Archos Gmini 402 (20GB) review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: Ben Patterson

Reviewed on: 13 October 2005

Tags: Archos Technology, Archos Gmini 402 (20GB), slider, portable, gaming

We like:

Sleek, compact design; sharp LCD resolution; slick video interface and controls; support for DRM-protected media; music and video syncing with Windows Media Player; photo viewer and direct image transfers from digital cameras; voice and in-line recording; Mophun game-engine support

We don't like:

Player is heavy for its size; no video recording; no built-in speaker; so-so viewing angles; highest volume setting could be louder; no sound equaliser; no background music for photo slide shows; subpar battery life, especially for audio

You might also need:

Large headphones

CNET UK judgement:

Archos's supercompact Gmini 402 portable video player adds DRM-protected media to its long list of features

Full review:

Archos makes a great personal video player even better with the Gmini 402, an impressive update -- if not a wholesale revision -- to last year's top-notch Gmini 400. Just like its predecessor, the 402 (£230) packs in plenty of features, such as video and MP3/WMA playback, photo storage and image viewing, voice and in-line recording, and gaming via the popular Mophun engine. But this time, we also get support for Windows Media Player syncing, including DRM-protected music and video. However, the 402 isn't without its problems: it's saddled with poor viewing angles on its otherwise gorgeous 56mm (2.2-inch) LCD, unremarkable battery life, less-than-stellar volume and lack of direct video recording. But considering the Gmini is nearly small enough to fit in a jeans pocket, we're still duly impressed. Continue Reading...