Canon Optura PI MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Built-in Digital Still Mode

Product Description

Light enough to become part of your hand, the Optura Pi will become your personal imaging companion. Built tough with Canon Know-How and Canon technology inside it, the Optura Pi gives you surprising features and unsurpassed digital video (DV) quality. The Optura Pi is easy to use and that makes it easy to get results you've never seen before from any camcorder. A genuine Canon 12x zoom lens with 48x digital zoom allows you to get clear closeups. It features three modes: Normal Movie (full-motion video) Mode, Digital Photo Mode and Digital Motor Drive Mode (takes 30 still frames a second). Optical image stabilization filters out the jitters and bumps to capture crisp, stable images every time. Look into the world that awaits you when you get into CANON DV, with the Optura Pi digital camcorder.

Amazon.com Product Description

Despite its compact size, Canon's Optura Pi is a full-featured MiniDV camcorder. A 12x optical (48x digital) zoom Canon lens gets you right in the action, while optical image stabilization helps prevent unwanted shakes and jitters from creeping into your important footage. The flip-out LCD screen is a large 3.5 inches.

A quick word about image stabilization. Most camcorders with image stabilization use digital image stabilization, which is a software-based method of correcting handheld wobbles and shakes. Though digital image stabilization works well, it does so at the expense of image quality, reducing the total number of pixels used to capture an image. In contrast, the Optura Pi uses optical image stabilization, which continuously detects motion and adjusts elements inside the lens to compensate, resulting in a shudder-free image without any loss in image resolution.

A number of different programmed auto exposure modes (including sand and snow, sports, portrait, and low light) automatically adjust settings to take the worry out of shooting in challenging conditions. Besides the different programmed auto-exposure modes, the Optura Pi also offers three different shooting modes. You'll probably leave the camera set to normal movie mode a majority of the time. Digital photo mode lets you use the Optura Pi as a digital camera, recording a still image for six seconds on the miniDV tape, and allowing audio commentary. There's a lot of flexibility here: you can switch between movie and digital photo modes and create a unique collage of stills and video. Finally, the digital motor drive mode uses the progressive-scan CCD to capture a full noninterlaced 30 frames per second. This means you can use the footage as a series of independent photographs.

As a DV camcorder, the Optura Pi has an IEEE 1394 port for digital editing, or for transferring footage between IEEE 1394 compliant devices, such as computers or other DV camcorders. The Optura also features S-Video input and output. The analog inputs allow you to transfer old footage to DV for archiving. Built-in effects include art and sepia. Various faders ease scene transitions.

Customer Reviews:

Poor Quality, Costly Repair.......2002-11-07

Just passed one year warrant period, the eye piece viewfinder didn't work anymore. It seems that the sensor for the foldable screen went bad. Sent back to California Canon service center, and was charged for [money]. The customer service agent was very arrogant about Canon quality, and showed no sign of concern for my problem.

Recently half of screen became distorted during replay. Don't want to waste another [money], so tried lots of cleaning and changed the tape from TDK to Sony. The problem seems to be under control.

If it goes bad again, I will trash this junk, and buy a Sony.

Features Don't Make for Reliability.......2001-12-27

This product worked fine for a few months of light use. Then, during playback, the Optura Pi started adding image and audio noise to the tapes. One treasured video partially ruined.

Picure excellence defined!!!.......2001-12-19

The Optura Pi is one fantastic video camera! I had never purchased a Canon product before, but I am very impressed with the Optura Pi. You buy a camcorder primarily to shoot moving video. This is one machine that doesn't disappoint. Best features: optical image stabilization(a high end feature usually found only on the most expensive models); superb canon lense(second to none in the industry); large 3.5' LCD with high end resolution(200k pixels); excellent detail and color reproduction( RGB filter); manual overrides for controls ( useful for more experienced videographers); solid construction (many Sony and Panasonic models in the same price range have a cheap, plastic feel); amazing low light performance(although the jarring motion inherent in the low light setting may turn some people off). Cons: no manual focus ring(just a non mechanical option ring); overly touchy zoom control(be careful!); poor ergonomics for the zoom control( you have to reach back with your pointer finger to activate the zoom); low pixel count(360k for the CCD-all the better models are going mega pixel, but then, you pay for it too); blank tape is expensive( but this applies to all digital format camcorders). If you want to take digital stills, buy a dedicated still camera.You'll get way better quality for way less money. Progressive scan is not a significant feature for most people-record in "movie" mode( the Pi's successor 100MC is without Prog Scan). In summary, the Pi delivers excellent detail and color reproduction in all kinds of lighting situations. It feels like a high end camera and performs like one too.Unless you are willing to pay for the performance of a 3CCD camera, this is the one to get. Act fast; the PI has been discontinued. If you're lucky enough to find it at a vendor who made a special factory purchase, you'll get a fantastic deal!

