Archos 605 WiFi

The Archos 605 WiFi is a powerful WiFi-enabled portable media player (PMP). Its standout feature is its large, high-quality 4.3" touch screen display with 800 x 480 resolution. It is a viable alternative to the recently released Apple iPod Touch because of its extensive media format capabilities, large screen and customization options.

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Archos 605 WiFi
MSRP $230.00
Release date August, 2007
Brand Archos
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
15 reviews
61
negative
mixed
positive
8 positive
4 mixed
3 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

show me!

Pros:
Do you agree?
•
Supports many video formats including XviD and DivX
+9agreedisagree

•
WiFi enabled for streaming and web browsing
+9agreedisagree

•
Supports Adobe Flash for embedded video
+7agreedisagree

•
Good price considering the featureset
+6agreedisagree

•
Large, high resolution screen
+5agreedisagree

•
Stream media from PC or laptop
+3agreedisagree

•
Kickstand for supporting the player for extended viewing
+2agreedisagree

•
Customizable and skinnable
+1agreedisagree

•
Good on podcast combined with archoslink (free download)
+1agreedisagree

•
Can use as hard drive for file storage.
+1agreedisagree

•
Does not require intermediate software to act as device gateway.
+1agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
•
Have to pay $30 for Opera plugin to browse Web
+6agreedisagree

•
Requires plugins for MPEG-2 and H.264 support
+6agreedisagree

•
UI isn't as slick and organized as iPhone/iPod Touch
+6agreedisagree

•
No OGG Vorbis support
+5agreedisagree

•
No storage space for included styli
+3agreedisagree

•
Prone to crashes when web browsing
+1agreedisagree

•
Lackluster battery life (~5 hrs for video)
-2agreedisagree


15 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!
See individual votes »

Details

Customizable

The Archos 605 is highly customizable and is popular with geeks, enthusiasts and hackers. The 605 player can be upgraded with plugins available from Archos, or can be hacked and skinned to further customized your UI. A French developer has created an iPhone skin that emulates the popular UI on the Archos.

Media formats

Archos advertises that the 605 supports MPEG-4 and WMV video and MP3, WMA, and WAV audio, however it features native support for the popular DivX and XviD video encoding schemes. It does not support the open-source OGG Vorbis audio format. The Cinema plugin the 605 can be extended to play MPEG-2 encoding video (.vob, .mpg, .ps), and the Video podcast plugin adds H.264 audio/video support (used by iTunes, and podcasts).

WiFi streaming and Web Browsing

It includes a 802.11g WiFi access allowing you to stream media content from your network PC. Also, with the purchase of Opera Web browser plugin ($30), you can browse the web. The browser support Adobe Flash, therefore you can play any embedded web videos like YouTube and DailyMotion. The browser automatically detects the presence of video on a web page and automatically will go into a full-screen viewing mode.

Features

  • 4.3" TFT LCD touch screen, 800 x 480, 16 million colors
  • Customizable with plugins (Cinema, Web, Video podcast)
  • WiFi enabled for streaming media content from your networked PC
  • Browse the Internet with Opera plugin - support Adobe Flash
  • Can be used as a DVR with DVR Station Accessory
  • Battery life: video - 5.5 hours, audio - 17 hours
  • Dimensions:
    • 4.8'' x 3.2'' x 0.6'' (4GB/30GB)
    • 4.8'' x 3.2'' x 0.75'' (80GB/160GB)
  • Weight: 5.3 oz (4GB), 6.7 oz (30GB), 9.2 oz (80GB/160GB)

The Archos 605 WiFi was released in August 30th, 2007 and starts at $230. It is part of the Generation 5 product line including Archos TV, Archos 705 WiFi, Archos 405, and Archos 105. It comes four months after the release of the Generation 4 Archos players that included the Archos 704 WiFi player.

There are four specific models with different capacities to choose from: (1) 4 GB (flash storage) - $230, (2) 30 GB - $299, (3) 80 GB - $349, and (4) 160 GB - $399. All of the models except the 160 GB version have an SD slot for adding additional storage. The 4GB version features a flash storage solution, and the others have an internal hard drive.

Submit a link

This report was started September 15, 2007 at 1:56 pm by Erik
with the last edit occurring May 6, 2009 at 2:38 pm by allergen
This page has been viewed 8481 times, with 165 edits by 30 contributors.
See the full report history »

Competitors

Archos 605 WiFi is ranked 6th among it's competitors.  See the top picks in Internet Media Tablets »
Cowon A3

Cowon A3

MSRP  $399.00    Released  December, 2007
Pros
  • Fantastic screen quality
  • Can act as a USB host
  • Video output AND recording
Cons
  • Expensive ! (80GB version almost twice the price of an 80GB ipod)
  • Annoying joystick control
  • Chunky body design
ProSCORE
6 reviews
70
Vote! (4 votes)
vote Archos 605 WiFi 25% vs. vote Cowon A3 75%
Nokia N810

