C|NET Previews the Arcos Gmini400

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://reviews.cnet.com/Archos_Gmini_400/4505-6499_7-31000735.html?tag=cnetfd-fl' target='_blank'>http://reviews.cnet.com/Archos_Gmini_400/4505-6499_7-31000735.html?tag=cnetfd-fl</a><br /><br /></div><i>" One of the most hotly anticipated gadgets of late has been the Archos Gmini400, a PVP that's about the size of the latest Apple iPod. Well, the Gmini400 is finally here. Previous versions of the Gmini were rough and tumble, but the third iteration of this video, music, photo, and gaming device is polished, refined, and (did we mention?) tiny. To create the Gmini400, Archos took many features from its larger and critically acclaimed sibling, the AV420, and packed them into a device that's a hair thicker and a penny heavier than the iPod. The 20GB device may cost a little more than a hard drive-based MP3 player, but can the iPod play back video and photos on a fabulous 2.2-inch color screen?"</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/31000735-2-300-overview-1.gif" /><br /><br />C|NET has a preview video up - this looks like one smokin' device! Too bad the screen is so low resolution...

[Felix Torres]

Interesting device, but it comes with two strikes against it:
1- As noted, the screen is small and sub-QVGA in resolution
2- Firmware lacks WMV support

This can be deadly since it costs the same as the upcoming Samsung PMC, which has a larger QVGA screen and supports WMV.

Considered as a jukebox with Photo capabilities it should do okay among photographers with CF-based cameras, but for video on this side of the pond it'll have a tough row to hoe.

[Gary Sheynkman]

Interesting device, but it comes with two strikes against it:
1- As noted, the screen is small and sub-QVGA in resolution
2- Firmware lacks WMV support

This can be deadly since it costs the same as the upcoming Samsung PMC, which has a larger QVGA screen and supports WMV.

Considered as a jukebox with Photo capabilities it should do okay among photographers with CF-based cameras, but for video on this side of the pond it'll have a tough row to hoe.

but archos has the AV400 series for that though

[BuzzLightyear]

I've just ordered one of these puppies - should be here tomorrow - I'll let you all know how I get on soon

Buzz

[sting0r]

Buzz, how do you like it? I just ordered on today. I had a creative Zen, but thought it was too big for my taste. I don't mind a small screen, what are your thoughts on it?