Archos Gmini 402 Camcorder review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: Guy Cocker

Reviewed on: 9 January 2006

Tags: Archos Technology, Archos Gmini 402 Camcorder, hard drive, camera, contrast

We like:

Small size; premium styling; can be used as a USB host; headphone splitter included

We don't like:

Horrible interface; small 4:3 screen; won't record from TV; impractical camera lens placement

You might also need:

FM radio and remote control, car adaptor, Dr DivX or pre-encoded DivX files

CNET UK judgement:

The Gmini is a strange hybrid -- a cut-down version of the company's other media centres, with a tacked-on 'camcorder' element and tiny 4:3 screen. Lacking the ability to record from TV, you'd better have a collection of DivX video. The screen is of a high quality, but it's too small and the wrong format to enjoy movies on. The tacked-on camera is no reason to buy the device, but it is cheap

Full review:

Archos came out of nowhere to take the portable media market by storm, attracting a small but vocal market that likes to watch DivX movies on the move. In the meantime, the market has gone mainstream with the Sony PSP, but the ordeal of movie transfer and the cost of Memory Sticks mean that it's simply not an option for the serious media user. While Archos' media players have suffered from poor-quality screens and an archaic design, the drag-and-drop interface and simple TV recording made them a winner with advanced users. Continue Reading...