Robust and portable 160 GB multimedia device with Wi-Fi
Download movies, TV shows, and songs via the integrated Archos content portal
Surf the Web; share content; and view and post videos to Web video sites, such as YouTube
Stream and watch videos from your PC
Record your favorite TV shows
Rating: - Great Media Player
This is a really great media player. I had some difficulty at first connecting to a wireless internet connection, but I finally got it to work.Surfing the web is fast and easy. It does freeze up occasionally but restores itself when you turn it off and on. With the DVR docking station it is very easy to transfer dvds or shows from cable to the unit. It says 160 gigs of memory but it actually has only 145 or so. I guess the demos and operating software take up the rest of the space.The touch screen and the small wireless keypad are both fantastic. The unit is a liile large so it isn't all that great if you just want to listen to music, but the large screen is great for viewing videos.There isn't alot of content to download on the archos content portal, but when you can transfer dvds and shows from cable tv you don't really need to buy alot of downloaded movies. If you are looking for a great device to carry your movies around in and surf the web wirelessly on this is the device for that. Also customer support is very helpful when you have any questions or problems.
Rating: - Disappointing
I had high hopes for the Archos 705 160GB Wifi, and ordered it as a Christmas 2007 present for myself. The technical specs and capabilities of the player are quite impressive.
However, I was disappointed by the Archos "experience". Specifically:
1. The user interface and touch screen are very clunky. There's a noticeable delay when you switch between screens and menu options, making browsing cumbersome. The touch screen is not very responsive, and you sometimes have to select a menu option several times before it responds.
2. Although the Archos has the biggest display screen among MP3/video players, the display has a grainy quality and is not as sharp and smooth as comparable products.
3. Some software features that should be standard at this price level cost exta. The Internet browser and 2 video/audio codecs that you need to play many standard audio and video files out there are an additional $30 each.
4. Most disappointing to me was the poor battery life. I only got 2.5 hours of battery life when watching a video, which is unacceptable for a device that heavy and that expensive.
5. The maximum volume of the device is not strong enough.
All in all, I cannot recommend the Archos 705. I sold mine and bought the iPhone and the Creative Zen Vision W instead. Those two other devices have their weaknesses also (less space, smaller screens, etc.), but overall I felt that the user experience and value for money are greater.
Rating: - Dish Network Fans....The 705 is your answer!!!
Hello Dish Network Fans! I just purchased the 705 to replace the PocketDish player which I have had in the past. The 705 is an excellent and easy to use media player for Dish Network DVR models 722 and 622. (The 722 is HD DVR).
As soon as I opened the box, all I had to do was download the DISH NETWORK PLUG-IN which is FREE for Dish customers at the Archos Online store plug-in section. After downloading the plug in, you simply connect the USB cord (Supplied free by Archos in the box) into the Dish Network DVR usb port and the Dish DVR automatically detects the Archos 705 device. The screen then prompts you to "Manage your device" at which point you can send all of your saved television programs, movies, etc. from the Dish Network DVR to the Archos player. The USB transfer is incredibly fast with several hours of t.v. programming easily transferred in just a few minutes. The playback is incredible. This is truly a "Plug and Play" device as far as using this media player to watch Dish Network progamming on the go.
Now for the negatives (Nothing in the world is perfect). I have read several recent negative reviews as far as the cost of additional plug-ins, etc. The Dish Network plug-in is free so that should not be a problem. I do not use my Archos player for the internet so I cannot comment of browser speeds etc. What I can tell you is this: My Archos player automatically detected my home wireless network and downloaded the Dish plug-in without having to spend any money on the opera browser plug-in.
Another negative is obviously the battery life. With the addition of a car charger this will help to conserve the limited battery life. The screen is vibrant and sound is adequate.
In conclusion, if you want a portable Dish Network device to watch your saved television/movie programming, then this is the device for you. Dish came out with the PocketDish players (manufactured by Archos) a few years ago but they have been sold out for some time and were slow to transfer programs. There is a press release on the Archos website from December 2007 announcing the partnership from Dish Network and Archos. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the 705 and find it a great bargain with regards to pricing.
Rating: - Don't buy - incomplete product
This is just an expensive piece of shareware. Does not play my PSP movies without feeding it additional money.
Archos 705 Wi-Fi Portable Media Player (160 GB) Reviews
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