Photos: Archos 605 WiFi
What's not to love about an affordable, WiFi, touchscreen, high-res portable video player? The Archos 605 WiFi is the top must-have gadget for anyone spending a lot of time in planes, trains or automobiles (passengers, of course).
In hindsight, I realize that choosing the nebulous purple background image seems a little odd. Fortunately, the 605 lets you assign any image or video frame to the background for easy customization. One of the coolest features on the 605 WiFi is the addition of the Content Portal (bottom left icon) that allows you to wirelessly download movies and music over WiFi.
Looking at the 605 from the top down, you'll see the power button (right), and the hold/TV-out button. To use the TV-out feature, you'll need to buy the optional DVR Station or Mini Dock.
Even though the Archos 605 WiFi uses touch screen navigation, you can just as easily control all the player's features using the contoured buttons that line the right side of the screen. We found that the touchscreen was ideal for using the Web browser (necessary, actually, when using the touch screen keyboard), but video and music playback control was more reliable using the button navigation.
Dumping out the contents of the Archos 605 WiFi's box, you'll find the player, a padded cloth case, earbuds (pretty good), styli for the touch screen (fingers work fine), and the proprietary USB cable.
One of the biggest mistakes PVP manufacturers make, is putting a glossy screen on their product that creates so much glare that video is either impossible to watch, or you spend half the time distracted by your reflection. Archos really nailed the anti-reflective screen on their 5th- generation players. The fact that you can't see our photographer's camera reflection in this photo is a testament to that.
When the airplane captain announces you can put your tray tables down, the Archos 605 WiFi's built-in metal kickstand really comes in handy. Nothing is more irritating than having to hold your PVP for an hour-long movie.
For an extra $99, you can make the 605 WiFi the center of your home entertainment center. A Tivo-esque programming guide allows you to easily program video recording times and the full QWERTY remote control lets you browse the internet on your TV from the comfort of your couch.
While most PVP are too brick-like to stuff in your pocket, the 605 WiFi's dimensions are smaller than a Moleskine notebook. The recessed screen and button lock function will make insure that the 605 doesn't accidentally start playing in your pocket.
Here you can get a better sense of the unique, wavy contour of the 605 WiFi's buttons. The left-to-right button is convex, rather than concave, offering a tactile cue to differentiate from its neighbors.
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?