Customer Reviews

Archos 7 320 GB Internet Media Tablet

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(39)

 

 

As an owner of both the new Archos 7 as well as last year's model (the 705), I wanted to provide some points of comparison between the two for anyone trying to decide whether to save some money on the older model. In general, the two are very similar -- they provide essentially the same functionality, although the new 7 includes a couple of new features (and includes for free some of the plugins that you had to pay for before with the 705).

Here's a quick rundown of the positive changes in the 7 vs the 705:

* Speed -- particularly of the web browser. The new 7 has a much faster CPU and renders web content at a much better pace (probably 3x the speed of the 705). Using the browser on the 705 was often painful except on pages that were geared to mobile devices. The 7 can handle even most complex pages without a problem. Since I use the device for browsing quite a bit, this is a HUGE plus for the 7.

* Email -- The 7 includes a native email client that supports GMail, Yahoo mail or any POP/IMAP server. It's very simple but usable. It's also free (i.e. not a plugin).

* Better screen -- The screen on the 7 definitely is crisper than that on the 705. And the colors are rendered more accurately (at least from my subjective point of view).

* Better responsiveness -- The touchscreen on the 7 is more responsive than on the 705. The increased sensitivity really helps the usability. That said, people who use other touchscreen devices (e.g. iPhone) may find that the screen is still not as sensitive/responsive as other devices.

* Size -- although the screen is the same size between the 2 units, the 7 is slightly shorter and thinner than the 705 (but not by much). The 7's glossy case does collect fingerprints rather quickly, but that's purely an aesthetic issue.

Advantages of the 705 over the 7:

* Archos dropped the mini-USB plug that was used to connect the Archos to your computer. It now uses a proprietary connector for this purpose.

* They also dropped the USB host port from that came with the 705. The 7 includes the USB host capability, but to use it you must purchase the DVR station or mini-dock add-ons. This was built-in directly in the 705 unit. This makes using the device to dump pictures from your digital camera more of a hassle as one more attachment must be carried just for this.

* They also dropped the video out connecter that was standard in the 705. Again, to use this feature with the 7 you'll need the DVR station or mini-dock.

* No stylus or case included -- I've found that using my finger generally works fine but a stylus is still better/more accurate on the screen. Luckily, the 705 came with 2 of them, so I use the spare with my 7. As for the case, you'll have to buy one from Archos to a third party if you want/need one.

Things I wish they would have improved:

* Weight -- this is one heavy device at nearly 1.5 lbs. Granted, the size makes carrying it in a pocket prohibitive, but the weight would do you in otherwise. Fine for a travel bag though and definitely much lighter than a laptop.

* Most plugins still not free -- The browser plugin and "web radio/tv" plugins are now free, but to view many online videos and items ripped from DVD, you'll need to plunk down extra $ for those plugins.

* Support for Flash 9 -- The Archos ostensibly ships with support for Flash 9, but what they don't tell you is that not all Flash 9.x versions are created equally. For example, while most clips on YouTube work, the version of Flash on the Archos does not support popular sites like Hulu. This for me is one of the largest disappointments of the Archos 7.

* No HD or 3G plugins available -- despite what the product description days, the plugins that provides HD video thru the DVR dock (or mini-dock) and which support a 3G wireless connection thru a USB dongle do not actually exist. There's also a very good chance they never will. Archos is notorious for promoting features which are never delivered. If either of these plugins is critical in your decision to purchase the Archos 7, you would be best off waiting until they are released before making the purchase.

For me, I use the 7/705 as a travel companion so I can watch videos, browse the web and store digital pictures. For web use, the 7 is a huge improvement. For videos, the better screen is a nice improvement, but for picture storage, the lack of the built-in USB host port and the need to carry the mini-dock is a bummer.

I have not been more excited to receive a digital toy for many years, and after reading up on the capabilities of the Archos 7 according to Archos, I was eagerly anticipating its arrival. However, after playing with the device for a few days I must say that I am terribly disappointed. Perhaps, given that I have been in the tech industry for over 30 years, I have high standards, but I must say, in that 30 years no device has ever come to me so premature as the new Archos PMP.

I can understand in today's economic environment that companies are cash-strapped, and the desire to have items on the market for the Christmas season. However, Archos has lost me as a customer - this device is in no way ready to have been released from their development cycle.

