Portable Media World (http://pmw.sorobangeeks.com/) makes us happy today with some new information on the portable video players Archos AV400 and AV500. While the AV400 model will replace the AV3x0 range, the AV500 will be a top-range model, featuring PDA functionalities and a touch screen (available last quarter 2004).

The resolution of the 3.5" screen is enough to display 320 x 240 pixels, and can display larger movies, up to 704x480. It can read MP3, WMA, MPEG4 and DIVX5 / Xvid.

DROOOOOOOOOOOOL

:D

But does the battery last for watching a full-length divx-encoded movie? Or perhaps even two movies in a row?

Not sure about battery lifetime... but now there is an interview (http://portables.about.com/od/portablevideo/a/archosinterview.htm) with Archos COO Brad Wallace where he tries to convince us to buy one of these pretty gadgets ;)

I bought an AV420 (the 20GB baby). I exchanged 3 times at the retail shop (very helpful folks)!!! After recording for around 20mins at room temp, a patch (1.5 cm in diameter!) of moisture (with oil-like rings surrounding the patch) developes as the machine get heat up. It's located in the very middle of the LCD...very very disturbing. Same problem for all 3 I had. Talked to the agents and they first said it's acceptable (what!!!!) but then they changed the tone and said there are actually couple complains like this and waiting for Archos to react. Pls note if you guys plan to buy one.