Big-Screen Player Offers Video on the Go
Photograph: Marc SimonIf you would rather be watching CSI than listening to music during your daily commute, check out the new Archos AV 700 Mobile DVR. Though the $600 device eschews the pocket-friendly dimensions of competing models such as Creative's new Zen Vision (see "Test-Driving Creative's Next-Generation Media Player" for a review of this player), its list of features--which includes a 40GB hard drive and a 7-inch display--make it an outstanding traveling companion.
Besides supporting video downloads, subscriptions, and rentals, the AV 700 addresses the problem of getting content for portable devices by supplying its own digital video recorder capabilities. Connect the unit to your set-top cable or satellite box, using the included dock, and you can schedule your own recordings (there's even a remote control).
Other features include an audio player, a photo browser, a gaming console, and an audio recording application.
I enjoyed using the AV 700, though it still has some rough edges. The interface is a bit unrefined, and the input options are not entirely intuitive. The screen is large, but it isn't exceptionally sharp.
That said, if you're seriously intrigued by the prospect of taking video with you when you're on the go--and you're willing to embrace a slightly demanding learning curve--you'll definitely get a kick out of this handful of a handheld.
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