Archos 605 and 405 details, hands-on

We were on Archos's side of town today so we popped by to check out the 605 WiFi and 405 media players. (We were bummed there wasn't a 105 or 705 around, but 705 was no big deal -- according to Archos it's the same device, just made thinner.) We've also got some additional details for you on these devices.

• 605 will launch for $230 (4GB), $300 (30GB), and $400 (160GB)
• 405 will launch for $170, not including SD
• Both are available this summer
• The 605 is 9.2 ounces, and 4.8 x 3.2 x 0.6-inches on the 4GB (flash) and 30GB model, 0.75-inches thick on the 160GB model
• The 405 is 4.2 ounces, and 3.9 x 3.1 x 0.5-inches
• Both 605 and 405 will have 5 hours video, 16 hours audio playback
• The 605 not only streams video from the internet, it also downloads from a variety of paid and free channels (like CinemaNow, YouTube, BurnLounge, and Archos's own Content Portal, etc.)
• 605 also features an EPG for recording video

Now that we've rounded out the specs, click on for some additional first impressions and a gallery of press shots.

Gallery: Archos 605 and 405 hands-on

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Ok, now we can cut to the chase and tell you that the units are definitely smaller (and feel it). The buttons on both units are more intuitively laid out (finally volume has its own rocker), with an interesting wavy surface (peep the pics to see what we mean); it's far clickier and an all around more enjoyable experience fooling around with these things. The menus are also a bit more refined and a step up from the 4 series. Some of it was disabled, though, like the widgets area on the 605 WiFi (it uses Opera widgets, as Opera is its browser), as well as many of the content streaming / acquisition channels. However, almost everything interesting in this device costs money:

• The browser on the 605 WiFi is $30 (includes Adobe Flash plugin)
• Opera widgets cost $20 to enable
• The Real video plugin costs $20
• The internet radio plugin costs $20
• The HD (720p) video output plugin costs $20
• The H.264 plugin costs $20, as does "cinema" video, which supports VOB + 5.1-surround

So yeah, Archos totally loves to nickel and dime their customers. Still, browsing the web worked fairly well, although the unit were fooling around with had a pretty early firmware, we understand. The interesting thing is the unit's ability to play back FLV files (raw flash video), so when you visit a site like YouTube you're prompted to play the video embedded in the page, or expand to full-screen. (Playing embedded video was unbearably bad, like 0.5fps, but we'll give it the benefit of the doubt since it's pre-release hardware.) The 200ppi 800 x 480 display on the 605 was out of control, totally capable of showing off a relatively proper browsing experience. Assuming they can get some kinks worked out, the 605 WiFi could become the mid-size screen media device to beat.

P.S. -Ignore the errors on the 405 -- it's labeled as the 305 (it's not, it's the 405), and it's got some crazy drive error going on. Spot 'em, this is early hardware.

Gallery: Archos 605 press shots

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[JohnTitor @ Jun 14th 2007 9:24PM]

I'd like the 720P HD codec
but I'll be fine with DivX XviD and WMV support otherwise
but if this thing CAN do 720P at 30frames, I would love to see what the modding community can do when they release the Source Code for this device
I can play NES on my good old Gmini 402

I wonder if the SD slot can take SDHC, as a video player, it would be a bad idea for Archos not to put SDHC support

[JohnTitor @ Jun 14th 2007 9:26PM]

wait a second, the resolution of this device is basically a wider 480P
I could just recode my 720P content to 480P and not notice much of a difference I'd think

[MDB @ Jun 14th 2007 10:04PM]

If you can't notice a difference between 420p and 720p, you shouldn't bother owning anything in HD format.

[LegendZ28 @ Jun 14th 2007 10:10PM]

So you can expect to pay $130 more to be able to do all the things the hardware already supports? Wonderful, thanks Archos.

And people were going crazy over the 5 bucks apple wanted to charge to enable N support on their laptops, this is a whole lot worse.

[JohnTitor @ Jun 14th 2007 10:23PM]

@MDB
first off its 480P not 420P
and I wonder if you realize the it's hard to see 1280x720 as 1280x720 on a 800x480 screen

[Johan S @ Jun 14th 2007 9:28PM]

No web browser? How can it have WiFi and no web browser? I'm not asking for it to be a GPS and a phone too (since that may increase the price). I mean, why couldnt throw a web browser in there?

