Rating: 
Summary: Great Gadget, but Archos Customer service is the worst ...
Review: At first I was impressed with my AV380, but then I realized my battery life was defective - approximately 90 minutes on a full charge. My AV380 is still under warranty, and Archos doesn't return my emails, and doesn't even have a telephone support line, so I'm at a loss how to get help!! I can not reach anyone at Archos, and my warranty is running out.
Before buying mine, my friend had warned me, and I had read reviews before that Archos customer support is known for being the worst in the business. But I figured I would take my chances - I did - and now I'm paying for it!
Incredible that this company is still doing business here in America... I understand they are based out of France.... Maybe that explains the lack of customer service... Buy at your own risk - Peeved in Hawaii!
Rating: 
Summary: The All-in-One essential mobile Piece of art!
Review: Ever since i got my Archos Jukebox 20 Multimedia, i was hoping that i could find some more reliable mp3 player with more extra space, and more features. When the AV380 was out, it was the thing i was looking for. The AV380 is an excellent tool that has the space anyone requires, its 80 G! and it has a very nice display much more better than the Jukebox's display. Big and clear display. It has the wonderful AV recorder which comes inside the pack, makes video recording very easy. you wont need a video anymore. connects easily to the TV or VCR, but u should be careful of the cables connecting the AV380 because they turn out to be too plenty. The remote control (wireless) is excellent and makes life easier when placing the AV380 away from you. I usually connect the AV380 to my surround system, and connect it to the TV so that i get to see the display on the big screen, and then i choose what i want to listen, or choose to play any video using the remote control. The negative thing which i didnt like was the camera. I paid 199$ for the camera, but its not worth it. The still pictures are not good, and the video camera works very bad. and the zooming makes a loud sound which gets recorded in the background of the video you are recording. Just too bad.. You can pay 200 $ for a normal 3.3 mega pixels digital camera.
generally speaking, the AV380 is excellent for movie recording and for MP3 playing. Way better than the IPOD or any other brand in the market.
Rating:
Summary: Great Product!!
Review: Finally, Archos gets it!! With this model, Archos has addressed most of the drawbacks of previous models. This product is actually in a class of its own! It does everything it claims to do, and does it well! The interface has also been drastically improved, though it is not obvious how to use the 3 "soft" buttons at first since the buttons are aligned vertcally at the right while the functions are listed horizontally at the bottom of the screen. However, a quick glance at the button descriptions in the quick-start guide is all you need to understand how everything works. Yes there is actually a quick start guide in addition to the well-written manual. The interface is much improved by the addition of a joystick. Also, the Operating System now allows file-handling functions such as rename, delete, etc to be done right on the jukebox, whereas a PC was required before. Also as with previous models, the jukebox looks like a hard-disk when connected to the PC which means transferring files back and forth is as easy as drag-and-drop (as opposed to using proprietary programs). The USB 2.0 connection is extremely fast and definitely a plus.AUDIO: My biggest problem with previous models from Archos (as well as most competing products) was that they needed pre-amplified mics to make live recordings since the only audio input was line-in. Also live recordings in previous models tended to pick up hard-disk noise when using the internal mic, and some hum while using the line-in input. This model finally adds support for non-amplified mics. The audio input jack doubles as line-in and mic-in. Live recording is now very clean with no hard-disk noise, even when using the internal mic. I recently recorded a live concert with fantastic results. This model adds official support for playing WMA files. UPDATED: The latest OS update (free on their website) adds support for playing AND recording in WAV format (in addition to the MP3 format), which took care of the only major complaint I had with this model. You now have a full blown DAT recorder in your pocket! This update also allows you to do some basic audio and video editing on the unit itself. Way to go Archos!! VIDEO: Video looks very good indeed on the large 3.8" LCD screen. May not exactly be DVD-quality as they claim, but its darn close! The included DVR module allows you to record MP4 video on the fly or you can convert videos to MP4 on your PC and transfer them to the unit. You can also use an optional camera accessory (AVCam 300) to capture live MP4 video to the hard-disk, in effect converting the jukebox to a VHS-quality camcorder. PHOTOS: Pictures look great! The unit supports both JPEG (non-progrssive) and BMP. You can use the optional memory card readers to upload directly into the jukebox bypassing your PC, or you can download pictures from your PC. Or use the optional camera accessory (AVCam 300) to take live photos to the hard-disk at a 3.3 Megapixel resolution. DRAWBACKS: The main problem is that battery life is less than 4 hours when watching videos. And since the battery is a proprietary non-removable Li-Ion battery, you can't just pop out the old battery and put in a new one. Of course, if you (like me) use it mostly for music, then the battery life is a healthy 8-9 hours especially if you allow the LCD to stay off (it goes off automatically after a few seconds). Also for the hefty price tag, Archos should have included the optional wired remote that adds FM Radio support. The lack of an included carrying case is puzzling especially since the cheaper Archos models all came with cases. Go out and buy a case right away to protect that huge LCD screen. A final (minor) complaint is the increased size as compared to the older models and the much smaller iPod. In an effort to save some money Archos uses standard 2.5" notebook drives instead of the 1.8" hard disks used in the Apple iPods. However the upside to this is that if you fill up the hard-disk, upgrading using a standard notebook hard disk is not too difficult or expensive. There are many sites online that give you detailed instructions on how to do this. Of course, opening the jukebox will void your Archos warranty .. VERDICT: Overall, the ease of use, the features, as well as the quality is miles ahead of any other competing product as well as older Archos models. Despite the minor drawbacks, Archos has done an outstanding job. If you want to save some money and are fairly tech-savvy, get the AV320 (with a 20G hard disk) and upgrade the hard-disk yourself when you start running out of disk space.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific, but why buy half a computer?
