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Archos have been making players since 1998, constantly pushing the boundaries and they've now pushed them even further. The Gmini is the worlds smallest 20GB mp3 player, yet it's the same size as many 4GB models and about the same price too. It measures 7.6 x 5.9 x 1.9 cm and weighs 120 grams. It offers a huge capacity able to hold up to 300 hours* of music, that's up to 5000 songs*! The Gmini XS200 also features a large 2" gray-scale LCD screen with a sleek, dark gray metallic cover.
The player also acts as a USB mass storage device for other data files. It requires no software to be installed and you can simply drop and drag the files from your computer to the player via the USB port. The player has an Archos library system which once activated will identify all the new files.
The main navigation of the player is controlled by the button in the middle of the player. It allows you to play and pause a song. Forward to the next song by moving the button to the right or back a song by moving left. Moving the button upwards increases the volume, move it downwards and it decreases the volume. It's easy and intuitive to use. If you've come from using a rio nitrus player then it will feel natural to use. It would be unfair for a ipod user to judge the navigation of this player as they will be used to navigating with the ipod click wheel and old habits die hard.
As you can see in the picture below, on starting the playing your presented with four folders. The music folders allows you to select by - Artist, Album, Title, Genre, Year and Playlist. The browse folder is for selecting data files. The resume folder will remember and return you to your previous status.
The setup allows you to enter another menu with the 'sound', 'playmode', 'power' and 'system'. The 'Sound' settings allow you to increase the volume, change the balance and includes the standard settings of 'Rock','Techno','Jazz','Classic' and 'Live'. There's also 5 band graphic equalizer where you can custom set the preferences.
'Playmode' allows you to repeat and shuffle. 'Power' allows you to power off after a specified time change the length of time the backlight shows. Also the contrast can be changed.
If your just looking for a great sounding player which is extremely small and can carry a massive collection of albums for a very cheap price then you can't really go wrong.
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The Archos Gmini XS200 has a lot going for it, and Archos has impressed us with its past portable media devices, so we have high hopes for the player. Its compact design and its affordable price alone may be enough as selling points. Still, hands-on testing may reveal an unknown downside, so check back soon for our full review.
CNET October 14th 2004
This ultracompact, no-frills unit has great sound, on-the-go playlists, and photo storage.
If you're economical and you care more about how Green Day or The Moody Blues sound than about how their song titles look on a color display, it will satisfy your aural fixations.
PC World December 2nd 2004
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Scored 9/10 from Trusted Reviews
It’s impossible not to like this, despite it’s slightly clumsy navigation and lack of carry case and docking cradle, this is a fantastic little digital audio player at a truly amazing price. For the cost of a 4GB Apple iPod Mini, you can buy a 20GB player that’s about the same size, the same weight and plays back WMA as well as MP3. Ultimately, the Gmini XS 200 is in no way perfect, but when you combine the size, weight, capacity and price, it’s impossible not to recommend this little Archos.
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Big display |
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2" level gray scale LCD, 128x128 pixels. 9 lines of characters Intuitive menu with icons |
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Supports Multi Format ! |
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Rechargeable Battery |
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Internal: Rechargeable Li-Ion Batteries. External: AC charger/adaptor |
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Internal memory |
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20 GB - Store up to 300 hours* of music equivalent to 5000 songs |
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Up to 10 hours |
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10 hours can be replayed with rechargeable battery |
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firmware upgrades |
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Download firmware updates from www.archos.com |
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What's included |
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Gmini XS200, USB 2.0 cable, AC power charger adaptor, headphones, quickstart sheet (in-depth manual on Gmini XS200 HD) |
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Size |
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Approx. 7,6 x 5,9 x 1,9 cm 2.9" x 2.3" x 0.75" |
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Weight |
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120g |
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Replay file format |
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MP3,WMV |
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Internal memory |
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20GB |
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PC connection |
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USB 2.0 high-speed, compatible USB 1.1, PC & Mac |
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Battery |
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Rechargeable 10 hours |
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LCD 8 line |
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2" level gray scale LCD, 128x128 pixels. 9 lines of characters Intuitive menu with icons |
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Earphone jack |
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3.5mm |
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