Detailed Archos AV380 Base Unit MP3 Player Description & Review

Archos: AV380 Base Unit £645.00inc. VAT  &  Delivery

This range of MP3 players has been superceded by players such as the Archos AV700 and the Archos AV500 Pocket Video Recorder.

80GB! Yes, time for a nose bleed. The AV380. The same features as the AV320 and AV340 with 80GB storage space. Pant. Drool. Froth. Slaver.

The entire AV300 series have a lot of styling and features in common and are discussed and reviewed on our detailed review of Archos AV320 AV340 and AV380 MP3 Video Jukebox page to try and cut down on pointless repetition. There is another link to that page at the bottom of this one if you want to see the Archos AV380's specifics first.

How does the AV 380 differ?

What can it do for you? Hmm...Using the same 'that can't be right' maths as employed elsewhere on a 60GB Creative model - if you filled this jukebox with songs (assuming that each song is different) and you listened to the jukebox for 12 hours a day, and you always choose a new song to listen too, how long would it be before you had listened to each song on the jukebox?

Almost 16 weeks. Speechless.

Of course, the big factor in getting a video-capable jukebox with built-in screen and included DVR module is so that you can record video and watch video too, so the 15 weeks+ of music alone would be a bit of a waste. You could have, instead, 80 hours of DVD quality video and about 7 weeks of non-repeating music if you preferred. And in case you're unsure: Yes, this Jukebox will fit in the same size pocket as an AV340 or AV320.

Is this the ideal Jukebox?

No. This is more a novelty than a serious product. Not because it's meant to be funny so much as that it is not destined to be a serious product line. A limited number have been and will be produced as Archos do not think there is a sustainable market for this size player. Particularly given the price.

At a cost of £645.00 it is not cheap, but ... well. People who want one will probably not be dissuaded by the price. People who like the styling and features, but not the price will buy an AV320 or AV340 instead.

Cost per GB is £8.06, not cheap, but like we said if you want this jukebox there have only been a limited number made. Time to make your mind up. If you want one decide, because stock is limited and getting hold of the AV380 can be tricky.

Like the rest of the AV300 range the AV380 comes complete with DVR100 so that you can record video directly from TV/ Video sources.

Find out more about the Archos Multimedia Jukebox Recorder AV300 series and their modules, including review and system requirements.

Buy Modules and MultiMedia Jukebox together and get money back (money refunded after purchase). See DVR Module, Camera Module or Card Reader Module for more information on the money back offer.