Archos 705 WiFi 160GB
May 5th, 2008 | by Mike Kobrin
Full Review - WiFi, Batter and Conclusion
WiFi Most sites came up quickly in the browser, with Digital Trends taking about 25 seconds to load fully on a public WiFi network in New Orleans. CNN's site was usually pretty slow, but GMail and Google Reader loaded consistently at about 20 to 30 seconds. We were unable to access the Archos Content Portal on our review unit, but Archos assured us this isn't a normal occurrence. Thankfully, we had no trouble locating our Windows machine running WMP 11 and streaming media after setting it up according to the instructions on the device. Wireless range easily spanned our two-bedroom apartment with only the occasional hiccup. Battery Conclusion
Once you pay the $29.99 USD for the optional Opera-based Web browser, the 705 really opens up. YouTube works well, while accessing Google Docs makes it possible to use the 705 for more than just entertainment, though the experience isn't quite as smooth as we would have hoped, and we often experienced hang-ups. The virtual keyboard is a little tough to get used to because of the LCD's softness too. On the bright side, with the browser, you also get several widgets for things like weather info and unit conversion, notes and RSS.
Extras
You can install Adobe Flash games you download from sources like Shockwave.com, or you can purchase packs of 4 games from Archos for $9.99 USD each. Games include Sudoku, Mah-Jong, Solitaire, Poker, Golf, and the incredibly addictive Bejeweled-like game Tactic 2 Vitamin. The built-in PDF reader worked smoothly with test documents as well, though files loaded far more slowly than they would on most laptops.
The 705 WiFi's battery is rated at 25 hours of audio playback and 5.5 hours of video, but those specs are both with the WiFi features turned off. The truth is that we had to charge the battery every 3.5 to 5 hours depending on how much web surfing and video game playing we did. When we just watched videos, the 705 had enough juice for about 3 full-length movies. You can always purchase a spare battery, though. Still, we really wish the device could charge via USB since there's no room in the carrying pouch for the bulky AC adapter.
We love the 705's huge hard drive and WiFi capabilities, but lacking physical control buttons, it should offer a better-feeling and -looking touchscreen, even if it adds cost. The device should also either come with wider support for various formats, and built-in recording (like the Cowon A3) would be nice too – we'd even be willing to pay a bit extra for it.
Out of the box, the 705 isn't sure what its core feature is: AV quality isn't great, the browser and DVR features are sold separately, and you have to pay extra for widely-used codecs like AAC and MPEG-2. But load units up with all the extras (including an extra battery or two and some games), and the 705 can be a satisfying companion on long trips.
As far as replacing your laptop is concerned, however, the Archos 705 may boast an entirely different set of flaws than the Cowon Q5W, but neither is quite ready for that responsibility… yet.
Pros:
• Plenty of storage space
• WiFi enables browsing and streaming
• Excellent DVR features
• Supports Flash-based games
• Great wireless remote
Cons:
• Screen isn't sharp or well-contrasted enough
• Subpar audio quality
• Too many features require extra money
• No USB charging
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by Matt on May 9, 2008:
“I have an older Archos and what I love about them is that they make a player that can do almost everything, but do it well. They are made of steel, last longer than an iPod i've ever owned, and still look great. The picture quality is good...not great. But...” More...