The Archos 604 WiFi is the updated version of Archos 604 (surprise, surprise!), key differences being, the added touchscreen and WiFi. Virtually all other aspects remain the same, but since I’ve never used the original Archos 604 or any of the 04 series for that matter. I’ll be going over all of the major features of the Archos 604 WiFi, not just the newly added ones.
A lot of buzz was created when Microsoft introduced the WiFi capable Zune, but the usefulness of the WiFi was never realized, because of it’s crippled state, which only allowed users to share songs. Perhaps the Archos 604 WiFi can make better use of it’s WiFi capability and possibly start a new trend among PMPs (portable media player).
I see the Archos 604 WiFi mainly as the joining of web browser and portable video player, I won’t devote much time to the PVR (portable video recorder) feature of the device, since it’s an accessory. So the question becomes, how well can the Archos perform in regards to web browsing and video playback? The answers you find in this review may not be what you expected.
Physical Aspects
Construction - The Archos 604 WiFi’s construction material consist of 2/3 brushed metal and 1/3 plastic. The layer of plastic is sandwiched between two layers of metal. The Archos 604 WiFi overall was very rigid due to it’s metal construction. I did notice the battery was a little loose, not enough to cause any issues though. In operation the Archos 604 WiFi did get a little warm on the back side, which made me wonder if the metal construction actually had a functional purpose and not just for appearance, possibly for heat dissipation, much like a heat sink.
Size - From the card image below we can tell the width and length of the Archos 604 WiFi seems reasonable, 5.2 x 3.1 inches (133 x 78 mm). I found the thickness, 0.7 inches (18 mm), of the Archos 604 WiFi a tad uncomfortable for my pants pocket, as it creates a noticeable bulge. It didn’t take long before my co-workers would notice the Archos 604 WiFi in my pants pocket, comments such as “What’s with the brick in your pants?” was a common question I received throughout the day. Because of the metal construction the Archos 604 WiFi weighs quite a bit, 290 grams, for reference sake, that’s 3 times the weight of the average mobile handset (100g). Archos 604 WiFi you are sooo going on the Atkins diet, you chubby bastard…
Display - Looking at the specs, 4.3” TFT (480X272 pixels) 16/9, over 16 million colors, I was pretty excited about testing some videos on the Archos 604 WiFi, but it seems my hopes were dashed by an unforeseen display flaw. More on this later in the review.
Controls - Each button (plastic) is actually two, the button can be pressed on the left or right edge. The first button is forward for the web browser and up, left / right, back in web browser and down, close window / OK, Switch between tabs and Menu. On the top is the Power and TV/LCD button. The TV/LCD button toggles between TV and LCD display, so when the Archos 604 WiFi is connected to a TV you may choose to display it on either display.
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Filed under: Archos
15 Comments
Great review.
I was really hoping this would become my next wifi/movie player but I think I will stick with my mylo (although not a great movie player either) it does its job when needed.
David,
I’m glad you enjoyed it, this is the first review where the product left me somewhat disappointed. I typically try to select portable technology products that excite me, that I feel hold promise, but sometimes even I make bad choices. On the bright side, I feel that these type of reviews can be the most helpful to readers, as it could save their hard earned dollars.
personally, I had seen this bad boy behind the counter at many retail stores around here in Chicago and I was looking forward to it, especially with wifi and all but I guess not every good looking this is worth it.
it sad too see that this device isnt getting much love from the people, only 6 comments and I make up half of them.
Still a great review Cook.
so whats cooking for the next review?
Working on the Sony LocationFree Base Station review currently. I think there’s a lot to be said about these type of products, it’s not widely known to the public as of yet, but it’s definitely a powerful device. Thanks for dropping by David 8).
Well, I have used the 604W for a few months now and I like it a lot. Like every cutting-edge tech device it has its shortcomings but for me the DVR feature is wonderful: I have the DVR dock attached to my sat receiver and the 604W sitting in the cradle, charging. Whenever a program comes on that I’d like to see but can’t at the moment (too tired; going out; etc) I just ask the 604W to record it and the next morning I grab it on the way out the door. During the day I’ll find some free moments here & there and watch what I missed from last night. Then I get home and pop it into the DVR stand and start all over again. Battery life is fine because I just watch a couple hours at the most before returning it to its stand to be recharged.
A great device, well made, a little expensive but …. it suits my needs.
Have never used the WiFi feature (tried but couldn’t figure it out) so I can’t comment on that.
Bigmutt,
I appreciate you taking the time to share with us your positive experience with the Archos 604 WiFi. The DVR functionality sounds neat, although I didn’t test it myself, I can definitely imagine how useful it could be. Thanks again Bigmutt, take care.
I’ve read other reviews for this device that imply that if you apply the latest firmware updates that the performance greatly improves (in particular around touchscreen responsiveness and PDF rendering). Do you know what version of the firmware you tested, and did you upgrade the firmware prior to the review?
Thanks -
Ken
tivolo,
I wasn’t aware of the firmware updates, so I did not upgrade, the review was done with which ever firmware the product was shipped with. I’m glad you brought this to the readers attention, so they may take this into account when reading the review. If you have any other questions please let me know!
After I posted my question I noticed a screenshot that shows firmware version 1.5.53. It looks like they’ve made a number of updates since then(to version 1.6.21). Here’s the firmware history page:
Archos Updates
Regardless, your review is outstanding, and your inclusion of live videos of the device in use makes this the best review I’ve found of this device on the web. Keep up the great work!
Ken
I have a 604 WiFi and I love it. I mostly use it for audio play back which it dose an excellent job of. The audio quality is better than that of an iPod.
I was a little disappointed at the web browsing capability as well. Luckily, the firmware is open source so it can be hacked and made better.
The Wifi is crappy I have wifi for my laptop but i cant get a connection to the remote server of sites. But other then that the audio is loud and great and the screen is big.
I bought the 604 wifi on the basis my mate had the 604. If I had to choose again I would happily for go the wifi model as the screen on the original 604 (touchscreen LESS) - is much much better in my opinion!
The blacks are true blacks and its an easier screen to see in the light.
I find the wifi browser too slow to be useful - might do in an emergency but I am sure in most scenarios where I could get wifi on the go - I would be able to access a pc? Who knows.
Its nice to use it on my home network but again the touchscreen is uncessary to me and the compromise on the picture is not worth it.
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