Gen 5 Archos MP3 Players

Portable media devices for music and videos are all the rage these days, and the Apple iPod is the undisputed leader in terms of market share and unit sales. But that doesn't mean that the iPod is the only game in town -- not by a long shot. There are several excellent alternatives to the ubiquitous Apple brand that are comparable not only in features but also in quality and cost. For example, the latest Gen 5 line of Archos MP3 players gets my vote as the best device for the money. I purchased the 80GB 605 Wifi model a few months ago and am thoroughly convinced that I made the right choice in ditching my iPod.

There are many thing that separate Archos MP3 players from the rest of the pack. Of course, the device plays music, and with 80GB of storage space, I've been able to load my entire collection onto the 605 Wifi with plenty of room to spare. Many digital file types are supported, including .mp3, .wav, and .wma (protected or not). This means I don't have to mess around with conversion software before loading the songs, making Archos MP3 players far more convenient and versatile than other products.

But the Gen 5 line goes well beyond simply playing music. Archos MP3 players have a superb 4.3-inch full-color touchscreen that can be activated with the touch of a finger or the included stylus, making navigation through the various menus a simple task. The large screen is also perfect for watching movies, TV shows, or streaming YouTube videos. It yields an amazingly sharp picture that is clearly visible in all kinds of lighting. I've seen people trying to watch stuff on their tiny iPod screens, and I just have to shake my head in sympathy. Why put yourself through that when the bigger, better Archos MP3 players are available?

What I like most about Archos MP3 players is the way I can manage all of my content without having to be tied to a computer. Because of the wifi connection, I'm able to download songs, movies, and other videos on the go. Moreover, the included Opera web browser makes it easy for me to surf the Internet, check my email, and play games wherever I am -- something that's not possible with most other devices out there. With those other brands, you're basically stuck with whatever content is on the player already, and can't perform an update until the next time you're sitting in front of your PC.

If you're thinking about buying a portable media player, don't just follow the herd and purchase an expensive iPod simply because of the brand name. Instead, I recommend giving Gen 5 Archos MP3 players a try. They're a lot more sophisticated than the competition and cost less. Getting more for less... isn't that what smart shopping is all about?