Flash support. Some youtube videos work, though newer formats do not. That said, youtube was the only website from which I was able to view videos. Hulu, Joost, network websites - none of their videos would work. Technical support tells me that its a combination of Adobe flash and the Opera web browser that prevents these videos from working. Since I purchased the device primarily for this purpose, it scores a 0 here.

Connectivity. Abysmal. I can detect my wireless network, go to a website and click on another link, and the device can no longer find a wireless network. So, back completely out, reconnect, go to the website. Sometimes wireless connection stays up, but most often the behavior is as above. Another 0.

Email - crashed the device every time, I never got it to work with any mail server. 0.

Transfer of movies. Why on earth don't companies that develop hardware devices also bundle software to transfer DVDs to their device? In order to do so, multiple other software packages are necessary, making a very cumbersome process.

How many separate docking stations does one device need? This is clearly a method of Archos making more money from the consumer. It is absolutely ridiculous to have multiple addons that "kind of" serve the same purpose. Massive fail here - release one docking station that does it all, charge us for it, and be done with it.

Additional $ for plugins. While I understand that licensing costs must be passed down to customers, Archos should quit nickel and diming consumers to death. Add it to the cost and be done with it. Given that we can purchase fully functioning laptops and netbooks for significantly less money, this device, as it is, is overpriced by a large margin.

Effectively, this device performs at an estimated 15% of its manufacturer's claims. Mine is going to be RMA'ed, and I will be looking at competitive devices. Initially I wanted an iPod Touch, but went with Archos for flash support (that doesn't exist). Maybe Archos will resolve most issues in a few months, and it is possible that I go back to the device once this milestone has reached. That said, at this point in time Archos is high on the list of companies to avoid. I hope they got their needed cash inflow, but in releasing a product altogether too soon, they forgot to understand that the consumer too is cash-strapped, and we are not happy purchasing expensive items that do not live up to company promises.

Web/TV Product code does not work so unable to download, complained to Archos and told-have to pay again. "Once code is used cannot replace it, and as it didn't work-tough!" Spent over three months trying without success to get the DVR Station to work. Unable to record from TV, although the system goes through the motions when you try to open the recorded file to view, you receive an error message stating "damaged and incomplete file". Had daily contact with technical support but still no joy. When playing a video via the internet sometimes you get a blank space with a Flash 9 jpg. The Archos 7/Opera is supposed to support Flash 9-but it doesn't work on many Flash 9 websites so beware.

My advice to any would be purchaser is don't buy an Archos unless you

a) Want a heart attack from the frustration or b) Like throwing over Ł300 down the drain. Archos products are certainly not worth the money. An expensive piece of junk.

I am really disappointed that I had to award it even one star. It really gets no stars from me. A lovely looking piece of equipment that certainly just doesn't deliver. DO NOT BUY.

I will NEVER buy another Archos product AGAIN-they are rubbish. Don't you our you'll end up wasting money and tearing your hair out with frustration. You have BEEN warned.

I have bought one Archos 605 wifi and two Archos 7's with the DVR Station and they all were sent back. As much as I wanted these media players to work they were just a big let down. I have three other Insignia players that have worked fine for many years. I even bought a new laptop hoping the Archos 7 would sync to the Vista Home Premium Windows media player. The DVR station using the Archos 7 would not sync to my local channel guide. After hours with tech support, which by the way is at least a 30 minute wait on the phone, I was totally unable to get the things working correctly. To add insult to injury, I had purchased the Cinema plug-in for 19.95, which you must have to view most video, and even though I sent the Archos back and showed proof with a confirmation e-mail from Amazon.com, they would not refund the purchase of the plug-in to my credit card! They would be great devices if they did half of what they say they will! I highly advise Amazon to drop Archos from their list of media players. Can I give this product no stars?!