Excellent DV camera for the money........2001-11-08

My main draw to the Canon Optura Pi was the optical (rather than digital) image stabilization. Canon is the only camcorder manufacturer that offers this feature in this price range. The image quality is excellent, although the camera calibration can take some getting used to. Experiment with white balance settings, etc. until you find something that works well. The LCD screen is a little too bright, but otherwise looks good. This camera integrates flawlessly with my Macintosh G4 and iMac DV computers. My only complaint about this camera is that occasionally the picture can become blocky and behave erratically. However, I have discovered that this is a problem with ALL DV camercorders and is due to flaky DV cassettes. So, choose your tapes wisely! In every instance of picture glitches, the problem has corrected itself within a matter of minutes. As I said, this is probably the best camcorder you can get in without spending $2500 or more

AWESOME DIGICAM - PERIOD!! Could be the best?!?!?.......2001-09-16

This camera works so well, feels so good in my hand, has so many cool features that I can't belive that I finally have it! I did an exhaustive amount of research before getting this camera but ALL signs kept pointing to this cam. The optical stabilization is unreal - it's the best stabilizer out there! The PROSCAN mode looks like film - pretty cool. Considering I'm going to be shooting some 'shorts' with this cam, that film look is always a nice effect. It's real lightweight and the ergonomics are very nicely laid out. The zoom is REAL fast - great!
Basically, this is a GREAT cam. The advanced shoe allows for hookups such as lights and mic's! Get a better battery though, 511 is worthless! I'm looking forward to shooting more with this cam. Considering that I've had it for relatively 'no time at all,' I LOVE IT!!

Average customer rating:
3Com U.S. Robotics External Ethernet 2-Way DOCSIS 1.0 Cable Modem CMX ( 8R-002940-02 )

Manufacturer: 3Com
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Cable Modems | Modems | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

Always on, no waiting

DOCSIS 1.0 compliant

10BASE-T Ethernet

ASIN: B00006LUJ9

Product Description

Now there's a whole new way to connect to the Internet through your computer - cable TV wires. With a U.S. Robotics Cable Modem CMX and high-speed access from your cable company, cruise around the World Wide Web faster than ever before. Watch smooth-action video clips, videoconference with friends, send and receive family photos in an instant. Retrieve research files in seconds, not minutes. Do it all with the multimedia-ready, digital technology that lets you connect to the Internet without a phone line. Blow 56K away with high-speed cable modems from U.S. Robotics, the #1 selling brand in the world.Compared to the limited capacity of telephone lines, coaxial cable - the wire that delivers the sounds, colors and motion of live broadcasts into your TV - is perfect for all the education, entertainment and excitement the Internet can provide. With a U.S. Robotics Cable Modem CMX and high-speed Internet service from your cable company or other broadband service provider, connect to the World Wide Web and leave your phone line free.

Average customer rating:

My favoirte USB drive

Excellent little Gizmo

Gone Too Soon

Not bad at all

ACP-EP USB 2.0 Mobile SwingDrive 1 GB Flash Drive (EPSW/1GB-2.0)

Manufacturer: MEMORY UPGRADES
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Special Promotion | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
USB Flash Drives | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics | 1 GB & Over | 128 MB | 256 MB | 512 MB | 64 MB & Below
USB Flash Drives | Upgrades | Products |
Similar Items:

Memorex 1 GB USB 2.0 Mini Travel Drive ( 32509360)

SanDisk SDCZ2-1024-A10 1 GB Cruzer Mini USB 2.0 Flash Drive (Retail Package)

Kingston 512 MB Secure Digital Card (SD/512) (Retail Package)

SanDisk SDDR-103 MobileMate SD+ 5-in-1 Mobile Reader (SD/ MiniSD/ MMC/ RS-MMC/ TransFlash, Retail Package)

Sony 1 GB Memory Stick PRO Duo Media (MSXM1GST) (Retail Package)

Product Features:

USB 2.0 interface

True Plug-and-Play connection for hot swap function

No drivers required for Windows Me/2000/XP, Mac OS 9.0 or later

ASIN: B000AQK43W

Product Description

The USB 2.0 Mobile SwingDrive allows you to take your files anywhere in the palm of your hand. Great for storing and transferring your MP3's, digital photos, games, spreadsheets, documents, presentations or any personal files from your computer. You can even run an entire presentation from the Mobile SwingDrive. The USB 2.0 interface is blazing fast with speeds up to 40 times faster than USB 1.1 and storage capacities are available up to 2GB (gigabyte). It's Windows and Mac OS compatible and does not require any drivers (except for Windows 98).This unique design has a protective aluminum cap that swings away from the USB connector for easy accessibility. The Mobile SwingDrive gives you the freedom to take your favorite files on the go without taking up space in your pocket. Go Mobile!

