Up until now, many portable portable Video product makers have tried making the next iPod 'killer', but no matter what built-in features they seem to provide, they barely sell as well as audio-only players let alone the iPod.
Now Archos has focused its design on what seems to be the iPod's best selling features - its weight and size. As a result, its new video player design is more based on the iPod's size and weight rather than aiming to offer better AV features. The Archos Gmini 400 weighs just 0.04oz (1g) heavier than the iPod's 5.6oz (159g) while also having close to the same dimensions of just 4.17" x 2.37" x 0.69" (10.59 x 6.02 x 1.75 cm). It also features the same 1.8" hard drive as the iPod.
Unlike the iPod, this player features video support, a full colour display and a CompactFlash I slot. Other features include a 20GB HD, USB 1.1/2.0 support, 2.2" 220x176 pixel LCD, TV-Out, MPEG4/XviD/DivX video (MP3/ADPCM sound track) up to 640 x 480 @ 30fps, MP3 and WMA (inc. WMA-DRM playback) Wave Audio and an internal Lithium Ion battery. For more information, see this previous article on the Archos Gmini 400.
What is much more important about the Gmini 400 is that Archos finally came out with a video/audio mediabox the size and weight of the music-only iPod. Earlier Archos units were excellent, but quite big and heavy. Since the iPod first appeared we have heard talk of iPod killers. I have always stated that for a true iPod killer to appear, competitors first have to put out a multiple GB unit that matches the size and weight of Apple's portable, the most compelling factor to its success. Other manufacturers have tried and failed, but they always seemed to focus on features rather than the fact that their products felt like a lead weight in someone's pocket. The most recent challengers to the iPod's dominance are finally getting the hint, but the iPod has since elevated to a cultural icon. Wearing an iPod is a fashion statement now and until the fashion changes it will be extra hard to carve out market share.
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Despite being such a small player, it seems to feature everything on its larger heavier competitors. However, while it may be similar size and weight to the iPod, it will not work with iTunes due to Apple's proprietary FairPlay DRM. Then again, it offers other features not present in the iPod such as WMA support for Napster, OD2 and other windows media store users, CompactFlash slot which would be useful for CompactFlash based digital camera users who wish to free their cards while far from their PC and video playback such as for music video lovers. While the record labels keep complaining about declining CD sales, Music video sales are sharply rising which may start making some think twice before choosing an audio-only player.
Unfortunately, it is not clear how long the battery lasts in this player per charge cycle or even if the battery is removable. This likely indicates that the manufacturer may have chosen a low capacity battery in order to make the player light enough to compete with the iPod's weight. The player also lacks a built-in radio, but can be purchased as an external add-on which goes inline with the headphones lead.
This product
is priced at €399.99 inc. VAT and is available for pre-ordering. It is due
for shipping from on Monday, 30th August. For more information on this product, see this previous article or their product information page.
Source: MP3newswire.net