I have the Archos 7 320 gig. The huge hard disk means I no longer have to worry if all my stuff will fit. I've never yet - it's only a month - had any problem at all with it - web surfing great, unbox works perfectly. They all work just fine. Picture is quite good and the sound level is high enough so you don't need earphones. I've even figured out a way to convert Itunes video. The wifi is neat - the other day it asked me if I wanted to upgrade my firmware - I said yes - and it did so with no connection to anything. Apparently, the battery is removable, but since I haven't seen anything from Archos about this, I haven't tried. It lasts for at least 3 movies, but it takes a while to charge it fully. The touchscreen lets you associate a click with each tap, is easy to use, simple to understand, and really works. Drawbacks - it does take fingerprints easily, but not badly enough so that it's more than a minor matter. Actually, the touchscreen really doesn't get at all smeared - unless of course you've been eating fried chicken with your hands (the only way to do it.) It's larger and heavier than any music/video player/recorder of which I know, but it fits into the inside pockets of a sports jacket, and the stand means that you don't have to hold it. It's not really portable like an Ipod or a 605, but it's not really made for that kind of portability. All-in-all a 9.5/10. Anyone who's seen it has lusted for it.
Update 3/4/09: finally they are selling saddles for the dvr stations. Before, if you bought a second station, you got no saddle. Only one comes with the Archos 7 itself and none come with the stations. Using a station without a saddle is highly discouraged as it may damage the IMT. The same problem was true of the 605 - you had to call Archos and beg them to send you a saddle. With the 7, I called and they very nicely said they would send me one, but never did. Now you can get one for 5 bucks.

I have had my archos 7 for about a year now and it is a pretty sweet toy. i use it for all kinds of stuff but, mainly for media purposes though. This unit with additional plug-ins will play just about anything you throw at it and that includes sound and video. The large screen makes it ideal for movies and the kick stand works well. I posted a video review for this product when i first got it and I think it has surpassed my expectations thus far. I got this to avoid buying an ipod touch and It definitely worked.Archos 7 160 GB Internet Media Tablet

Ok, here's the 10 reasons NOT to buy one of these Archos devices.
I bought an Archos 605 then a 705 in Utrecht Holland while on vacation with the girlfriend.
The problems begin.

1. I paid too much for it. 270 Euros or $367 USD. Shop around, you'll save money PLUS they're available used elsewhere or for lower prices.
2. I tried to connect it to my PC AND Macbook but the Archos locked up. Had to do a hard reset to make it respond. THEN, it took 5 minutes to restart.
3. I tried to go to Archos.com for support but couldn't register the product for support because someone had already registered the product serial number, couldn't get support.
4. Fine, I'll try to download the latest firmware operating system that will probably fix it. It did nothing and the anti-intuitive (I made that word up just for this review) options in the restore process is confusing at a time when you need clarity.
5. Tried to connect it to the internet and run its version of "live update". That will fix it. I downloaded a medium-sized file which appeared to update it yet the problems got worse.
6. Now, whenever I disconnect the device from a USB port even when just charging it, it locks up and I have to do a hard reset AND plug it in to start the thing.
7. Almost always, I can't just turn it on. I have to turn it on and hope it boots. After 5 full minutes of trying to boot itself (it locks up with the disk drive activity light illuminated) it fails and shuts itself off. I must plug it into external power to try to boot and hope it works.
8. Transferring files into the thing, despite USB2's 480 Mbps speed takes forever. Not sure why.
9. Movies ripped to the Archos format _might_ play or they might jitter every single second making you regret your purchase further.
10. CUSTOMER SERVICE IS MISSING IN ACTION! What is the problem?!??!?

How can such a beautiful, polished product which obviously represents a large amount of time and money in product development fail so miserably at customer support and product performance?

With massive amounts of storage, beautiful cosmetic engineering, crisp LCD and a nice looking operating system fall so completely flat with performance, usability and customer support? Who knows but I am certain that one day Archos will GET THE MESSAGE that they need to replace their quality assurance and customer service departments. Only then will I consider one of these devices.

FORTUNATELY! I kept my receipt and the place I bought it offers a one year return policy so I can at least return it for store credit. (I'm stuck in Afghanistan until December.)

I will return this Archos and use the money on something that actually works.
It's a shame too b/c I love devices like these but not when they're more trouble than they're worth.
Also, I'd bet that the glowing reviews you see on here are generated by Archos chronies trying to prop up their products.