[JohnTitor @ Jun 14th 2007 9:33PM]

it uses Opera just like the 604 WiFi

on another note
is it just me or is that a 305 pic in the gallery

[larry mcsandals @ Jun 14th 2007 11:47PM]

haha @ wifi but no browser, first of all think of the zune and secondly, there is, but you gotta pay for it, why make someone pay for the R&D of the browser if the person is not gonna use it? and this is shit cheap already for what it does...

[Carmelo Lisciotto @ Jun 14th 2007 10:01PM]

The resolution is higher.

Carmelo Lisciotto

[MDB @ Jun 14th 2007 10:07PM]

160 GB? I guess that's enough for 99% of people, but I'm a download whore and have more than triple that if you add up all my media. And I know, I could just move files in and out, but there's something to be said for not having to worry about that hassle, however convenient they try to make it.

I want an Archos with zero GB of memory. My perfect PMP has only a 720p screen and 3G or EV-DO abilities so I can stream all of my media via Orb. Then, I have access to everything I have, and never have to worry about disk space.

[Sam @ Jun 15th 2007 12:21AM]

Then you get on a plane and your device is useless.

[Charbax @ Jun 15th 2007 2:21AM]

You can then simply get the cheapest 4GB Archos with SD card expansion slot. And this one does stream over the local network or over the Internet to access your terrabytes of video files, just like Orb, this one can do it. Right now only over WiFi hotspots, but there could be a HSDPA 3.5G module for it someday.

[darkstar @ Jun 14th 2007 10:44PM]

im impressed!!!!

whats a good day to put my ipod for sale on ebay??

[Kevin Gass @ Jun 15th 2007 11:06AM]

Lol agreed

[Jason @ Jun 14th 2007 10:47PM]

Where's support for FLAC, MKV, OGM??? I understand you can convert, but come on, it's just down right annoying :(

[larry mcsandals @ Jun 15th 2007 12:06AM]

as i was waiting to afford a 604 wifi this came along and im pretty happy seeing as i was going to spend 450 on pretty much the same thing without flash support and a lot bigger. that thing looks huge next to this. cant wait till this comes out...

[Imrealldum @ Jul 3rd 2007 4:04AM]

Ya seriously compared to the 604 this is better in every way possible except for the costs of having to buy the browser!

[Borat @ Jun 15th 2007 12:11AM]

800X480...impressive resolution for a portable device.

The 160gig one looks tantalizing...

[angelsvairwaves1 @ Jun 15th 2007 12:36AM]

Of course they have to nickel and dime you, look how cheap the base unit is.

[angelsvairwaves1 @ Jun 15th 2007 12:39AM]

Of course they have to nickel and dime you, look how cheap the base unit is.

But $150 for plug-ins, plus $100 for the dvr station... it is slightly ridiculous if you want to use all the features.

[angelsvairwaves1 @ Jun 15th 2007 12:39AM]

Of course they have to nickel and dime you, look how cheap the base unit is.

But $150 for plug-ins, plus $100 for the dvr station... it is slightly ridiculous if you want to use all the features.

[Charbax @ Jun 15th 2007 2:13AM]

If you want to have all the plug-in features, Archos has said that there will be cheaper bundles. Just like you get H264+AAC+Mpeg2+AC3 for 30$ on archos.com as a bundle instead of paying twice 20$.

Also, the features of those plug-ins aren't even offered by any other company neigther included or as extras. You have to take into account most of those features cost money not only to implement, but especially to pay the licences to all those licence organisations who control for example Flash Video, Opera Browser, H264, Mpeg2 and so on.. All those people require licences be paid, so Archos lets you pay only for those that you need.

[angelsvairwaves1 @ Jun 15th 2007 12:44AM]

Of course they have to nickel and dime you, look how cheap the base unit is.

But $150 for plug-ins, plus $100 for the dvr station... it is slightly ridiculous if you want to use all the features.