Review: Given the popularity of HD-based AV devices recently, it was only a matter of time before Archos would deliver the ultimate in AV player toys. Archos has long led the way in MP3 jukeboxes, and being one of the first to mate an LCD to a hard drive enclosure instantly made them a star. Buy this if you need 80Gb of storage and want to watch four movies while flying to Hong Kong or Australia, and then listen to 200 albums in your hotel. The add-on camera is just an amazing bit of grafting, and this device is far "freer" in its abilities than later Archos models, particularly the PVR model that restricts what formats you may use (and lacks the camera). As far as entertainment devices are concerned, this is the ultimate in A/V to go. There really isn't anywhere else to take these multidimensional A/V devices. That's the reason it lacks a fifth star. This time next year, this device will be half the price, because it's only a minor leap of logic and savvy to see that a touch-senstive LCD and a full-blown OS is logically the next destination. The OQO product for fall of 2004 will fully realize the vision that IBM had for the "brick", whereby your hard drive becomes the center of all other devices. Dock it into a PDA-sized cradle, you have the OQO. Dock it into a laptop or desktop, and your data is still your data, only more so. So what would you rather have, access to *any* format of your choosing, playable by a full version of your OS of choice, or the impressive yet still limited array of Archos-supported formats and abilities? Buy it if you must, enjoy it while you can (and you will!), but prepare yourself for what comes next. No remorse here. Fred
Rating: 
Summary: Nice!
Review: Great sound, the video isn't bad either but it is not perfect. Forget about viewing videos outside unless you have some sort of hood or filter to shade the screen. Some videos look a little dark even with the LCD brightness turned up. I am impressed with it though. The more I use it the more I like it. The video timer function is very nice but you have to hook it up to a video source such as a VCR. I think a great accessory would be an add on TV tuner. If you have the money buy it, try it and I think you'll love it also.
Rating:
Summary: customer service is horrible
Review: i bought a archos 380 and camera on amazon, both products would not work properly, rma's were issued and i spent 30 dollars to send the items back, when they returned after several weeks, the unit was NOT repaired and the camera was replaced with one that was worse then the old one, i have sent many emails to no avail, finally they issued a new rma, and they want me to pay to send it in "again",i refuse to send them my 380 again since now they have had the product more then i have had the product. and i told them to send me a back up 380 and camera and i will send in my broke ones AGAIN, they wont do it. do not buy this product. I bought the product in jan. and its now march. i am currently on hold with their customer service for an hour. no answer yet
Rating:
Summary: A Great Media Player!
Review: I bought my AV380 a few months ago (on 6-15-2004). I expected it to be a good gadget but it is not good, it is great!
This gadget is everything you'll ever need to store all the information you have. From music, photos, videos, and all kinds of data; it is the best Media Player I could ever find. You can vew your videos or photos right on the screen or use the cables that come with the unit to watch them on any television (with video and audio inputs). You can listen to all of your music, record your voice directly to the unit, record FM radio (with the optional FM Module), or even edit your own recordings (like removing some parts of the recording without affecting the original). When you record from the FM Module, you can decide to record the past 20 seconds of broadcast (which is great for recording music after it has already started); you can always edit the music later and take only the parts of the recording you want. Also, you can edit the videos you record from any of the available sources to the unit.
You can also browse all the information you have in the unit by using the Browser. In the Photo Viewer, you can select a Slide Show of your photographs (you can change the Picture Pause) or watch them individually. In the Audio Player you can play MP3 or WAV files, create your own playlists, browse other music while playing a file, change the bass, treble, loudness, balance, bass boost, and pitch (which is the speed of the music). You can also change the settings on the Play Mode (Single Song, All, Folder, Repeat, Shuffle, etc). In the Video Player you can slow the playing in 4 different Slow Modes. You can also record directly from your VCR or DVD into the unit. It also has a Clock and a timer to start and stop recording at the time you want. You also have the ability to change most of the settings (like if you want to turn off the screen after a few seconds of inactivity to conserve battery when not using DC-Power).
The AVCam 300 (optional) could be used to take pictures and videos to be stored in the unit. If you have your own digital camera, I recommend you get the Card Readers Adaptors to transfer your photos to the unit without the need of a computer.
