Your own personal V:Port?

Well Sort of;

When I was in the states a couple of week ago, I purchased an Archos pocket video jukebox (AV420). For anyone that is not aware, it is like an IPOD but also plays videos and photos via a built in 3.5 inch screen. I was replacing a stolen ipod (wife!) and got it as a bit of a novelty. Well, all I can say is that it is amazing, despite the small screen (brings back memories of the old 742's!) it is very watchable and I currently have 50hrs of video (films and TV) 120 hrs of MP3's and room for photo's which can be uploaded via the built in compact flash slot.

I am not affiliated to archos at all, I am purely sharing this because I have read alot of posts recently about IFE and it is obviously high on peoples agenda. I always worry about which IFE when I make the walk down to the end of T3 but now even with arcadia (or in the taxi to the airport) I am entertained.

If you want further info on one of these things just have a search around on google.

PS: I also have a fantastic set of earphones, they are shure E2c sound isolating in ear phones which block out nearly all the sound on a 747 or airbus, and have excellent sound quality. They were designed as on-stage monitors for pop performers. search ebay for a great deal on a new pair (£57) approx. much cheaper than bose, and fit in a pocket!!

PPS: I am not affiliated to shure either, but I am a sound engineer.

Hi Virgin Lover, I agree with you 100%. My wife bought me an Archos AV320 for Xmas last year and it has to be the best gadget I've ever had [:p]. I currently have 12 feature films loaded on mine, a few dozen albums and several dozen photographs. On a recent trip to LA I spent the whole time watching it and it was the perfect travel companion.

I have been reading in Stuff & T3 that MP4 players like this will be soon be common place and IMHO the additional functionality makes them far more useful than Ipod or any other MP3 player.

If anyone wants further information check out this link

http://www.archos.com/

Miopyk

Off the top of my head, Sony and Creative also have similar devices to the Archos one.

I have one question though. You have 50 hours of video loaded - what sort of batteries does the player take and how long do they last, enough for a 12 hour flight?

Nick

I have the shure E2c earphones too and I love them, a lot more comfortable for me than the ones sit over your ears and squash them. They have a foam part (like earplugs) that ensure the earphone stays inside your ear, I can even wear them at the gym, without them popping out.

Shaz

You can squeeze about 5 hours ish out of the battery, but it is replaceable (only on the 20gb version),but I too must admit it is an awesome bit of kit, and takes the will I wont I guesswork out of V:port:)

I can get about 3 1/2-4 hours out of the AV320 if watching video or about 6 1/2 - 7 hours of music. This model doesn't have the option of a spare battery but I do have the optional car adapter that takes power from the ciggarette outlet.

This is great on AA as they have this type of socket on all their tranatlantic planes. I gather Virgin don't so I'll have to give up when the power runs out.

On the subject of other manufacturers, the advantage Archos seem to have over them is that you can record directly onto the machine from your TV, Computer, etc. Obviously one should be aware of copyright laws before attempting anything like this.

Miopyk

Hi,

Yes the recording function is the main benefit of the Archos Device, some of the others record (not the creative) but the archos has a docking cradle with IR Remote and a built in scheduler that works with yahoo.com tv schedules so it is similar to a tivo Personal video recorder. (but pocket sized)

The Archos is metal, not plastic, it is smaller (body) than the others, and has an changeable battery pack (20GB version only).

I get about 4 hrs per battery and I have 2.

The creative unit runs on Windows Media Centre software!!! and in VERY restrictive about what you can and cant play. Lots of digital rights management stuff built in and it can't record. It is designed to use with a windows media centre PC but they are not being to clear about that in their advertising.

PS: The screen on the archos is the same screen used on the Palm Tungsten E device and in extremely good quality.

Neil.

quote:Originally posted by miopyk
This is great on AA as they have this type of socket on all their tranatlantic planes. I gather Virgin don't so I'll have to give up when the power runs out.

The good news is, you can get Empower - Cigarette Lighter adaptors, so you won't have to give up after all!

Do you know where you can obtain these in UK? I have seen them once in a shop in PHL, but didn't think to get one then.

I got mine from http://www.blokesstuff.com/

Good service and cheapest price too!

Onionz, where can I get Empower from? And does this work in PE?

Pat Davies my wife got mine from John Lewis but I don't know how their prices compare.Check this link -

http://www.johnlewis.com/Shopping/Produ ... =230174475

Be aware though that this is the old model Virgin Lover has the newer model which you can buy spare batteries.

Miopyk

miopyk - a quick Google yielded this result. Very cheap, but only available in the US and Canada. I'm sure a bit more poking around would reveal a UK supplier.

Thanks Onionz, I,ll do a bit of digging around.

Miopyk

I can recommend the AV400's little brother - the GMini 400

Although it doesn't record direct from a video source, its easy enough to copy media from a PC. Its main selling point for me was the size - not much bigger than an original iPod - fitting comfortably in a pocket.

Battery life is quoted at 5hrs, though it can store up to 80hrs of video! I've not tested it to the limit yet.

Available from around £249.

jules.

[fozzyo]

I like the idea of them, but a 2 / 3" screen?

Foz )

Onionz,

Thanks for that info. I note that they are in Anaheim and I have a friend who is currently working in LA for several months; I'll see if she can get me one.

Onionz,

Thanks for that info. I note that they are in Anaheim and I have a friend who is currently working in LA for several months; I'll see if she can get me one.