Reconsidering the Archos GMini 220

We weren't particularly impressed with the GMini 220, that 20GB MP3 player Archos introduced late last year. We still think it's uglier than it needs to be, but Dave Conabree's writeup over at MobileMag is forcing us to reconsider our opinion. For starters, you can simply drag and drop files onto it (unlike having to load tracks through software like you do with lots of other players). It also has a display which is bigger than that of the iPod and most other MP3 players, and Archos puts the extra space to good use, with a graphical interface that looks pretty easy to use. Other extras include line-in recording (without requiring the purchase of an extra attachhment), a built-in microphone for voice memos, and a slot for dumping JPEGs from your card's CompactFlash card slot (you can even view your photos on it, but only in monochrome). The one major flaw seems to be its battery life, which is shorter than that of just about every other hard drive-based player.