Archos which is a company known for a wide range of MP3 player products have released two new hard drive based portable music players; the Gmini 120 and 220. Unlike most other MP3 players, these two can be customised with a series of accessory modules. This way the consumer can purchase the player and only the accessories they need rather than fork out for a new player to get features missing on the previous one.
These two players feature an icon-based user interface and built in song management. The Gmini 220 weighs 170g (6oz) and claims to be the world's smallest hard drive based player. They have not provided dimensions to backup their claim. The Gmini 120 is already released on the market and is larger than the Gmini 220. Both players feature a 20GB hard drive, blue-backlit graphical display and MP3 & WMA recording and playback features. Both players are Mac OS and Windows compatible. GristyMcFisty submitted the following news via our news submit :
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The Gmini 120 and 220 essentially allow the user to bolt on a series of accessory modules, including a voice recorder (including a built-in microphone), a photo viewer (essentially a memory card adaptor), music composition software and an FM radio receiver. The idea is that buyers can pay for the features they want rather than fork out for functionality they don't need. Archos is also providing the players with a new icon-based user interface which can be customised too. The UI allows users to manage songs on the device without having to connect it to a host computer. The Gmini 220 weighs just 170g (6oz), which is actually fractionally more than the 20GB iPod. Archos did not provide other dimensions for the device top back up its 'world's smallest' claim. However, we'll find out when the 220 ships next month. The Gmini 120 is available today, and apparently contains a 20GB hard drive too, but not as compact a model as the one in the 220. Archos said the difference between the two Gminis is form-factor and screen size. The 220 is smaller and has a 2.5in blue-backlit greyscale LCD. Archos didn't specify the 120's screen size. Both players offer MP3 and WMA recording and playback, and work with Windows and the Mac OS. |
At least Archos provide upgrade options for their players. This way users can get a bare-bones HDD based MP3 player and only purchase the features they need; much like building a separates Hi-Fi system. The extra modules include a voice recorder with a built in mic, a photo viewer/memory card adaptor, music composition software and an FM radio tuner.
The Gemini 120 is currently shipping for $ 250. Add
on modules are priced at $ 20 for the voice recorder, $ 30 for the 'Photo Wallet', $ 10 for the Mad Waves Interactive Music Composer and $ 40 for the FM Tuner & Remote Control. The Gemini 220 will ship next month for $ 350 and will include all these accessories as standard. 😉
Source: The Register