[JohnTitor @ Jun 15th 2007 1:09AM]

I think you got the point through the first time

but anyway, it might have been good to make an all in one package
some people get turned off my having to purchase extras even though the base itself has a lot to offer
the good old Archos AV500 came with everything but the low price tag

[DigitalAce7 @ Jun 15th 2007 4:04AM]

Wow! I can't wait for this! I think for music and video this is definitely an ipod killer. The 160gb will definitely be bigger in size (physical and hard drive size) than the 80gb ipod but 4.3" is perfect for viewing video. Basically this is an iphone without the cellular service. I agree with everyone saying it is annoying buying the plugins but considering the iphone is 8gb with just edge service for $600. This is probably 500 for everything maybe 550 at the most with all the plugins and the dvr station. On Archos's site, they list some interface protocols thru usb. I wonder if when if they release the source for this generation, if they can get one of those hsdpa usb modems to work on it. I knew Archos would make this machine eventually. So only 2 things are missing. FM Transmitter and Radio functions and cellular service. Oh and I spotted on Archos's site a decent remote for the dvr station so you can browse the program guide or surf the internet easier. If someone from Archos reads this, i know in the past, there has been adapters for the radio and there are universal fm transmitters that will work for this and that leaves cellular services, so the easiest way to add that is... bluetooth. Gen 6 add the bluetooth and I'll buy it the second it gets released. Just some thoughts.

[E71 @ Jun 15th 2007 6:16AM]

That's a weird position for the audio jack.

[E71 @ Jun 15th 2007 6:32AM]

Also, I'd normally whine about the whole nickel and diming but given the 605 160GB (read: better than the 504 160GB) is a lot cheaper at $400 (I got my 504 160GB for $550 at launch), it's worth it, even with all the plugin costs added on top.

I just hope that they don't do the lame thing of forgetting to including a kick-stand on the 160GB model like they did for the 504.

Would have thought paying for the beefiest model would earn you all the features.

[Filip Serban @ Jun 15th 2007 7:27AM]

Any Idea if this device will be able to read PDF files via Opera Plugin? Because the screen resolution is quite capable of displaying a readable image.

[SteveJ @ Jun 15th 2007 9:24AM]

The 605 does look pretty fantastic and I'm considering one, but it still is missing a feature that seems obvious to me, and the lack of this feature does bring down the value of it to me: the ability to play ripped DVDs in entirety. Not just being able to play a vob file, but give you the entire DVD experience, and doing so without any conversion necessary (other than ripping). All the DVD menus and such. My Mac can do this, why can't the 605? Or am I misunderstanding what is meant by VOB support? That doesn't sound like it supports the DVD menus and such.

[larry mcsandals @ Jun 16th 2007 1:17PM]

... try handbrake
http://handbrake.m0k.org/
rip the dvd into mp4 format and it should work
ripping takes an hour or so, but then you have the DVD backed up and can put it on ipod/605. you can also "back up" movies from blockbuster... not that i have or you will ;).

[SteveJ @ Jun 15th 2007 9:25AM]

Can it play a ripped DVD in entirety, including menus and such? That's what I would really want.

[larry mcsandals @ Jul 3rd 2007 3:49PM]

well you can rip the movie part, and you could rip the extras (deleted scenes) and you could rip it in any language and have any subtitle language that is on the DVD but no, it wouldnt have the DVD menu, it would be each individual parts. same content as DVD (if you chose) but no menu.

[YukonDawg @ Jun 15th 2007 9:45AM]

Whoa dude! Those are some pretty hefty nickels and dimes!

[mrklaw @ Jun 15th 2007 9:53AM]

Looks nice, and what they are doing with the software is interesting.
But it doesn't look like any progression in hardware. If I owned a 604 wifi I'd be pissed off if they didn't offer me a firmware upgrade, because nothing there looks out of reach of the 604.

Also, the purchased videos element relies totally on Archos getting good content deals. Outside of the US, what is actually expected? Need more information for that to be of value to me.

Its a strange feeling. I love my 604 (non-wifi). Totally replaced my PSP for portable video. But this feels like a let-down. Everything new relies on you being in a hotspot. And i'm guessing that downloading a movie will mean connecting to AC power too - I doubt the device would last long enough on batteries alone.

[Pat @ Jun 15th 2007 10:28AM]

I have the 504 and its an awesome media player. Archos doesn't include a wall charger that will plug directly into the player BUT http://www.gomadic.com does have them! I think they are the only company that has them.

Cheers

[dwaede @ Jun 15th 2007 11:41AM]

This sucks ass. I am still lovin my 604 wifi and now they do something like this. This is a bigger tease than when my girlfriend wants new shoes.

Why oh why do they have to be so damn innovative and come out with updates every year. Maybe I will get sick of my 604 next year and get a 606.

[dwaede @ Jun 15th 2007 11:47AM]

And don't complain when you don't even know what you are talking about.

You will not need to get the 720p plugin. I have a 604 and it puts out 480p in amazing quality. I also have the dvr station and use it to watch movies on my 50inch plasma. Everything looks amazing when I watch videos I downloaded. I suppose the casual 70inch owner will want 720p, but who here owns something like that.

