There aren't many music lovers that would be without their digital media player and the Archos Gmini 402 is definitely one not to miss. The Gmini 402 is an updated version of a hard drive MP3 and video player with 20GB memory and a gorgeous 56mm 262k colour-TFT LCD screen.
| It’s packed with cool features, such as video and MP3/WMA playback, photo storage and image viewing, voice and in-line recording, and gaming via the popular Mophun engine. Also this updated version offers support for Windows Media Player syncing, including DRM-protected music and video.
The silver and black design is very smart and overall the Gmini 402 is very compact - that isn’t to say that it is lightweight though. It’s the same size as an iPod mini but it is heavier by about 40g. Big boy indeed. To hold this model you’ll notice that the design is really comfortable as the tapered left and right sides make it nice and easy to hold. It also comes with a very sturdy carrying case which holds a pair of USB cables, A/V cords, a small adapter and a bulkier adapter which all come with the Gmini 402.
The controls are very simple to use. It has a four-way navigation control, select and back buttons to the left of the display along with stop and back buttons to the right. The Gmini 402 comes with a pair of USB ports, one for connecting the player to your PC and the other for hooking it up to a digital camera for example. Along the top you’ll find a built-in microphone for voice recording.
So, you know what it looks like and what it can do - the burning question is how does it perform? Well, not badly at all is the answer. The 56mm 262k colour TFT LCD screen offers rich colour and plenty of detail thanks to the 220 x 176-pixel resolution. However, you can forget watching this one with your mates as the screen offers a very poor view from certain angles.
Overall Opinion
It was going so well for the Archos Gmini 402, but this media player does seem to fall at a few hurdles. One being sound quality - it is really nothing to shout about (pardon the pun). I can definitely say that this media player is for solo use with earphones sitting looking at it straight on and that is about it.
Lisa Malyon
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Includes Ear Phones
Clear Screen
Slips Straight Into Your Pocket.
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