Nokia N810

MSRP  $479.00    Released  November, 2007
Pros
  • Adds a full QWERTY sliding keyboard
  • Tons of flexibility and potential due to hardcore hacking community
  • Still one of the best screens (size/resolution) in the class
Cons
  • Included storage is lacking (2GB compared to Touch's 16GB)
  • Slow web page rendering
  • No flash support
ProSCORE
17 reviews
69
Vote! (7 votes)
vote Archos 605 WiFi 29% vs. vote Nokia N810 71%
Cowon Q5W

Cowon Q5W

MSRP  $599.00    Released  December, 2007
Pros
  • Tons of expandable options compared to other media players
  • Does everything and anything you'd need to do with a portable media player
  • Flash support on the web browser
Cons
  • No high-def support even when using the video out
  • Does not support recharging via USB
  • OS is on ROM (must be flashed to upgrade) despite HDD in unit
ProSCORE
7 reviews
64
Vote! (8 votes)
vote Archos 605 WiFi 38% vs. vote Cowon Q5W 62%
Microsoft Zune 80

Microsoft Zune 80

MSRP  $249.00    Released  November, 2007
Pros
  • Wireless media syncing with your computer
  • Better media format compatibility
  • Best integration between service and player outside of the iPods
Cons
  • STILL the 3-play limit restriction
  • There's WiFi, but no web browser
  • No EQ system
ProSCORE
33 reviews
47
Vote! (12 votes)
vote Archos 605 WiFi 42% vs. vote Microsoft Zune 80 58%
Apple iPod Touch 1st Gen

Apple iPod Touch 1st Gen

MSRP  $499.00    Released  September, 2007
Pros
  • WiFi access with Web browsing using Safari
  • Amazing multi-Touch interface
  • Accelerometer detects horizontal or vertical position and adjusts display accordingly
Cons
  • Limited codec support
  • No USB mass storage mode (disk mode) so it can't be used to move data around.
  • Small capacities - 8GB or 16GB
ProSCORE
68 reviews
48
Vote! (16 votes)
vote Archos 605 WiFi 44% vs. vote Apple iPod Touch 1st Gen 56%
Pepper Pad 3

Pepper Pad 3

MSRP  $650.00    Released  November, 2006
Pros
  • Lots of added functionality
  • Touchpad is nice option
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Split keyboard is annoying
ProSCORE
1 review
50
Vote! (5 votes)
vote Archos 605 WiFi 60% vs. vote Pepper Pad 3 40%

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Comments

1.  avatar Erik said:

Basically, the larger screen, streaming, and DivX/Xvid support make this a formidable contender against the iPod Touch.
Sep 15, 2007 2:02pm
2.  avatar born4thesurf said:

I recently found a great deal of an Archos 605 player plus 2 Movies for ?199 from movie downloads website vizumi: http://www.vizumi.com. Great deal and great player!
Oct 03, 2007 10:32am
3.  avatar cybernaut said:

I have the 160gb version. It has a large screen and plays about anything I want to put on it. I have the DVR dock - great for recording shows and watching at lunch or at the bookstore. Iniitial charge took me 70 hours - now only about 3-1/2 hours - it takes longest to charge via USB. Bummer is you have to pay form Opera ($30), MPEG-2 ($20) and H.264/AAC ($20). I also have 30 gb 604 - which has a better external design.
Oct 07, 2007 1:18pm
4.  avatar JoeC said:

I purchased then sold it. The web browser is not good, could not even check my emails. They charge you 100.00 to record from the TV. expect to pay another 70.00 for software to so you can play your video files you download from the net (if you can play them at all). When you are finished buying every thing you get a slow sub-par system. Would be cheaper to buy a 399.00 laptop from a discount web retailer. You get a bigger screen, you can buy ($30) a USB HD Tuner/ recorder, and surf the web. I hate doing business with a company that is out to nickle and dime you for everything. Buy a laptop your money will go 10X further.
Jul 19, 2008 10:21am
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Reviews

Sort by: Most helpful  •  Newest  •  Most positive

unclejimbo88

avatar
July 10, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
54
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
6 cons

Pros

  • Supports many video formats including XviD and DivX
  • WiFi enabled for streaming and web browsing
  • Supports Adobe Flash for embedded video
  • Good price considering the featureset
  • Large, high resolution screen
  • Stream media from PC or laptop
  • Kickstand for supporting the player for extended viewing

Cons

  • Have to pay $30 for Opera plugin to browse Web
  • Requires plugins for MPEG-2 and H.264 support
  • UI isn't as slick and organized as iPhone/iPod Touch
  • No OGG Vorbis support
  • No storage space for included styli
  • Prone to crashes when web browsing

Competitors

unclejimbo88 prefers Archos 605 WiFi over Apple iPod Touch 1st Gen, Nokia N810
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