[PenaltyKillah @ Jun 15th 2007 5:05PM]

The 604's only 0.6"??? Like the slight improvements, but they're keeping the premiums out of our hands. I would just treat like iPod accessories, but only for the Archos. But I do like the flash versions of the 405/605, very convenient. Hope that SD card slot also supports SDHC, so I can slam my 32GB card into it and now we're groovin'!

[JJ @ Jun 16th 2007 1:52AM]

Are there any information about videorecording by dvr traveling adapter? Cause until now the archos can only record 640x480 at it best. And this resolution realy sucks.

[Chris @ Jun 18th 2007 1:07PM]

This seems like such a big let down after owning a 604 wifi. While it is great they offer flash, it doesn't seem anything that a firmware update can't do. It also seems to have a few new handicaps. The built in internal battery only lasts 5 hours. Now that might do normally, but I am a man on the move and a 12 hour flight to China can get pretty boring. That's why I back a couple spare batteries for my 604, so I can last a complete trip.

Also moving the headphone jack to the opposite side makes using it as a standard pocket mp3 player a bit more ackward to control since the buttons would then be at the bottom.

[Scott @ Jun 18th 2007 4:42PM]

What version of the Adobe Flash Player is it?

[jade @ Jun 19th 2007 4:13PM]

I am definitely getting myself the Archos 605 when it comes out! But when exactly is it coming out here in the US? Anywhere we can pre-order? I already have 2 older Archos but I want this for the wifi and for the 160gb. I'm such a tech freak!

[GMAN4608 @ Jun 20th 2007 12:09AM]

WHEN DO THIS THING COME OUT

[avan @ Jun 21st 2007 5:50AM]

Hiiiiiii

[Shahid @ Jun 22nd 2007 11:56AM]

It is great that this thing can play H.264 files with the plug-in. However, I wonder if it will be able to read metadata stored in these files (for instance, if you have added metadata through iTunes -- although I realize that DRM'd files won't play). I manage my H.264 video files in iTunes and it would be very cool if the Archos could read the season and episode data.

[rf22 @ Jun 28th 2007 2:53PM]

I want to use lots of playlists and add, move, and remove tracks as I listen to the playlists on my 604. After researching over 50 smart phones, PDAs, and PVPs, Archos seemed to be the best device. However I found a bug. Here’s how to recreate it:

1) Using Windows Media Player 11, I ripped my 10 RUSH CDs to 320kps mp3 files. This created a folder on my PC for RUSH and then a folder for each CD which contained the mp3 files.
2) Connecting my Archos 604 via USB mode “PC Hard drive” I copied the RUSH folder (and all sub folders and files) to the Music folder on my 604.
3) I unplug the 604, go to Music on the 604 and then add RUSH to create a big playlist of all the songs from all the Rush CDs (over 100 songs).
4) When I hear a song I don’t care for I hit menu, playlist, scroll down to the song, hit menu again, remove. Then menu again, then save.

Even though this works. The 604 sometimes creates a copy of the playlist and saves it into the subfolder of the CD where the song was playing from. Other times the 604 shows that I duplicated the playlist but when you look at the duplicated playlist it contains twice as many songs. When this happened, I could not find where these duplicated playlists where saved so I connected to the PC and searched for the name of the play list. My results only showed the one. I disconnected, the 604 auto refreshed it database and the duplicates where gone. So I guess the only real bug was the saved duplicates (which I deleted via the 604 Browser). However, I would suggest a “playlist library refresh” option on the 604.

I plan on buying the 605 WiFi when it comes out. When and who will have the first 605 WiFi devices and will it have this issues resolved?

Thank you,

Rick

[Jesse @ Jul 2nd 2007 4:05PM]

Interesting - I wonder if it'd work in the CLIE NX series (I'm still holding on to). The one Sony came out with years ago is only 802.11b.

[fipo @ Jul 2nd 2007 5:02PM]

It´s great thing this player.why will the 160 or 80GB version come out in september??? the 704wifi came in shorter time(both versions40&80)...I don´t want wait so long for it!

[fechou @ Jul 16th 2007 8:55AM]

Does someone knows when will be the archos 605 wifi 30Gb available in USA?

[shane1234 @ Jul 20th 2007 9:48AM]

iv never owned an archos before and i am thinking of buying this one exept i was wondering how you put movies on the archos?can you just put them on through itunes like you would an ipod?