Archos 20 GB USB 2.0 MP3 Jukebox Recorder

Other products by Archos

Product Details

Product Manual [981kb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000T1R4O
• Item model number: 500577V2
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (150 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #30,562 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 16, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Archos 20 GB MP3 Jukebox Player/Recorder Special Edition is an updated version of the original Archos portable MP3 Jukebox. You can record up to 300 hours of top quality music in MP3 format directly from any audio source--real-time and on-the-fly. Record directly from a stereo, CD player, portable radio, or microphone via the stereo line-in jack without needing a computer. It is also features a voice recorder with a built-in microphone that you can use to record music or other sounds from any analog or digital sources at bit-rates up to 160 kbps. When you're finished, you can copy your recordings to your PC without any specialized software.

The Archos Jukebox Recorder/Player has a real-time MP3 encoder, plus an MP3 Player and 20 GB hard drive that connects to a computer through an ultra-fast USB 2.0 interface with transfer data speeds up to 480 Mbps. No special software is required to download MP3 songs. Just drag and drop MP3 files using Windows Explorer. Merge your entire collection of MP3's and CD's into one hand-held device. Slip it into your pocket, and listen to all your favorite music wherever you go!

The Archos 20 GB MP3 Jukebox Player Recorder Special Edition can be used as an optional hard disk to store all your data, images, software, etc. With a simple click on the Archos website, you can upgrade the firmware and get additional software extensions.

PC and Mac System Requirements: PC: Pentium 233 MHz or higher. Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP32 MB RAM (64 MB recommended). CD-ROM Drive with digital audio extraction support. Mac: OS 9.2 or X. iMac, G3 or higher. USB Manager version 1.2 or higher.

This product comes with a 1 year warranty on parts and labor.

Product Description

The ARCHOS Jukebox Multimedia is the first handheld personal entertainment center. It combines a modular MP4 video player and recorder, MP3 music player and recorder, digital photo wallet, digital camera camcorder, and data storage in a compact device that fits in the palm of your hand.The Jukebox Multimedia is the first handheld MP4 video player on the market. You can now enjoy anywhere 40 hours of near-DVD quality MP4 video with MP3 sound.Complete MP3 functionality is included: record directly into MP3 from any audio source (stereo-set, computer etc.). The built-in microphone enables you to use the Jukebox as a voice recorder providing 1000 hours capacity. Listen to your MP3 tracks from the Jukebox connected to your stereo set. You never need be without your favorite music as your entire CD collection fits on the Jukebox' hard disk, in the palm of your hand!The Jukebox can store up to 200, 000 photos for easy viewing by your family, friends, customers or colleagues. View videos and photos on TV or built-in color LCD. Connect your Jukebox to a TV and view videos and photos at full screen size. The built-in color LCD will display crystal clear videos or photos, anywhere you go.The Jukebox Multimedia is based on a 20GB hard disk. Connect it to your computer and it will be mounted as an additional hard disk, on which you can store any type of data. The optional USB2.0 or FireWire auto-connection ensures extra fast data transfer to and from your PC or Mac.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

123 of 130 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid, heavy, does what it should,, January 25, 2004

By	Jason T. King (Fond du Lac, WI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First off, if your buddy has an Ipod and you want to be cool like him/her then look elsewhere. The Archos is nearly twice as heavy, twice as thick and is a bit of an ugly duckling next to the Ipod.

With that said, it should also be mentioned that the Archos battery life is twice as long and you can get the same size capacity HD for less then half the price of the Ipod.

I have heard complaints about Archos quality, but I know plenty of people that have had theres for 2 years with out a bit of trouble. I have only had mine a few days, so I can not say how long term reliability is, but I will say that this unit is well constructed, although not the most ergonomic.

Very important is to replace the Archos OS with the free Rockbox OS. Just do a search and you will find it. Simply install the Rockbox OS to the HD like you would a song folder and the Archos will recognize it. With Rockbox installed, the Archos is very customizeable and the sound quality is superior to most postable MP3 players.

I would suggest this player to anyone who will pimarily use it in their car, sitting in their favorite chair, or hooked up to a Stereo system. I would not recomend this player to someone who plans on using it in "active" situations. Not that I feel the quality is not up to par, but because of the bulk.

At a higher price I would rate this unit as a 4 becuase the buttons feel a slightly cheap and the weight and size is above average. for the price it is 5 for 5!

UPDATE FEB 3, 2003
The more I use it the more I like it! Flashing rockbox to the Archos Rom decreases system turn on from about 12 seconds to 3 seconds. I really like the build quality and I have changed my mind about the buttons being "cheap". I think everything has a real solid feel and I think it is a great player. It is still bulky of course, but that is a tradeoff I am willing to take for the price. I would not except low quality and I have not had to with this player. GREAT!

62 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Works on Linux too!!!, February 12, 2004

By	J. Hatfield "nomasteryoda" (Macon, GA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Great player. A little bulky, but Simple to operate. Certainly not designed with Jogging in mind... or any exercise that involves rapid movement.

Like most Computer products these days, the Archos ships with Windows-only / Mac software. Here is the quote from Amazon.com: "Compatible with 98SE, Me, 2000, XP, or Mac OS 9.2 or X".

But, did you know you can simply connect this player to a USB port & use as an external Hard Drive? Didn't think so. Unlike most MP3 players on the market today (iP0d included), this Archos version allows you to simply drag-n-drop your music folders, files, etc.

What does this mean? First and foremost, Simplicity. No software to imped or derange your well organized music files / lists. I can't speak for everyone, but I hate when an piece of software thinks it knows what I want (a certain software company in upper Washington State comes to mind). You don't have some software trying to tell you how your music should be organized. Didn't know that either, did you? Well if you did, then you probably already have another brand and have to live with such pains. Hey, I am using Linux so living with complexity comes natural.

Buy it and download the Rockbox firmware. Just google for the site "rockbox.haxx.se". It really make this player the best.... and improves recording fidelity. Oh, another thing - I own the first version of the Archos 20GB, but don't let that bother you. These jewels are virtually identical internally.

Recommended Accessory:
Archos Stereo Microphone, which I purchased here on Amazon.com. Why do you need this? Well, the internal mic stinks. Not literally, but it does pick up the Hard Disk's noise of spinning up to save data. Annoying if you want to keep the recording for enjoying later.

Best of luck!

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Form should always follow function., January 29, 2004

By	M. Scaletta "Dr. Eldarion" (IL, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Sure, it may not be the best looking option out there, but it works, and it works well. Plus it's cheap.

Note: The first thing you should do after putting a FULL CHARGE into the battery is install the Rockbox firmware! This solves a lot of software problems, and Rockbox is just awesome. Google it.

I have had absolutely no problems with mine in the year+ that I've had it. It sounds great (especially with some nice Sennheiser earphones), is easy to navigate, and has a great battery life.

It can also be used as a USB hard drive and digital recorder.

Sure, it may not be the most attractive looking player, but it's half the price of an iPod, and does more. Form should always follow function.