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Archos launches new MP3 players

By Keith Shaw
Network World Fusion, 10/22/03

Archos this week launched two new portable MP3 players that can be customized with different add-on accessories.

The Archos GMINI 120 (available today, $249.95) and GMINI 220 (available in November, $349.95, pictured at left) are 20G-byte devices, and are small enough to fit into a shirt pocket. Both devices can store about 5,000 songs, approximately 500 CDs or 300 hours of audio, the company said. The devices also introduce a new icon-based interface and new music management software that lets users control and organize music directly on the device. Both devices can play and record MP3 and Windows Media (WMA) files.

The GMINI 220 weighs only 6 oz. and has a 2.5-inch LCD screen, grayscale with a blue backlight for viewing photos and icons. The devices require a PC with Windows 98 SE or higher, or a Macintosh with Mac 9.2 or X (10.2.4) with USB Manager version 1.2 or higher. A 233MHz processor or faster is also required.

The customization features lets users pick up to four add-on accessories for the two devices, including:

An audio recorder/voice recorder ($19.95), which includes a built-in microphone. The add-on offers music recording from any audio source.

A photo wallet ($29.95), which lets users store, organize and view JPEG photos via a Compact Flash memory card (other adapters also available).

The MadWaves Interactive Music Composer ($9.95), which lets users compose music by interacting with pre-loaded, copyright-free digital music samples.

FM Remote Control ($39.95), which adds FM radio features with full MP3 recording features.

The four add-ons will be given free to buyers of the GMINI 220 on a promotional basis, Archos said.