Archos Gmini 220 (20GB) review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: Brian Bennett

Reviewed on: 9 April 2004

Tags: Archos Technology Inc., Archos Gmini 220 (20GB), setup, accessories, outputs

We like:

Small and light; tons of features for audio recording and playback; acts as a photo wallet

We don't like:

Clunky interface; needs Musicmatch to catalog file tags; slow Musicmatch interaction

You might also need:

Optional remote control and FM receiver

CNET UK judgement:

The Archos Gmini 220 is an excellent portable hard drive and photo wallet, but Musicmatch hampers its file transfers

Full review:

A shiny, silver rectangle with rubberised edges, the Archos Gmini 220 straddles the line between sleek and rugged. The player rivals the Apple iPod in portability and the Gmini's black-and-white display is slightly bigger than the iPod's. The Gmini is unquestionably smaller than most of its 20GB competitors. It also boasts some solid features - we just wish its interface made them easier to use. Design Along with a fat four-way pad, the face holds the play/pause, stop, and Menu keys. All of those buttons work well enough, and we really like their blue backlighting, though we have yet to see a navigation control that's easier to use than Apple's scroll wheel. While we like its icon-based design, the Windows-like interface isn't as intuitive as the controls. For example, if you're not careful, you'll likely misplace your playlists. Navigation also takes a little getting used to. The Gmini 220's CompactFlash slot resides on the device's side, behind a hard-to-remove rubber flap. Since this photo-storage feature is internal, you don't have to carry an adapter. Among the included accessories are an AC adapter, a cable for recording from phono outputs, and headphones with an in-line variable-resistor volume control. Archos sells the Gmini's in-line remote separately, but it's a must-have. It duplicates the body's controls, and unlike the remotes of too many high-end MP3 players, it has a screen, so you can see song information and menus when the Gmini is tucked away. The add-on can also receive FM radio signals and record them to MP3. Archos packages the Gmini 220 with two unique accessories. A pass-through power cable lets you charge the battery and transfer tunes through the same port, and a headphone splitter enables two people to listen at the same time. Continue Reading...