Archos Unveils 704 Wifi Reviews

May.21, 2008 in archos

Portable media player company Archos, in addition to unveiling the Archos 404 Camcorder recently, has also unveiled the Archos 704 WiFi. As the name implies, this portable media player makes use of wireless Internet technology for loading media files onto it and letting one browse Web sites. This player is loaded with features ranging from the seven-inch touchscreen LCD display to long battery life and the ability to record external video programming.

After about a month of all those unofficial photos and specs, the Archos 704 WiFi has finally gotten itself a product page on the company’s website. The 80GB media player stretches the definition of “portable” with its 7-inch (800 x 480) touch screen and 7.05″ x 4.96″ x 0.78″ footprint, but other than that, it’s basically identical to its more traditional PMP sibling the 604 WiFi.

Wi-Fi inclusion seems to be de rigueur for new media players; Archos ‘ new 704 follows on from the previously released 604 to incorporate the technology. The new player also includes an impressive 800 x 480 pixel, 7-inch touch-sensitive widescreen display.

ARCHOS was founded on the principle of providing consumers the most compelling mobile entertainment experience possible, and our Web TV and Radio plug-in, along with Flash 9 support, is proof that we continue to deliver on this,” said Henri Crohas, founder and CEO of ARCHOS. “With more than four in five U.S. adults viewing an online video last year, the time is right to give consumers access to the content they want wherever they are, without requiring downloads, subscriptions or separate players to view the video they want.

Technical Details from Amazon

* Simultaneously synchronize and recharge your device; 2 in 1 USB data cable
* Professionally engineeered and built; full lifetime warranty
* TipExchange Technology protects investment providing means to upgrade charger tips at lower cost
* Removeable tips allow cables to be used for other devices (Tip Included)
* Professionally engineered and built; full lifetime warranty

WIRED Connects effortlessly to secure wireless networks. Touch-sensitive screen is a revelation in user interface (fingers or a stylus work seamlessly). Lightning fast digital photo transfer. Analog/digital audio outputs. DVR accessory allows for TiVo-like usage. Includes remote control and case. 802.11g enabled.

TIRED Needs $120 in accessories to fully optimize potential. No slot for storing stylus. Web browsing can be sloth-like. Virtual keypad takes practice to get accustomed to. Lacks Bluetooth for wireless stereo connection.

Archos Unveils 704 Wifi Reviews from Cnet

The good:

* Stunning display
* A sleek design
* Innovative multitouch user interface

The bad:

* Variable call quality
* Lacks some basic features including

The bottomline:

Despite some important missing features, a slow data network and call quality that doesn’t always deliver