Archos AV404

When considering an Archos AV404 versus the 604 model, you are essentially making a decision on screen size and the size of the overall unit. Each has excellent viewing, but the 404 offers a 3.5" video display as compared to a 4.3" display on the 604. The corresponding screen increase yields a 30% increase along that physical dimension and increases the weight by a similar percentage. The Archos AV404 features a 30GB HDD, a USB 2.0 interface, a text viewer, a voice recorder, and a built-in speaker. The unit supports MP3/WAV/WMA, JPG/BMP/PNG, and XviD/DivX/MPEG4 ASP/WMV9 formats. Battery life is approximately 12 hours for audio and 4 hours for video. Overall sound quality is rated as very good, a shade weaker than the Cowon A2 however.

Pricing on the Archos 404 makes this unit an excellent buy. The high resolution, 3.5-inch screen and supercompact size make it an excellent choice for audio and video play. It also offers excellent video controls and photo playback features. The only drawbacks on the unit seemingly come when compared to its higher end sister, the 604. The Archos 404 lacks both the kickstand and removable battery of its big sister. Other shortcomings include the usual suspects, the proprietary USB cable, no ability to record video or audio directly out of the box without some bundled accessories and no FM tuner. Reviewers state that the Archos 404 is a PVP in an MP3 player’s body, an excellent alternative to the current iPod product. To maximize the unit, you will to spend the extra dollars for the recording kit -using the unit as a DVR is its most attractive option. If you want a bigger screen and a removable battery, the recommendations are to spend the extra $50 more for the larger 604. Otherwise, for the money this unit is one to truly consider.