Archos Jukebox Multimedia

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The Archos entertainment device has an internal 20 GB hard drive to hold up to 5000 songs. A USB connection allows the Jukebox to connect up to PCs to transfer to and from the unit. The device has upgradable firmware that can be loaded through the USB connection. Upgrades will be posted on the Archos web site. The Jukebox is powered through rechargable Li-ion batteries or with an AC-DC charger/adapter.

Audio features include an MP3 player and Jukebox recorder kit. The kit allows recording of MP3 files from any audio source. A built-in microphone jack also allows the ability to record straight to MP3. An output audio jack allows the playback of MP3 files to be heard through speakers or an earphone. Videos can be viewed through a built-in 1.5 inch RGB LCD or through a composite video output jack to TVs.

Expansion ports provide extra storage capacity, digital camara attachment and video connections. Two types of storage cards are supported: CompactFlash and SmartMedia. With the Photo Module expansion option files can be transferred to an from the Jukebox. The camera module adds the capability to take still image shots or capture video clips. The 1.3 megapixel camera has a 2X zoom and shoots video or images that support JPEG, BMP, AVI or MPEG4 formats. The video capture module provides a connection to TVs, VCRs, or DVD players to record up to 3 hours of video at 352 x 288 CIF resolution.

Connectivity is a drawback. Multimedia files can be transfered across the USB connection (or optional Firewire) or via the expansion module with CompactFlash or SmartMedia cards. A wireless connection would be a good feature for this device. 802.11b or Bluetooth would add even more mobile capabilities to the unit. Maybe we'll see this in their next generation. Another missing link is the lack of gaming features on the device. An entertainment device should have 3 core essentials audio, video and games. This one has two out of three and the missing gaming piece may be a major oversight.