Archos Gmini 400 20 GB

Advantages Compact media player, easy to use, clear display
Disadvantages Earphone socket, screen doesnt look right, image viewer is slow loading

...I got this a few months back now, i already had an iPod Nano on order but cancelled when i found this cheaper that the iPod! This turned out to be an excellent alternative, not only did it have 5 times the storage capacity but also had more functions than the iPod. I'll start with the music part.. When i first got this I got all my music on immediately and with no fuss (The Gmini requires no drivers or software as it just function as a USB hard disk drive) i started off by disabling this "ARCLibrary" i saw as I didn't really think it did much. I later learned that the ARCLibrary was a good thing, it sorts your music depending on the ID3 tags (MP3's) categorising them for you to browse by Artist, Album, Title, Genre and Year. The Gmini also has the capability to let you create playlists and to save and edit them, which is also... Read review

Advantages 40gb, relatively tough, good colour screen, compact flash reader
Disadvantages A bit weighty, not good for jogging etc... also may attract theives!

...into the tv and watch. Saves you burning stuff onto CD or DVD at least. There is no blurring or anything, it really is like a miniature TV, nice and crisp Portable HD- 40gb. Standard USB mini connection. Instantly recognised by Windows XP or Mac OS (Apparantly). In other words, great! Games- Now heres a strange one. Archos actually sell downloadable games via their website to put on this thing. You get a couple free with it, but its not really designed for games to be honest. The buttons are too shiny and not really weighted for delivering rapid blast of death to alien foes. Makes a nice change from my gameboy or phone though. -------------------- So, theres the main run down but now for the other key factors in my attempt ot get you to buy this. * The build quality and design is great. Smooth metal, smoothed down buttons... Read review

Advantages Plays music, video, games and shows photos (20gb)
Disadvantages Will make all your friends jelous

...I brought the Archos Gmini 400 when i wanted to buy an mp3 player, i had considered almost every one (ipod mini was almost certainly going to be the one i chose) untill i stumbled up this little baby. The Gmini can do everything the average mp3 player can do, and a whole lot more! Videos photos and games! and for less than an ipod. It has 15hours battery whilst playing mp3s and 5hours when watching video. It can be hooked up to a tv and can be played though that. The display has vidid colours and you can choose your own background and theme (from any of your photos) The display shows all the mp3's information whilst playing and even shows the album art. The Archos Gmini is attached via usb cable, and no installation is required, it just appears like a flash usb memory stick, making it perfect for the transfer of files to or from... Read review