Erik

avatar
September 15, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
58
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
5 cons
want itwant it

Pros

  • Supports many video formats including XviD and DivX
  • WiFi enabled for streaming and web browsing
  • Supports Adobe Flash for embedded video
  • Good price considering the featureset
  • Large, high resolution screen
  • Kickstand for supporting the player for extended viewing
  • Customizable and skinnable

Cons

  • Have to pay $30 for Opera plugin to browse Web
  • Requires plugins for MPEG-2 and H.264 support
  • UI isn't as slick and organized as iPhone/iPod Touch
  • No OGG Vorbis support
  • Lackluster battery life (~5 hrs for video)

Comments

"Basically, the larger screen, streaming, and DivX/Xvid support make this a formidable contender against the iPod Touch."

Competitors

Erik prefers Apple iPod Touch 1st Gen over Archos 605 WiFi
Erik prefers Archos 605 WiFi over Pepper Pad 3, Microsoft Zune 80
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

GalacticCmdr

avatar
August 30, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
55
negative
mixed
positive
6 pros
5 cons
have ithave it

Pros

  • Supports many video formats including XviD and DivX
  • WiFi enabled for streaming and web browsing
  • Supports Adobe Flash for embedded video
  • Good price considering the featureset
  • Large, high resolution screen
  • Stream media from PC or laptop

Cons

  • Have to pay $30 for Opera plugin to browse Web
  • Requires plugins for MPEG-2 and H.264 support
  • UI isn't as slick and organized as iPhone/iPod Touch
  • No OGG Vorbis support
  • No storage space for included styli

Competitors

Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

allergen

avatar
May 6, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
70
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
3 cons
love itlove it
have ithave it

Pros

  • WiFi enabled for streaming and web browsing
  • Supports Adobe Flash for embedded video
  • Good price considering the featureset
  • Large, high resolution screen
  • Stream media from PC or laptop
  • Can use as hard drive for file storage.
  • Does not require intermediate software to act as device gateway.

Cons

  • Have to pay $30 for Opera plugin to browse Web
  • UI isn't as slick and organized as iPhone/iPod Touch
  • No storage space for included styli

Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

fischju

avatar
May 13, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
88
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
1 con
have ithave it

Pros

  • Supports many video formats including XviD and DivX
  • WiFi enabled for streaming and web browsing
  • Supports Adobe Flash for embedded video
  • Good price considering the featureset
  • Large, high resolution screen
  • Kickstand for supporting the player for extended viewing
  • Customizable and skinnable

Cons

  • UI isn't as slick and organized as iPhone/iPod Touch

Competitors

fischju prefers Archos 605 WiFi over Apple iPod Touch 1st Gen
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

adamochs

avatar
November 17, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
86
negative
mixed
positive
6 pros
1 con
love itlove it
want itwant it

Pros

  • Supports many video formats including XviD and DivX
  • WiFi enabled for streaming and web browsing
  • Supports Adobe Flash for embedded video
  • Good price considering the featureset
  • Large, high resolution screen
  • Customizable and skinnable

Cons

  • No OGG Vorbis support

Competitors

adamochs prefers Archos 605 WiFi over Apple iPod Touch 1st Gen
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

kdm

avatar
June 28, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
33
negative
mixed
positive
2 pros
4 cons

Pros

  • Supports many video formats including XviD and DivX
  • WiFi enabled for streaming and web browsing

Cons

  • Have to pay $30 for Opera plugin to browse Web
  • Requires plugins for MPEG-2 and H.264 support
  • No OGG Vorbis support
  • Prone to crashes when web browsing

Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

Henk Poley

avatar
April 26, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
40
negative
mixed
positive
2 pros
3 cons

Pros

  • Supports many video formats including XviD and DivX
  • WiFi enabled for streaming and web browsing

Cons

  • Have to pay $30 for Opera plugin to browse Web
  • Requires plugins for MPEG-2 and H.264 support
  • UI isn't as slick and organized as iPhone/iPod Touch

Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

SohumB

avatar
November 21, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
60
negative
mixed
positive
3 pros
2 cons
want itwant it

Pros

  • Supports many video formats including XviD and DivX
  • WiFi enabled for streaming and web browsing
  • Good price considering the featureset

Cons

  • UI isn't as slick and organized as iPhone/iPod Touch
  • No OGG Vorbis support

Competitors

SohumB prefers Archos 605 WiFi over Microsoft Zune 80, Apple iPod Touch 1st Gen
Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No

stephenc

avatar
October 3, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
75
negative
mixed
positive
3 pros
1 con
want itwant it

Pros

  • Supports many video formats including XviD and DivX
  • WiFi enabled for streaming and web browsing
  • Good price considering the featureset

Cons

  • Have to pay $30 for Opera plugin to browse Web

Did you find this review helpful? Yes  /  No
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