Archos Jukebox

[flipzter]

I see no threads for Archos, so I figured as a newb on this site and an Archos Jukebox Multimedia owner I'd post first. I've had the ajbm 20 G for over a year now. Watch movies on your mp3 player? You bet. small screen, but visible. Great sound output. Hardware wise the Archos is great. Solid construction. Non-replaceable battery, but that's the beginning to be the norm in hd mp3 players. USB 1 built in. USB 2 using an accessory cable. Able to add on modules: 1. FM remote - Plays FM stations. Enables unit to record from the fm station with 15 second buffer. 2. Smartmedia and compact flash card reader - upload pics/mp3s/data from media cards. 3. DVR with remote.- record from vcr/tv/cable, etc. in divx format to hd. 4. Camera module - take still shots or video recorded directly to hd. Analog and Digital audio in. Built in mic.

Software: Able to truly use unit as external hd. Using explorer unit shows up as drive letter. Drag and drop with ease. No extra software needed. All mp3 player manufacturers need to take a clue from Archos. Drag and drop with no intermediary software is the most logical way to transfer music.

Interface on the jukebox itself is horrible. Unit is able to be updated using newer released firmware. Have personally upgraded each release of firmware to enable use of newest module. The past 4 releases have decreased battery life, removed a resume feature, caused unit to shut down on 1/4 battery life, etc. I know of only a few die-hard Archos fans that now use the newest firmware. Each successive firmware fixes an old problem and creates 2 new ones. I have lost faith in Archos products myself. I've ordered a Zen NX and will gladly trade the Archos for any good hd mp3 player. Email me if you think I'm joking.

Archos has a great product with potential to become the pinnacle MP3/multimedia player manufacturer in the world. The AV300 series has more features, larger screen, longer battery life, and greater specs than the ajbm20. Customer support is basically worthless. Need an RMA. Leave an email and it will be answered in 8-10 days. But not with an RMA number. First you give all your info and they again wait 8-10 days to email you an RMA. Then, send in your unit. Wait 4-6 weeks for return. Get unit back minus any data on hd. Even just to replace your battery, they wipe your hd. WTF??? Needless to say, Archos fan no more. Ok, enough ranting. Thanks for the space to vent.

[Micahlegg]

Well, you might want to check-out the new line of jukeboxes, they are much cooler. Or, if you are like me, and cant afford one, the RCA Lyra RD2780 audio/video jukebox looks really cool, and comes around 350$.

[flipzter]

Have checked out the new archos av3xx series. Again a great "Wow" factor involved in owning this gadget. But problems with firmware upgrades, continuously crappy interface, and possibly the worst technical support make this a $500 headache. There are problems cropping up now with dust/dirt accumulating under the lcd screen. There are numerous gaps in the player and with normal usage this is happening.

New camera module is still lacking. If you're not under a 1000watt bulb you will not have a picture worth showing. Video specs are better in the newer units, but still not dvd quality. Maybe VCR quality. :rolleyes:

Proprietary battery, nonreplaceable. (But this may change with time. I'm sure when enough units are made either an outside vendor or Archos themselves will make one available.)

No open source firmware available. I've seen external firmware for the Ipod, Zen, and even the Zen NX. On Avos.com, a guy cracked the Archos firmware encryption/compression and Archos has threatened legal action. Obviously not a company looking towards the future.

Right now, Archos definitely has the leading edge in multimedia players. But, without better technical support, better quality assurance, and at least an open mind with regards to external software they will soon be left behind. Each module for the multimedia jukeboxes has been at least 6 months behind schedule being released. This tells me that the company is marketing and hyping hardware that's not completed. When the hardware is finally released, the specs are not as great as predicted. Of course they're covered with the small print: Specs subject to change.

Well damn that. Either you have the hardware and it works, or you don't and you are Liars!!

"nuff ranting for now. I'm still waiting on my Zen and hopefully I'll be happy.