Archos 20 GB USB 2.0 MP3 Jukebox Recorder

Product Review

The Archos 20 GB MP3 Jukebox Player/Recorder Special Edition is an updated version of the original Archos portable MP3 Jukebox. You can record up to 300 hours of top quality music in MP3 format directly from any audio source--real-time and on-the-fly. Record directly from a stereo, CD player, portable radio, or microphone via the stereo line-in jack without needing a computer. It is also features a voice recorder with a built-in microphone that you can use to record music or other sounds from any analog or digital sources at bit-rates up to 160 kbps. When you're finished, you can copy your recordings to your PC without any specialized software.

The Archos Jukebox Recorder/Player has a real-time MP3 encoder, plus an MP3 Player and 20 GB hard drive that connects to a computer through an ultra-fast USB 2.0 interface with transfer data speeds up to 480 Mbps. No special software is required to download MP3 songs. Just drag and drop MP3 files using Windows Explorer. Merge your entire collection of MP3's and CD's into one hand-held device. Slip it into your pocket, and listen to all your favorite music wherever you go!

The Archos 20 GB MP3 Jukebox Player Recorder Special Edition can be used as an optional hard disk to store all your data, images, software, etc. With a simple click on the Archos website, you can upgrade the firmware and get additional software extensions.

PC and Mac System Requirements: PC: Pentium 233 MHz or higher. Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP32 MB RAM (64 MB recommended). CD-ROM Drive with digital audio extraction support. Mac: OS 9.2 or X. iMac, G3 or higher. USB Manager version 1.2 or higher.

This product comes with a 1 year warranty on parts and labor.

Product Features

20 GB hard drive, with up to 300 hours of music and/or data
USB 2.0 interface, USB 1.1 compatible
Record audio from any audio source
Rechargeable NiMH batteries with 10 hours of playtime included
Compatible with 98SE, Me, 2000, XP, or Mac OS 9.2 or X

Accessories

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review

(147 customer reviews)

123 of 130 people found the following review helpful

Solid, heavy, does what it should,, January 25, 2004

Jason T. King (Fond du Lac, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Archos 20 GB USB 2.0 MP3 Jukebox Recorder (Electronics)

First off, if your buddy has an Ipod and you want to be cool like him/her then look elsewhere. The Archos is nearly twice as heavy, twice as thick and is a bit of an ugly duckling next to the Ipod.With that said, it should also be mentioned that the Archos battery life is twice as long and you can get the same size capacity HD for less then half the price of the Ipod.I have heard complaints about Archos quality, but I know plenty of people that have had theres for 2 years with out a bit of trouble. I have only had mine a few days, so I can not say how long term reliability is, but I will say that this unit is well constructed, although not the most ergonomic.Very important is to replace the Archos OS with the free Rockbox OS. Just do a search and you will find it. Simply install the Rockbox OS to the HD like you would a song folder and the Archos will recognize it. With Rockbox installed, the Archos is very customizeable and the sound quality is superior to most postable...Read more

62 of 66 people found the following review helpful

Works on Linux too!!!, February 12, 2004

J. Hatfield "nomasteryoda" (Macon, GA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Archos 20 GB USB 2.0 MP3 Jukebox Recorder (Electronics)

Great player. A little bulky, but Simple to operate. Certainly not designed with Jogging in mind... or any exercise that involves rapid movement.Like most Computer products these days, the Archos ships with Windows-only / Mac software. Here is the quote from Amazon.com: "Compatible with 98SE, Me, 2000, XP, or Mac OS 9.2 or X".But, did you know you can simply connect this player to a USB port & use as an external Hard Drive? Didn't think so. Unlike most MP3 players on the market today (iP0d included), this Archos version allows you to simply drag-n-drop your music folders, files, etc. What does this mean? First and foremost, Simplicity. No software to imped or derange your well organized music files / lists. I can't speak for everyone, but I hate when an piece of software thinks it knows what I want (a certain software company in upper Washington State comes to mind). You don't have some software trying to tell you how your music should be organized. Didn't...Read more

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful

Form should always follow function., January 29, 2004

M. Scaletta "Dr. Eldarion" (IL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Archos 20 GB USB 2.0 MP3 Jukebox Recorder (Electronics)

Sure, it may not be the best looking option out there, but it works, and it works well. Plus it's cheap.Note: The first thing you should do after putting a FULL CHARGE into the battery is install the Rockbox firmware! This solves a lot of software problems, and Rockbox is just awesome. Google it.I have had absolutely no problems with mine in the year+ that I've had it. It sounds great (especially with some nice Sennheiser earphones), is easy to navigate, and has a great battery life.It can also be used as a USB hard drive and digital recorder.Sure, it may not be the most attractive looking player, but it's half the price of an iPod, and does more. Form should always follow function.