OP, it seems like your looking for an answer in your post. The answer is, no, neither of the two devices your considering will be a 'do all' media player/practical browser. Each does its own thing ok, but is not a do all. That is an iPhone/touchPod. Even then the screen is too small on those.
The Archos 605 has the same 800x480 display resolution as the Nokia tablets. I was considering an Archos 605 WiFi for internet browsing until I found a website selling the 770 for $129.
The archos is a poor browser in comparison. Its more of a 'oh thats cool' trick then something that can be lived with. The plastic screen feels cheap in compared to the N800. It has more power then the N800, more memory, better video processing, its still a poor device. Avoid it.
The Archos 605 has the same 800x480 display resolution as the Nokia tablets. I was considering an Archos 605 WiFi for internet browsing until I found a website selling the 770 for $129.
Ron G
what website was that? heh
garage battle, nice post thanks. millhouse good link.
I have both the N800 and 605 too. I use the the N800 for internet access and the 605 just as a video player. If I am only taking one, I take the N800, it's lighter and more versatile. I thought I would really like the wifi on the 605, but I find I just don't use it enough. Maybe I would use the internet on the 605 more if I could hook it up via bluetooth.
In order to get the touchscreen, the screen quality on the 605 took a hit from the 604. The 604 actually looks and feels like a much nicer player, it's all metal and with a great screen. The 605 has a plastic back, though maybe that's just for the 160GB to accomodate the bigger drive.
I do wish the N800 would support divx natively. That is currently my preferred format. I am not a tweaker so I just use the devices as they come from the factory.
I have an N800 and an Archos 604 WiFi and like rr0123, I too use them for different purposes. I have the docking station for the Archos- xvid/dvix encoded vids looks great on my 42" HD TV. The service I use to get shows and movies from don't require me to re-encode the video. Just load it onto the Archos and play.
Internet works well enough on the Archos and nice to have, but the heft and lack of web features still makes me choose the N800 for most mobile internet access. I don't use the "Tivo-like" features on the 604 nor streaming video. I do like having mp3 and photo album capability and use those features from time to time. I also take it with my on trips to off-load dig-pix from my cam and enjoy viewing the pictures on the larger screen.
The N800 has a much crisper screen than the 604 (though I think the 605 ups the resolution). And loads web sites faster. The 604 lacks flash, voip, games and GPS as well. Mp3 and photo album feature are similar on both.
These are two really different devices- each good for what it was designed for. I don't hesitate bringing both with me on trips, especially if the laptop is staying at home.
Hope this helps/makes sense (typing this on N800 at the airport- so it's just basically just a list of quick thoughts).
i have an archos 604 non wifi, and I think as a media player its much better than the nokia. Honestly I'd probalby get the archos if i had to choose between the nokia and archos.
