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.

Archos 605 and 405 hands-on

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.

Archos 605 press shots

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 20th 2007 9:51AM]

i have never owned an archos before and i am thinking of getting the 605 but i was wondering how you put movies and songs on the archos?can you just put them on through itunes like you would on an ipod?

[Gnathonic Posted Jul 26th 2007 2:09AM]

There are 2 means of adding files:
1. Via windows media player or some other MTP (Media Transport Protocol) compatible software.
2. Via the file system... the computer treats the device like a usb drive, and you simply add the files like you would with a usb flash drive.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 28th 2007 9:51AM]

This is awesome. It's not available at B+H yet but I look forward to its release. I'm really glad that someone is finally launching a sensible device with wifi video streaming of any formats. If this device adds any calendar / email feature, might be ideal.

I would like Archos to seriously consider hiring some UI designers for better UI though--then they can definitely trump iPhone. :)

Cheers,
See-ming

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 2nd 2007 10:43AM]

Serious question... I've been to the Archos site and the user manual states that it will display "subtitles" where subtitles are available on the video.

MORE importantly to me, will it display the "closed captions" of programs recorded to the DVR?? I'm Deaf and that is the ONE thing that is major enough to kill the deal for me buying one. IF it'll do closed captioning, I'll be lined up to get the 605!!

Has anyone got one, can play with it to let me know???? Thanks much!!!

CZ

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 23rd 2007 3:11AM]

Can anyone tell me if the 605 has an SD slot?
Is that only on the 4Gb flash version?

You know what would be cool is if it had the option to record directly to a usb external hard drive. That would be awesome.