Detailed Archos Pocket Media Assistant PMA400 MP3 Player Description & Review

Archos: Pocket Media Assistant PMA400 £299.99inc. VAT  &  Delivery

The Archos Personal Media Assistant PMA400 blurs the distinction between portable audio and video players and palm top computers. This stunning device allows you to surf the Net and use e-mail, create office compatible documents, and attach USB devices such as a camera as well as play audio and video.

At first glance, the Archos PMA 400 looks just like Archos' AV400 range of audio video players, and it is really just an extension of them: everything the AV400 models can do so can the PMA400, not least of which is the ability to record and playback TV programmes.

The Key difference is the operating system (OS). The PMA 400 uses a variation of the Linux OS, the same system that powers a large part of the Internet itself. This means it is capable of running much more complex programs, like web browsers and wordprocessors. Other differences are the addition of network capabilities in the form of Wireless (Wi-Fi) and LAN access, and a touch screen which allows the user to command the device by pointing at icons with a stylus.

The Archos Personal Media Assistant PMA400 can connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or a LAN (Ethernet). If you are in a wireless hotspot the device will automatically detect it and allow you to logon. To connect to a traditional LAN the optional Ethernet cable is required. If neither option is available you can use your mobile phone via the PMA400's Infrared port.

The PMA400's touch screen makes operating it much simpler than using fiddly buttons. Just point at the icons on the screen with the included stylus as you would with a mouse cursor on a PC. You can type letters by means of the virtual keypad or even attach a full-sized USB keyboard.

Attach USB devices, like digital cameras, card readers or other MP3 players, to transfer images or MP3s to or from it. The Archos Personal Media Assistant PMA400 is a USB host. This means that as well as connecting it to a computer, it can act as the computer and other USB devices can be attached to it.

The Linux OS used by the Archos Personal Media Assistant PMA400 allows more complex programs to be run. Archos include PIM software like calendar/scheduling, contacts, and a PDF viewer as well as a Web browser and e-mail client. It is likely that other software will become available from third party software vendors or you can create your own if you have that skill. It can also play games.

The Archos Personal Media Assistant PMA400 is currently the dog's what nots of portable audio and video players; indeed, calling it a mere MP3 player is like calling a PC a calculator. Watch last nights TV while composing an email. Surf the Net while listening to music. You will never be bored with this gadget.

Connect via WiFi, IrDA or Ethernet Cable

The Archos PMA400 features built-in 802.11b WiFi to browse the Internet and access e-mails from any wireless hotspot. Whether in a McDonalds, Starbucks, airport, or hotel / café equipped with a hotspot, the PMA400 can automatically search for a connection. Connect to the Internet using the IrDA port of your mobile phone and to a local Ethernet by using an optional USB Ethernet adaptor.

Connect to USB Devices with USB Host Port

The PMA400 is recognized as a mass storage drive on your PC or Macintosh, allowing you to store any computer file using the high-speed USB 2.0 interface (backward USB 1.1 compatible). Use the USB host interface to make file transfers directly from powered mass storage devices such as other ARCHOS products, digital cameras and USB powered hard drives or connect an external USB keyboard for easy text input.

Touch Screen for Fast and Easy Navigation

The PMA400 features a touch-screen making it easy to navigate through menus and tabs. There are three ways to enter text: virtual keyboard, handwriting recognition or a telephone number pad.

Browse the Internet and Access Emails

Connect to stock quotes, check sport scores, read news and stay connected using the Opera™ Web browser. The PMA400 features an e-mail client enabling you to read, create and send e-mails from your personal and business accounts when connected. POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP protocols are supported.

Stay Organized with Personal Information Manager

The PMA400 includes personal information manager software offering a selection of applications such as an address book, agenda, calendar, PC synchronization and PDF viewer.

Customize Your PMA400 with Linux®-Based Applications

The PMA400 platform is easily customizable by adding third-party software or self-developed applications (with the help of the optional Software Development Kit, coming soon).