Archos Gmini XS200 review

CNET takes a look at the world's smallest 20GB MP3 player (retailing for $249), the Archos Gmini XS200, and finds that while it has good sound and may be have a lot of storage capacity for its size, it has a weak interface and design, average battery life, and a serious lack of music jukebox software compatibility. Do yourself a favor and save up an extra eighty bucks for the Archos Gmini 400.

[n8 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I disagree with your take on the C|Net review -- and I guess I disagree with the C|Net review itself. If you read the thing through I think that you'll find that the interface gets fairly high marks for flexibility, and the lack of PC software is actually a benefit, not detriment. Not being able to play itunes files isn't really something worthy of criticism either, unless you're interested in limiting your music collection to one kind of player for the rest of your life. The way I read the review, the xs200 scores a 10 in the design category, an 8 in the interface category, a 9 for feaures, an 8 for battery, and a 10 for price.

All that is not to say that it isn't worth springing for the Gmini 400 if you want video too, but for those looking for just an MP3 player the ratings add up to a 9 point overall rating in my book if you're looking for the smallest, highest-capacity MP3 player on the market.

[iso_bars @ Dec 19th 2005 1:48AM]

I disagree, having just bought one!

The interface IS a bit clunky, but the joystick works well, and the system is generally fairly intuitive. I certainly haven't looked at the manual yet!

I'm also not interested in lack of media player support - i'd rather it worked as an external hard drive.

Its also ridiculously small. Seriously. This alone makes it worth a look. The battery life complaint is valid, but no worse than the ipod.

This is definitely the best budget 20GB player.