I've been toying with the Archos AV500 (and before that the 300 and 400 models) but kept waiting for something 'better'.

I'm now very close to getting the Av500 but whats the chances of Apple releasing something very soon? Should I buy? Or hold off?

To those of you with an Av500, whats your views on it?

It's been 263 days since the video ipod came out, apple's definitly trying to get a new one out to the door. The rumors seem to be that the touch screen ipod was supposed to be out quite a while ago but was majorly delayed. I hope they realized that a touch screen is no substitute for hard buttons.

That being said, I have no idea if you should wait for it or just buy the archos, as my Karma is still working fine. Something with more capacity would be nice, but it's not a priority of mine yet.

Matthew

Cheers Matthew. Yeahj I'm just so unsure what to do as I'm so sure Apple will release something! Grrrrrrrr.

Nobody has an Archos Av500?

Dignan has one.

I chose the Cowon A2 over the Archos and the Ipod. Bigger screen than the Ipod and better build quality than the Archos.

Sorry, I would have posted earlier, but it was a four day weekend and I've been suffering at home because our cable modem is broken. Don't get me started on the damn Cable company (we haven't had internet in over a week).

ANYway. I can vouch that the AV500 is a cool device. I think it's easily the best product ever put out by Archos (though everything's relative). I've had two other Archos products - the Jukebox Recorder and the AV340 (which I still use) - and the AV500 marked the first time I think made something with a solid build quality and a decent design (although it's still a little funky looking).

I think your question may be more complicated. The AV500 comes in two sizes, 30GB (referred to by users as the AV530), and the 100GB (AV5100). 60GB 1.8" drives have not, I believe, found their way into any PMP other than the iPod w/Video (lets not call it the video iPod - it's not). The AV5100 is going to be quite heavy for something you may want to carry around in your pocket. I believe it's the same general size and weight as the AV340, which I have, and I never put it in my pocket, especially in the summer, or I'd end up with a very sweaty leg and pants dropping on one side of my body. It's an attractive sight. The AV530 I had was better in this regard, but it's only for short trips. I now keep the AV340 in my shoulder bag with a bluetooth transmitter for my bluetooth headphones (Logitech).

You may have noticed, but I returned my AV530. You shouldn't worry, it was defective and I know I was in the minority in terms of people who had major problems with their devices. I just decided not to get another one. It's possible I was waiting for the true Video iPod, but recently I decided I would simply not be able to live with the horrible restrictions placed on you by Apple. I simply must have a mass storage device for an MP3 player. It's probably my biggest requirement. Last week I ordered one of these. I'm hoping it'll get here this week, and I'll write up a quick review when I get a chance.

Anyway, I guess my bottom line is that for me it's not a question of Apple vs Archos. It's a question of Apple vs any MP3 player that doesn't lock you into a service or a piece of software. I highly recommend the AV530/AV5100.

The upcoming AV504/AV604 should be the bomb.

Edited link.