[I WAS the One]

Yo! theAV-500 looks great! maybe it will be a better option for the money don't you think?

[Randman]

Ugly. No Mac support. Only plays WMA music files. No FireWire (try video on usb 1). Next.

[midwinter]

Originally Posted by Randman

Ugly. No Mac support. Only plays WMA music files. No FireWire (try video on usb 1). Next.

Did you read the page?

Play MP3, WAV, WMA and protected WMA files

USB 2.0: easily transfer content from your PC

[Stradlater]

agree2disagree

[Randman]

Originally Posted by midwinter

Did you read the page?

Did you?

If so, show me where it plays AAC content? Show me where it works with a Mac. And USB 2 is still far lamer than FireWire, especially for video.

[budster101]

Originally Posted by I WAS the One

Yo! theAV-500 looks great! maybe it will be a better option for the money don't you think?

"USB 2.0 high-speed device, compatible USB 1.1, PC & Mac.
USB Host port compatible Mass Storage Device."

It does support Mac, but I think I'd rather wait for the real iPod Video to come out someday.

They call it a "Pod" and what I am wondering is how can they do that?
It's also fugly as hell.

40GB $600.00
100GB $800.00

NFW.

[Eriamjh]

iPod killer? Those things don't exist!

[iREZ]

my cousin has the 2nd generation of the archos player and it DOES work with mac and its a pretty cool toy if u really love to watch video...i think this one, being even smaller and having a larger drive, is that much cooler. its no ipod killer, but its probably the best mobile media viewer imho.

[John123]

Originally Posted by Randman

Did you?

If so, show me where it plays AAC content? Show me where it works with a Mac. And USB 2 is still far lamer than FireWire, especially for video.

Actually, not true. It's just fine. FW800 is, of course, better than both of those, but USB 2 and FW400 are comparable.

[kitcho]

in order for something to be an ipod killer it needs to accomplish the following things, if not more

- have a VERY competitive price. consumers these days are one dimensional.
- have an integrated or supply some kind of legit music service and a Q U A L I T Y music management program
- create something NEW and INNOVATIVE. though a cheap ipod clone would sell, it would not dethrone the ipod family.

and obviously, pc + mac support. the vast majority of mp3 players are pc only.

[Severed Hand of Skywalker]

Looks like total ass to me. I bet they won't sell .01% of what Apples sells.

[I WAS the One]

Today my co-worker bring the AV-700, I must say that it is BIG AS HELL! no way it is a portable device! and I mean NO WAY!.. but it has the same features than the AV-500 and that one it's smaller, I was showing him this forum, and the first thing we did was try to find out the music quality, well, I don't know... but his iPod mini and the AV-700 sound the same!!! in fact, the ACC files show more quality but hey! they're ACC files you know... and my whole library is on mp3s so, it will be dumb convert all my files (18 gigs) on ACC just because.... but if you guys are worried about the sound, let me tell you, it sounds really good, I mean Mp3s @ 192 kbps sound great! and in the movie category, well, little disappointed there, it is just real time recording, so making your library it will take a long time, and the protect dvds other than macromedia it only can be seen on the AV-700 and not on TV, the others (not protected) will be fine, and its DVD quality, but sometimes in the darker areas of a movie I can see pixels, but hey thats me... it's not bad, you get more for your money, thoug... $400 just for a mp3 player and picture viewer is not that cool, in my opinion, but with the AV-500 it seems that you get, videos, pictures, music, and a high capacity storage that worth the price... I love music, but I also love videos too, so, I don't know, maybe I buy it, and then I get my self an iPod Shuffle just for fun...

[John123]

Originally Posted by I WAS the One

Today my co-worker bring the AV-700, I must say that it is BIG AS HELL! no way it is a portable device! and I mean NO WAY!.. .

I'm afraid I don't follow. See the picture? It has a guy holding it in his hand. That seems to me to be, by definition, "portable." Now, if the 700 is really THAT MUCH BIGGER than the 500, then perhaps you're on to something. But, I looked at the dimensions, and it's roughly 4" x 8". Not an iPod certainly, but still pretty portable if you ask me.

[I WAS the One]

the 500 is 3" x 4" thats cool for me, its like a Palm PDA kind of size, you know.... but the 700 damn! he (my co-worker) was holding it like a closed laptop you know what I mean? it is Big.

[Kerrigan]

The brushed metal case makes it look like a Quicktime or iPhoto window.

[Severed Hand of Skywalker]

It has the same problem as all the other MP3 players have. The interface isn't intuitive, it isn't as easy to use and it doesn't work with iTunes. It can have all the video playing capabilities and voice recorders but if it doesn't have the features I mentioned it sucks. End of story.

[I WAS the One]

Originally Posted by Severed Hand of Skywalker

It has the same problem as all the other MP3 players have. The interface isn't intuitive, it isn't as easy to use and it doesn't work with iTunes. It can have all the video playing capabilities and voice recorders but if it doesn't have the features I mentioned it sucks. End of story.

