleased with it and will keep it with the hope that Archos will consider some of these options, but I should have done more research into other devices to get what I really wanted.
 Almost perfert May 4, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have other Archos products and I am a stong advocate for these. I have been disappointed in two factors with the 705 WiFi. It has become a little less than very portable. It was very easy to carry around my 405 Archos but this Archos can not be placed in a pocket. I understand the larger screen and it is super to watch but to take this unit with me, it is like carrying around a purse (this bothers the male in me). Also I have a Sony Bravia HDTV which has many input connections but only an optical digital and a HDMI out. I can not record off the TV. I picked up an old VCR unit with a tuner which has RCA outputs so now it can record TV programs but this is limited by having to select a channal on the VCR first before the program can be recorded. It would have been nice to have the HDMI connection on this unit like the Archos TV unit possesses.
 poor video quality, makes it a quick 2 day return April 9, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
i bought this instead of the 605 because it came with a keyboard and had a 7inch screen, but after two days im returning it for a 605. the reasons im returning it so quickly are; the touch screen is not as responsive as i was hoping for, i found myself tapping twice most of the time, the browser is slow for wifi, i didnt expect speeds like my computer but i felt like i was using the internet on my phone, and the main reason for the swift return, ONLY 260,000 COLORS! the video was horrible, i tried watching half baked on it and chappelle looks like he was drawn with pastels. the device didnt have enough colors so shadows, tents, and shades of colors all appeared to be the same color. the 605 has 16MILLION colors which i do suspect to be enough. the subpar video quality make a great product a dud,
i would not recommend this product to anyone.
Bad product March 21, 2008
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
After waiting 2 months for firmware updates that could solve some of the problems with the Archos 605, I decided to put an end on this so far bad experience.
At first glance, this product indeed presents advantages to its competitors but firmware is poor and it does not allow customers to have the type of experience promised by the manufacturer.
Please find below some of the problems I faced with this product which for my surprise are not being addressed by manufacturer based on several similar notes/complains I found on the internet.
-It freezes and crashes repeatedly;
-Cannot download movies or other type of videos online making the wireless connectivity almost worthless;
-Cannot listen music and browse or read a podcast (book/newspaper) at same time. A complete nonsense;
-Browser and plug-ins (flash) are outdated what prevents from watching sites with live-stream radio or TV.
- You cannot load application on your own and so any sort of upgrading must be incorporated within the firmware itself.
I just wished I had not bought this device and its accessories. I felt I had been stolen and with no other way to recover the money I spent because the product is so bad.
 PATHETIC Sound Level!! Really Sub-Par!! March 19, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
So far, I am VERY unhappy with my Archos 705 Wi-Fi!!!
I can't believe how LOW the volume settings are!
Even if I use an external headphone amp (mine is called a Boostaroo), the volume is way too low!!
Put is this way: If I am on an airplane and eat anything crunchy, like a pretzel, I can't really hear the dialog!
And as for a "theater-like experience" -- forget about it!!
I have spent a great deal of money so far for my unit -- nearly $500 for the unit itself, $100 for the DVR station, $100 for extra batteries (my flights for work are almost all over 12 hours) and hundreds for downloads and driver add ons. For all that I have spent so far, I could have purchased a mini-PC!
But I DO like this unit -- and I DO want it to work better!!!
The features and navigation is very good -- as is the picture quality.
But the sound level is so low that I just can't enjoy this thing at all.
Shame on Archos!
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