[pookSter]

You are quite welcome. Either unit you can't go wrong. The reason I bought the Archos the second time around is because the IPOD was only 10 gig model. I thought it was lots of storage space when I bought it. 2 years down the road I found myself looking at the 20 gig because I ran out of room. I went the Archos route because in a couple of years, I am sure I will be in the same situation. The Archos can be upgraded to any size simply by replaceing the harddrive with a normal 80 gig laptop drive. And with the firmware being upgraded and new features added on a daily basis, and the talking menus on the Archos has sold me.

 

[mborkow]

ok, you convinced me! the question now is where to buy it (how much should i spend for it) and do i want to get the one that records as well..what do you think?

 

[pookSter]

Depends where you live. I am in Canada and bought mine online at www.jandr.com I have bought several things here with very good service. Harmony computers, Computer city are a couple others. Expect to pay $200-$250 . There are different models to choose from. One that records, one that doesn't, one with FM one without. Its nice to have the record features as the Archos has a digital in jack, so you can record from CD's directly to MP3 format.

I would however recommend the Archos recorder 20 over the FM Recorder 20 simply because the one without FM has the older style AA Nickel Metal Hydrate batteries which last 10 hours. If you go with the FM recorder, its a newer design with a lithium battery that is not standard, and I am afraid that in a year or so when it needs replacing, you will probably pay a pretty penny from Archos for it.

Hope that helps..

 

[wgp910]

just read through post, great information. i also like what i hear about the archos. my one question is pookster you recommend against the fm one because of an expensive batteries. do you know of any other real differences between them, any other upgrades to the fm recorder, or anything left off it that the other one has? since j&r offers them both for the same price, i am choosing between the two and would like any more information you might have. thanks.

 

[wgp910]

by the way, i found the archos recorder for $208 and the fm recorder for $225 here:

http://www.compuplus.com/products.php3?sid=t6g3bniy5470v63&track=products&cat=Music

for $208, i think i'll probably go ahead and get the non-fm one. and the more i think about it, it does sound pretty convenient to be able to use AA batteries, especially if you're on a trip and you can't recharge.

 

[pookSter]

The main difference is the FM and they have a propriatary battery now. I think the battery life is about the same, only when this needs to be replaced yuou will have to order one from archos. The Recorder 20 model comes with 1500 mah AA batteries which last 10 hours. Now availaible are 2200 mah batteries aftermarket giving you %30 more battery life, so if you dont need fm, I like the versitility for battery replacement.
As you can see, the new fm recorder is a bit sleeker in design and I'm not sure if Its an improvement or not.
I do know that they have an FM LCD remote coming out for the multimedia player which I know will work on the Recorder 20 in the future, so I will pick up one of those when available for the FM part.

As you know, the firmware upgrades I spoke about earlier which are changing on a daily basis give you more options on both models, but at the moment it seems that the most advances in features are in the Recorder 20 model since its been around longer. I am sure the fm model will catch up soon.

 

[pookSter]

I would also recommend you get the travel kit which give you the remote and the dc adapter allowing you to charge the batteries in your car.

 

[wgp910]

thanks for the info. convenience of AAs and a couple extra bucks, or sleek design and an fm radio. with a couple thousands songs, i don't think i'll be listening to the radio all that much, but that sleek new desing is appealing. either way, i think it'll be a good deal.

 

[pookSter]

NP...tell me how you like it.

 

[Drew]

Just as an update, I got my RioVolt SP250 and I think it's great. Not only does it have a wired remote so I don't have to reach far to change the song, but it's gray and black so it matches my interior nicely. Only complaints are that it's a little large to fit in the trays by the dash jacks and that the AC can turn off if the cord gets tweaked in the wrong direction. Still, it's very cool and I'm thrilled with it. Already put my entire Sting collection on one CD, and all of my Art of Noise on another, and that's at 160kbs quality.

Drew

 

[Sunstoke]

I opened the battery compartment on my Recorder 20, and it said something like "Caution, only use Archos rechargable batteries!" Is this an obvious ploy to make more money, or is there some good reason behind it? :?

 

[pookSter]

No, its no ploy. The batteries are a very high capacity Nickel Metal Hydrate AA rechargeables. Since rechargeables are 1.2 volts and alkaline are 1.5 volts, you risk damage, not to mention that alkalines are not rechargeable, so you might damage the charging circuit.

You can however purchase some replacements from Radio Shack. The ones that come with your Archos are 1500 milliamp hours and last 10 hours on a recharge. The ones from Radio Shack (Canada) are 2200 milliamp hours, so they should last 30% longer. If you are using the RockBox firmware you will see a battery milliamp hour selection. Just match the capcity of the batteries in the menu and the charging system will top them off perfectly.
I would recommend those if you ever need another set. Just make sure they are AA Nickel Metal Hydrate type.

How many CD's have you copied over to your Archos Sunstroke?

I have copied over 180 full CD's and still it is only half full. Kind of amazing considering the whole thing is only the size of a deck of playing cards ! Best $200 I ever spent.

 

[Sunstoke]

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I knew they were the Nickel Metal Rechargables, I didn't know if we could use some other brand like Energizer (which I have some of) or they had to be the Archos brand. I guess as long as they are 1.2 volt NMH rechargables it doesn't matter! I probably have around 100 cd's so far, I dought I will ever fill it! I think I have sold it on at least 2 other people so far! The thing rocks! Thanks for all the info! I showed my buddy how easy and cool it was, and he went right to his wife for approval. 8)

 

[pookSter]

Like I said, if you are using the RockBox firmware, just match up the battery capacity (it defalts on 1500 mah) with whatever capacity your Eveready brand has and the charging curve will work properly.

 

[Sunstoke]

Pookster,

You said battery life was 10 hours, I am getting maybe 3.5 tops! I initially charged it per the instructions, and when I charge it, I leave it on until it says "Battery Charged". Any ideas? Thanks in advance! 8)

 

[pookSter]

Shut the unit off, then plug it in overnight for a full charge. You will notice that the first 5 or so full charges will start to creep towards the 10 hour mark. Also, 10 hours is straight playing. If you are cruising around the menus with the light on (which everyone does for the first few days to get the feel of it) time will be less. I am getting closer to 11 hours on the stock batteries.

 

[Sunstoke]

Pookster

Thanks, you have been a big help! 8)

 

[pookSter]

Hey Sunstroke, check out the new Archos 20-40 Gig models That is going in my Element

Its all Touch screen!! I think its about 5-6 inches. These Guys are light years ahead of IPOD!!

http://www.archos.com/products/av300_series.html?sid=j22o2s2ob2ojjjcb3f4j34&t=20030603032228

Can't wait to get one

 

[mborkow]

where can you get one of those!?

 

[Sunstoke]

Pookster,

Man, that is so sweet! I LOVE technology!! I know my wife would WANT me to have it! (She just doesn't know it yet!) When does it come out? You should work for those guys! 8)