Just to let you know...

Its EASY to use and it comes with an iTunes plug-in, for the uploading/syncronize function.

[budster101]

Tellushowyoulikeitwhenyoubuyitsowecanalljustwaitfo rtheappledevicethatrocksbetter.

[Eriamjh]

The nano killed the mini.

[Butch Hauke]

Originally Posted by Eriamjh

The nano killed the mini.

Yep. So far the only "iPod killers" are new iPods!

Butch

[budster101]

TV killed the radio star...

[Severed Hand of Skywalker]

Originally Posted by I WAS the One

Just to let you know...

Its EASY to use and it comes with an iTunes plug-in, for the uploading/syncronize function.

Without a scroll wheel I bet it is anything but easy and intuitive.

[I WAS the One]

Well, Today is November 21,2005 and I just finished to upload my whole mp3 music library (22,000 songs) to my brand new AV5100, I got to tell you guys... it is expensive but right after you turn on that little device, you will never want to shut it down, never! this is not an ad, this is just my thoughts about how happy I am with this AV5100, it comes with an iTunes plug-in and with the little help of Handbreak, I can convert all my DVD movies into .AVI and then to the AV5100, and it records live television as easy as pressing REC, like in your VCR, you specify the resolution and can see it on the go or in your TV as well, you can schedule the TV shows and all, it is a dream for me, the scrolling is not as fast as the iPod but it does it job. and the sound quality is better that I espect it sounds awsome! (not as AAC but nearly equal) if you guys had question for comparisons between the iPod and the AV5100 just ask me... and by the way, I just give away my iPod, it's time for the AV5100. sorry.

[joel_v]

i like the recording feature (from vcr, dvd player) but other than that, i dont really like it. Also its not very sexy (compared to the iPod Video).

For now...the iPod still wins. (Well, maybe forever!!)

[I WAS the One]

Originally Posted by joel_v

i like the recording feature (from vcr, dvd player) but other than that, i dont really like it. Also its not very sexy (compared to the iPod Video).

For now...the iPod still wins. (Well, maybe forever!!)

hey! go to a Sharper Image store near you, they will show you both side by side, and go ahead and tell me who is sexier than who then... my money is on AV

[I WAS the One]

Originally Posted by 5g60g

All iPod killers? bogus link
I think iPod wins as its fashion.

WOW! great web info about that! good job... but to be real, I think that the iPod Rocks just for the music, I got to tell ya that AAC is the best music compression out there, honest. there is nothing like that. but as I say in the begining you need to know what are you gonna get for your money. I already bought an AV-5100 because I thought it give me more options than the iPod, and I most confess that before I got it I was waiting for the iPod video, and let me tell you, Apple is so goddamn legal with whatever you want to put inside your iPod that at the end, you just want to put your dvd library inside of it and you just can't. you need to go thru hell to put your dvd inside your iPod that at the end you will regret having it. and let's get real, the screen is to damn small! if I want to see a video I want to see it clearly!! I know Apple will learn by their mistakes soon, and suddenly we all see a great new iPod with a widescreen and the capacity to record TV like TIVO, just as I do with my new AV-5100, but it that happens, I will be buying the new AV-5100 because I know now that apple not always is hearing what costumer wants. if they do, they will bringing the widescreen ipod not that ugly one with limit video capability. hello? the only thing I miss from the iPod on my PMP is the scroll wheel, thats all. with that Archos will erase that iPod Video wannabe in minutes!

[TheSkaOreo]

Hell No!!!!! The design looks clunky.

[raymond]

There is no doubt the Ipod is a great music player, but there is no doubt the Archos is a better video player. Add to that the 60Gb version of the AV500 is available in the UK for £299 which is the same as the 5G Ipod 60Gb and it also comes with all the required accesories that are NOT supplied with the Ipod like AV cable, Docking station, charger. It does not scratch if you look at it so doesnt need to be covered in shrink wrap to protect it. It also has a USB host to download photos direct from a digital camera and these CAN be previewed to make sure everything is ok before erasing them from the camera.

For me though there are distinct advantages specifically for video and that is the decent size 4" screen, the built in (albeit quite crap) speaker, user replaceable battery and even the LCD screen can be replaced by a competent user. Video recording is a big bonus and compatibility with the likes of plays for sure for the future which Apple will never allow.

It is also possible to upgrade the hard drive as larger sizes become available, especially if ypu buy the slightly thicker version fitted woith a 2.5" hard drive.

I'm not slagging off the Ipod as a great music player with the added advantage of being able to watch occasional video, but the Archos is a great video player which also doubles up as a good music player which unfortunately will not play AAC files but thats life.