The only thing missing from the unit is a speaker to listen to movies when showing it to your friends. Also, the unit does not come with a carrying case, you'll need to get one from Archos to protect the screen when not in use. Otherwise, the unit is perfect!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome toy if you can afford it
Review: It works as advertised and then some. I would say video quality on NTSC TV is about that of a VHS tape. It is easy to navigate and name folders when you connect it to your computer like a hard drive. A nice surprise feature is the record timer, so you can record a weeks worth of Seinfeld reruns, just like a VCR. It is easy enough to get video recorded into it with the provided cables and DVR attachment, and easy to connect to your TV for playback. If you read the specs and don't have a problem with the size and other features, you will be very satified. Don't expect DVD quality playback on your TV. Need to find a case, any suggestions from future reviewers? Also there is an aftermarket spare battery you can interchange but don't know how it works. Probably voids the warranty but just involves removing one screw for the battery compartment.
Rating:
Summary: personal computer in your pocket
Review: The archos AV300 series is a portable computer in addition to an awesome personal video player. All you need to do is install windows to a partition you make on the hard drive and you can run your computer from anywhere where there is a USB connection and a monitor. The simplicity and speed of the file transfer method is un-matched. All you do is drag and drop. Immediately upon plugging in the Archos to a computer it recognises it as a USB mass storage device and you are ready to do your bidding. And get these while you can. Archos is already under fire from the media industry for being able to record directly from your tv to the Archos. All you need to do is plug it in with the included adapter and press record. The only issue I have with this is the low battery life and the lack of ability to turn off the LCD backlight. The screen turns on and wastes the battery every time you skip a song or mistakenly press a button in your pocket.
Rating:
Summary: Archos AV380 80 GB Personal Video & MP3 Jukebox Player / Rec
Review: The archos AV300 series is a portable computer in addition to an awesome personal video player. All you need to do is install windows to a partition you make on the hard drive and you can run your computer from anywhere where there is a USB connection and a monitor. The simplicity and speed of the file transfer method is un-matched unless you need to install an upgraded USB hub. All you do is drag and drop. Immediately upon plugging in the Archos to a computer it recognises it as a USB mass storage device and you are ready to do your bidding. And get these while you can. The main problem is that battery life is less than 4 hours when watching videos. And since the battery is a proprietary non-removable Li-Ion battery, you can't just pop out the old battery and put in a new one. The unit does have a ability to turn off the LCD backlight while operating each time you skip a song or mistakenly press a button in your pocket. It has an excellent record timer, A nice surprise,so you can record a weeks worth of your favorite reruns. It is easy enough to get video recorded into it with the provided cables and DVR attachment, and easy to connect to your TV for playback. If you read the specs and don't have a problem with the size and other features, you will be very satified. Don't expect DVD quality playback on your TV. It has the wonderful AV recorder which comes inside the pack, makes video recording very easy. you wont need a video anymore. connects easily to the TV or VCR, but you should be careful of the cables connecting the AV380 because they turn out to be too plenty. The remote control (wireless) is excellent and makes life easier when placing the AV380 away from you. Finally, Archos gets it!! With this model, Archos has addressed most of the drawbacks of previous models. This product is actually in a class of its own! It does everything it claims to do, and does it well! The interface has also been drastically improved, though it is not obvious how to use the 3 "soft" buttons at first since the buttons are aligned vertcally at the right while the functions are listed horizontally at the bottom of the screen. However, a quick glance at the button descriptions in the quick-start guide is all you need to understand how everything works. Yes there is actually a quick start guide in addition to the well-written manual. The interface is much improved by the addition of a joystick. Also, the Operating System now allows file-handling functions such as rename, delete, etc to be done right on the jukebox, whereas a PC was required before. Also as with previous models, the jukebox looks like a hard-disk when connected to the PC which means transferring files back and forth is as easy as drag-and-drop (as opposed to using proprietary programs). The USB 2.0 connection is extremely fast and definitely a plus. The audio input jack doubles as line-in and mic-in. Live recording is now very clean with no hard-disk noise, even when using the internal mic. This model adds official support for playing WMA files. The latest OS update (free on their website) adds support for playing AND recording in WAV format (in addition to the MP3 format. You now have a full blown DAT recorder in your pocket! This update also allows you to do some basic audio and video editing on the unit itself. Video looks very good indeed on the large 3.8" LCD screen. May not exactly be DVD-quality as they claim, but its close! The included DVR module allows you to record MP4 video on the fly or you can convert videos to MP4 on your PC and transfer them to the unit. Pictures look great! The unit supports both JPEG (non-progrssive) and BMP. You can use the optional memory card readers to upload directly into the jukebox bypassing your PC, or you can download pictures from your PC. Also for the hefty price tag, Archos should have included the optional wired remote that adds FM Radio support. The lack of an included carrying case is puzzling especially since the cheaper Archos models all came with cases. Go out and buy a case right away to protect that huge LCD screen.
The Arcos is quality is miles ahead of any other competetors products.
Recommendation:If you like having alot of movies on hand, alot of photos on hand and the ability to play hundreds of song, then this is for you. I am a chauffeur for a living and this definately kills the sit and wait time assosciated with my job. Excellent for long trip, plug into the vehicle dvd player or music into the tape deck. Makes for a shorter trip.
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