First off keep in mind that I have the new 7 320gb, the 504 160 gb, and the 605 160gb and regularly update the firmware and plugins when needed, rarely leave their docking station in the house and I take care of them as if they were part of my family. As a long time companion of Archos products I can't help but be a little bit disappointed over the years by not only the udderly awful and I do mean "AWFUL" customer service but also the annoyance of costs of all the extra plug-ins, quite often enough unresponsiveness of the touch screen and the recognition of numerous songs that I know damn well are in the same exact format as every other song on my player(I think that is just a glitch as I had the same problem with my 504 and 605). I know I'm storing and categorizing my genre, songs, artist and albums just right as I am the most anal person when it comes to my music being categorized just right. ARCHOS PRODUCTS ARE ALSO VERY VERY VERY SENSITIVE TO STATIC SHOCK AS I'VE HAD TO RETURN MY 504 AFTER ONLY HAVING IT FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND HAD TO SHELL OUT $197 FOR A NEW HARD DRIVE AND THEY TRIED GETTING ME FOR A BATTERY THEY SAID WASN'T WORKING THOUGH I KNOW IT WAS FOR $60 WHEN BATTERIES ARE ONLY $30 ON THE ARCHOS WEBSITE AND THE HARDDRIVES YOU CAN BY FOR ONLY $65 FROM VARIOUS WEBSITES ONLINE. TheY get you with the labor to install these things, once again I say, "ARCHOS CUSTOMER SERVICE IS AWFUL"! I was a little nervous about installing the hard drive myself so I shelled out the $197 for it but I installed the battery myself as it takes a second to snap on.
A few months ago I purchased the new 7 along with all the plug-ins and I have to say I'm quite impressed by how it looks and what it could do but at the same time the touch response it....well touchie, it will go to files that I didn't even touch, and once you start filling up the hard drive it's lags quite a bit when going from page to page within the music folders.
Pros:Massive 320gb hard drive (come on people, this is the biggest out now in mp3 players, you could never have to much storage)!
Screen is a nice clean finish with great picture as usual.
external speakers on the 7 is incredible.
internet is rather quick
stylish
removable rechargable battery
drag and drop capabilities
touch screen

Cons:The ridiculous price!
Touch screen is not responsive at times
Touch screen doesn't go where you want it to at times(sometimes it will go to a totally different folder)
Archos customer service is terrible, (if you even get in touch with them)
Shelling out another $30-$50 for the plug-ins to play various formats when it should play all formats out the box.
Very sensitive to static shock (which means that even the slightest static shock can ruin the hard drive as it did mine where archos will charge you insane amounts to repair it.)
The new gens of Archos don't automatically update music files as they did on passed models, you need to do it manually in the settings area of the new models though the video files will automatically update.
Adding on accessories to your new models will be quite a bit of moola.

All said and done I would have to give the new Archos 7 320gb 3 stars specifically because the old problems from passed touch screen models would be fixed on the new models and we are all sure they have been brought to the Archos peoples attention and still no luck with getting those little qliches fixed. Archos customer service is awful as said over and over again. I would honestly have to say that when I'm in the market for a new personal media player or mp3 player that I will look elsewhere as I've still got a bad taste in my mouth from months ago when I needed to get repairs done on my 504. BIG BIG BIG WORD OF ADVICE! IF YOU TOTALLY DISREGARD ANYTHING AND/OR EVERYTHING I'VE WRITTEN HERE PLEASE TAKE THIS WORD OF ADVICE WITH YOU, MAKE SURE YOU GET AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, AT LEAST 3 OR 4 YEARS. I didn't and I payed for it!

The ARCHOS 7 is great if it works, However the ARCHOS customer service is the worst i have ever encountered. I had my unit for 45 days sent the unit in because it didn't work. 2 1/2 months later and I am still waiting on my ARCHOS 7. Most of the people in customer service are very rude and could care less about the customer. This experience has been so bad that I will never purchase a product from this company again.

After paying 600 bucks for this lead weight, you still cannot watch a movie until you pay more. MP4 cost you another 20 bucks and WMV movie cost another 20 bucks. Archos is very slow in support if any! I cannot download the plugins from my Archos, the site is not working. I called them on the phone and they cannot help at this time. More issues with this item is the wi fi connection. it just disconnects for no reason.
All the widgets won't find the info on stocks, weather and updates. Archos won't even let me send it back to them. They offered no help.
Run from this product...as fast as you can.