I was just about to buy an Ipod in Dixons when I saw the Archos and immediately changed my mind when I saw the two side by side. The photos do not do justice to the Archos, it has to be seen to be appreciated.

As for "sexy" ... I like my women to be sexy, but I like my gadgets to be the best I can buy for the money.

[I WAS the One]

Originally Posted by raymond

There is no doubt the Ipod is a great music player, but there is no doubt the Archos is a better video player. Add to that the 60Gb version of the AV500 is available in the UK for £299 which is the same as the 5G Ipod 60Gb and it also comes with all the required accesories that are NOT supplied with the Ipod like AV cable, Docking station, charger. It does not scratch if you look at it so doesnt need to be covered in shrink wrap to protect it. It also has a USB host to download photos direct from a digital camera and these CAN be previewed to make sure everything is ok before erasing them from the camera.

For me though there are distinct advantages specifically for video and that is the decent size 4" screen, the built in (albeit quite crap) speaker, user replaceable battery and even the LCD screen can be replaced by a competent user. Video recording is a big bonus and compatibility with the likes of plays for sure for the future which Apple will never allow.

It is also possible to upgrade the hard drive as larger sizes become available, especially if ypu buy the slightly thicker version fitted woith a 2.5" hard drive.

I'm not slagging off the Ipod as a great music player with the added advantage of being able to watch occasional video, but the Archos is a great video player which also doubles up as a good music player which unfortunately will not play AAC files but thats life.

I was just about to buy an Ipod in Dixons when I saw the Archos and immediately changed my mind when I saw the two side by side. The photos do not do justice to the Archos, it has to be seen to be appreciated.

As for "sexy" ... I like my women to be sexy, but I like my gadgets to be the best I can buy for the money.

Raymond... you just got my point. its good to read some realistic opinions about PMPs, iPod is a cool and great gadget, but right now, iPod wants to play in the PMP area, and let me tell you, if iPod still want to play there it wont be the King, right now, the AV-5100 and Epson PMP are leaders on this topic, iPod is fine like a Music player, nothing's gonna beat the crap of it, and I mean it, nothing... unless it wanna go to compete face to face with the others PMPs... well, I don't know... any how, I love iPod, but for the money (My Money) I choosed AV-5100...

[warfarer]

Here is my input about my experience with MP3 players. I had a cheap flash player that was 256 meg and I liked it enough to upgrade. I looked at the iPod vs the Sony HD1 and I went with the Sony. I love it to this day but I recently bought an iPod Nano. Here are the pros and cons of the Sony and what to look for when you look at other MP3 players.
1. Support is almost nill for the Sony. Even at the Sonystyle.com, you can't purchase another charger of any type nor can you buy a case that fits it well that allows you to view the screen and still have protection. The iPod has huge amounts of accessories that you can buy anywhere.

2. Battery life. I had the 20 gig Sony HD1 and I get 40 hours of playtime out of it. That is near 2 to 3 times more than the Nano, but like I said in the previous statement, no charger on the road. You have to have this playtime or you are screwed. The nano can be charged in the car or by usb.

3. This AV500 listed here is a lot bigger than any iPod and that is a big deal. First and foremost, an MP3 player should be an MP3 player. People looking to buy a portable player for video/music is simply a niche market vs having a very good MP3 player that has the ability to play some video. Plus the ability to get a cable to play the video on your TV adds to the iPod by a lot.

4. There is no iPod killer. I have looked at all the current MP3 players out now and the iPod is simply the best designed and has very good software with it. I do, however, wish that you downloaded MP3 files instead of AAC files from iTunes so that I could stick it on my Sony too. Unfortunatly Sony also uses their proprietary format that is unusable by any other MP3 player.

[icruise]

Pay attention: the iPod is not a PMP. It is a music player that also plays video very well (much better than any other "let's add video to our MP3 player for the hell of it" player out there). If you want to watch movies exclusively, it might not be the best choice.

That said...

Originally Posted by I WAS the One

I already bought an AV-5100 because I thought it give me more options than the iPod, and I most confess that before I got it I was waiting for the iPod video, and let me tell you, Apple is so goddamn legal with whatever you want to put inside your iPod that at the end, you just want to put your dvd library inside of it and you just can't. you need to go thru hell to put your dvd inside your iPod that at the end you will regret having it.

Is it really that much harder to put DVDs on your iPod than the Archos? I don't think so. What you seem to be saying is that the iPod doesn't support DIVX, which is currently the favored format of Internet movie pirates. So yeah, if you want to download pirated movies, then the iPod isn't the best choice. However, given the sheer number of iPods out there already (I wouldn't be surprised if there were already more 5G iPods sold than all PMPs in history) the iPod compatible video formats are going to become a lot more popular. There is already a service that transcodes every video posted to usenet into iPod-compatible MPEG-4.

and let's get real, the screen is to damn small! if I want to see a video I want to see it clearly!!