Customer Reviews:

My favoirte USB drive.......2007-09-03

I've owned this 1 GB Swingdrive for over a year now. It gets a lot of use and has been trouble-free while moving files between both Mac (OS 9 and X) and PC platforms. Speed is apparently limited only by the port that it's plugged into. I especially like the swinging cover mechanism: no separate cover to misplace. At this moment, I'm buying a second one; I'll make it a 2 GB this time.

Excellent little Gizmo.......2006-03-14

This drive works like a charm! Affordable, durable, tons of memory...what more could you wish for? No problems thus far. Excellent buy!

Gone Too Soon.......2006-03-10

Purchased on 29th January 2006 and put to work on the 12th February. This device worked tirelessly and effectively from its day of initiation. On 8th March 2006 it received its biggest job, reaching 85% of its 1GB capacity. After delivering its payload for its owner that day it retired for the day. When called upon on 9th March 2006 it was discovered to be non-functional.

It leaves to mourn its once very proud owner.
Also sadly missed by all who saw it, and marveled at its small size, large capacity and sleek, swing design.

Not bad at all.......2006-03-04

Not a bad piece of equipment.
I would have liked to have known that I needed a powered USB port to make it work, but luckily I had a USB extension cable so I don't have to pull my Mac out of it's hole every time I want to plug it in.
Device is nice and quick, even on USB1.
Only real downsides I have found so far is that it gets dirt in the hinges easily (especially if kept in your pocket) which tends to tighten a bit, and grinds as well. A little better connector coverage when closed would be nice also.

Average customer rating:
Buslink USB 2.0/FIREWIRE 160GB EXT HD ( CO-160-U2FE )

Manufacturer: BUSLINK
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Hard Drives | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics | External Hard Drives | Internal Hard Drives | Micro Drives
Hard Drives | Upgrades | Products |
Home Office Electronics | Electronics | Categories | Target
Accessories:

Tripp Lite Omni Smart 500Va Line-Inter DB9 17Min-Half 6Outlet Tel Sw 50K-Ins

Belkin F5U221 USB 2.0 4 Port Hub

Belkin F6H350 350-VA UPS with Shutdown Software (8 Outlet)

IO Card, PCMCIA, Firewire, 2 Port, 6 Pin, w/ Cable, I/O Flex

Cables to Go 29554 Port Authority 6-Port USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Adapter Card

Product Features:

Interface: USB 2.0/Firewire

Spindle Speed (RPM): 7200

Capacity (GB): 160

ASIN: B0000VYJWO

Product Description

The BUSlink Combo Hard Drive is fast and provides a quick, easy solution for storage. The BUSlink Combo Hard Drive is Plug and Play, so installation is a snap. You can be using your BUSlink Combo Hard Drive within minutes after taking it out of the box. It enhances the capabilities of your existing laptop or PC. It's perfect for businessmen, home users, mobile users, MP3 storage and Gamers.

Average customer rating:
Aperion Audio SW8-APR Powered Subwoofer

Manufacturer: Aperion Audio
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Subwoofers | Speakers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Product Features:

150 Watt RMS high power amplifier

One, 8" active driver & two 8" passive radiators

Frequency response: 35 - 180 Hz

Dual compostion cabinet made of 1" high density fiberboard & hardwood

Low level and high level inputs & outputs

ASIN: B00005QI5L

Product Description

Aperion Audio loudspeakers incorporate the very latest audio technology, yet they are built with old-fashioned care and craftsmanship. They are designed to give you years of listening pleasure. Whether you're enjoying music or watching a film in your home theater, Aperion Audio speakers will deliver pure and accurate sound. The speaker cabinets feature a dual composition design with a solid wood exterior, and - like fine furniture - they will maintain their beauty indefinitely if properly maintained.

Product Description

AMCONN markets affordable IT connectivity products and common computer components to resellers and end-users. AMCONN is dedicated to offering exceptional value and customer support across a comprehensive line of products.PRODUCT FEATURES:One USB 1.1 AB cable for mouse and keyboard and one SVGA mini coax monitor cable;Two cables bonded together with All-In One construction for easy cable management;Molded cable ends for durability and easy grip;Used with KVM612UP, KVM614UP and other USB KVM switches.

