Archos 705 Wi-Fi Portable Media Player (160 GB)

Capable product but it needs too many expesive add-ons.Surfing the internet can alsobe challenging.

I've had my Archos 705 for over a month now and love it. I also like the big screen (others may not). I have the 80 gb and have already run out of space so if you like recording movies get the 160 GB. Now I don't have to boot up my laptop every time I want to watch a movie. Archos is very convenient and holds over 30 movies!!

On the down side the volume on play back is not that great and I had a hard time listening to my movies on the plane. I'll try a good noise reduction headset and see what happens. Also on the downside is all the extras you have to purchase.

Overall, I like the convenience and have no regrets purchasing it.

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.

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.

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.