This is true to some extent, although for TV shows it's just about the perfect size. For widescreen movies, it's a little too small but still very watchable.

I know Apple will learn by their mistakes soon, and suddenly we all see a great new iPod with a widescreen and the capacity to record TV like TIVO, just as I do with my new AV-5100, but it that happens, I will be buying the new AV-5100 because I know now that apple not always is hearing what costumer wants. if they do, they will bringing the widescreen ipod not that ugly one with limit video capability. hello? the only thing I miss from the iPod on my PMP is the scroll wheel, thats all. with that Archos will erase that iPod Video wannabe in minutes!

See my first paragraph. The iPod as it is now is not a PMP! Apple didn't make a "mistake" releasing a PMP with a small non-widescreen screen. They're testing the video waters by making the "regular" iPod also play video. Pretty good strategy, if you ask me.

[I WAS the One]

Listen Icruise:

As you can read in Archos.com, you record the movies in REAL TIME, the same way you doit using a VCR, and for your information if the movie is protected with macromedia or whatever, you will never will be able to saw it on your TV, just on your portable device. So. they (ARCHOS) know about pirate movies as you do, and for that reason they protect those rights too. the movies that I had on my AV-5100 I have it on DVD as well, because I bought them. so I have the right to back it up in my device. thats NOT piracy.

And by the way... if the iPod plays Videos, Photos and Music, I'm sorry to tell you that it is a PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER the PMP we all know.

[icruise]

Originally Posted by I WAS the One

Listen Icruise:

As you can read in Archos.com, you record the movies in REAL TIME, the same way you doit using a VCR, and for your information if the movie is protected with macromedia or whatever, you will never will be able to saw it on your TV, just on your portable device. So. they (ARCHOS) know about pirate movies as you do, and for that reason they protect those rights too. the movies that I had on my AV-5100 I have it on DVD as well, because I bought them. so I have the right to back it up in my device. thats NOT piracy.

Then explain your comment about how it's so much harder to put DVDs onto an iPod. How is it more difficult? I have converted over 700 TV shows for playback on the iPod so I think I know what I'm talking about. If you mean that you can "record" DVDs onto the Archos then yes, I suppose that may seem easier, but I would much rather convert a bunch of things in a batch than have to sit and babysit the recorder while it records one DVD. Plus, I'm sure the quality suffers if you do it that way.

And by the way... if the iPod plays Videos, Photos and Music, I'm sorry to tell you that it is a PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER the PMP we all know.

No, not really, any more than the Sony PSP is a PMP. Admittedly the lines are getting blurred, but the iPod is meant as a music player first and foremost.

[I WAS the One]

Originally Posted by Icruise

Then explain your comment about how it's so much harder to put DVDs onto an iPod. How is it more difficult? I have converted over 700 TV shows for playback on the iPod so I think I know what I'm talking about. If you mean that you can "record" DVDs onto the Archos then yes, I suppose that may seem easier, but I would much rather convert a bunch of things in a batch than have to sit and babysit the recorder while it records one DVD. Plus, I'm sure the quality suffers if you do it that way.

Your Comment is my answer:

Originally Posted by Icruise

If you mean that you can "record" DVDs onto the Archos then yes, I suppose that may seem easier

I may add that not everybody knows about convertion and stuff like that, if my sister wants to record a DVD she just wanna press record and thats it, same for TV shows you know, not everybody is a nerd in this world, thats why I'm talking of ease of use.

Originally Posted by Icruise

No, not really, any more than the Sony PSP is a PMP.

again... if it plays video for personal viewing and it can be used like a photo wallet, and in top of that play music IT IS A PMP... PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER. get real.

[icruise]

Originally Posted by I WAS the One

again... if it plays video for personal viewing and it can be used like a photo wallet, and in top of that play music IT IS A PMP... PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER. get real.

So is my powerbook also a PMP? How about my PDA? They can both do those things. Actually, so can my cell phone. Surely we have to draw a line somewhere. To me, if video isn't the primary focus of the device (as it is not with the iPod or the PSP) then it is not really a PMP per se.

[I WAS the One]

Originally Posted by Icruise

So is my powerbook also a PMP? How about my PDA?

Oh c'mon! when this thread became a children playground? keep your whatever-pod and I will be entertaining my self with my only PMP in the world.

[icruise]

OK, whatever. What I'm trying to convey to you is that you are comparing two different things. If you like the Archos, great. But don't expect everyone to agree that it's better than the iPod.

[I WAS the One]

Originally Posted by Icruise

OK, whatever. What I'm trying to convey to you is that you are comparing two different things. If you like the Archos, great. But don't expect everyone to agree that it's better than the iPod.

THEY ARE BOTH PMP NOW. not before the iPod Video, but Now they both are. I don't want to expect nothing, you are the one who expect I agree with you. and I wont.

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