Average customer rating:
Atlantic Technology 102SB-BLK Powered Subwoofer, Black

Manufacturer: Atlantic Technology
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Subwoofers | Speakers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Similar Items:

Atlantic Technology 920-LR-S 2-Way Satellite Speaker, Black (Single)

Atlantic Technology 1200C-BLK Center Channel Speaker, Black (Single)

Product Features:

Compact 100-watt powered subwoofer for stereo or home theater applications

8-inch, long-throw, composite cone woofer and 2-inch, high-temp, 4-layer voice coil

High-current amplifier ensures powerful, controlled bass with articulation and authority

34 to 250 Hz frequency response; adjustable 40 to 140 Hz low-pass crossover

Low-level inputs and outputs; 13.2 x 13 x 12.2 inches (W x H x D); 90-day warranty

ASIN: B000FE5RG8

Product Description

The 102SB subwoofer has been engineered using the latest technology and finest components available.The 8" long-throw composite cone driver is equipped with a vented motor structure and 2" high temperature, 4-layer voice coil. This powerful driver has a very stiff cone that acts like a piston throughout its operating range. Its massive magnetic motor assembly and high temperature component parts deliver exceptional performance and reliability.Sealed enclosure woofer designs are inherently low in distortion and deliver deep smooth bass response with a gradual and predictable roll-off below resonance. Atlantic Technology has paid close attention to providing accurate musical bass reproduction along with terrific special effects.The output stage of this amplifier is capable of very high current delivery for exceptional driver control and cool operation.Many subwoofers offer specifications that look great on paper, but in real world use deliver less than promised. Atlantic Technology subwoofers are over-designed to ensure that they will deliver their rated performance in your room, when properly placed and adjusted.The steep upper end roll-off slope of 18dB per octave allows for much better bass integration with the satellite speakers while making the woofer less localizable.The outputs allow daisy chaining of multiple subwoofers, or as a return path back to the processor.The Phase Invert switch (Normal/Invert) allows precise acoustic matching with satellite speaker systems whose output may be phase reversed. This switch also allows you to compensate for unusual room acoustics that occur when the woofer is physically separated from the main speakers.Automatic Standby features signal sensing turn-on with 7-10 minute turn-off delay. There's a multi-color LED status indicator that lets you know when the unit is on or in standby. Automatic Standby can be defeated by placing the rear mounted switch in the ON position.

Amazon.com Product Description

No home theater or music system is complete without a powered subwoofer, as it provides the deep bass response that adds drama to a movie's action scenes and makes music come alive. The Atlantic 102SB--a compact model designed to produce consistently realistic, convincing bass effects at an affordable price--is no exception. The sub's bass output stems from its 8-inch, long-throw, composite cone driver and 2-inch, four-layer voice coil, which combine to deliver a frequency range of 34 to 250 Hz. The driver cone is also extremely stiff, helping it act like a piston throughout its operating range to minimize distortion. Add in a massive magnetic motor assembly and high-temperature component parts and you have a sub that's equal parts performance and reliability.

Power-wise, the 102SB is outfitted with a 100-watt, high-current amplifier that's been precision matched and equalized to the driver. This ensures powerful, controlled bass with great articulation and authority. The sub's sealed enclosure design, meanwhile, also helps keep distortion at a minimum while enhancing the deep bass output. And unlike many competing subwoofers, Atlantic puts as much emphasis on accurate musical reproduction as it does on explosive special effects, helping the sub excel in a variety of audio applications.

Additional features include an adjustable (40 to 140 Hz) low-pass crossover that helps with speaker integration; a pair of low-level inputs and outputs that allows listeners to daisy chain multiple subwoofers; a phase invert switch that enables users to acoustically match satellite speaker systems with a phase-reversed output; and automatic standby operation with signal sensing turn-on and a 7- to 10-minute turnoff delay.

The 102SB, which comes in an attractive black enclosure, measures 13.2 by 13 by 12.2 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a 90-day warranty on parts and labor.

What's in the Box
Subwoofer, user's manual.

Average customer rating:
Adaptec AHA 1510A - Storage controller - Fast SCSI - 10 MBps - ISA

Manufacturer: ADAPTEC
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Host Bus Adaptors | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B0009LY7V8

Product Description

The AHA-1510A host adapter is an ideal choice for economical connection of multiple SCSI peripherals and is particularly well suited to bundling with non-bootable peripherals. Supporting Fast SCSI, with transfer speeds of 10 Mbytes/sec, the AHA-1510A provides advanced features such as synchronous and asynchronous data transfer, support for multitasking and full DMA support. The AHA-1510A can be supplied with Adaptec EZ-SCSI software, which includes enhanced SCSI device support via added CD-ROM and tape backup utilities such as Magic Lantern, a Photo CD-Viewer.

Product Description

ACP-EP Memory's RS-MMCs are designed to enhance the performance or your mobile device. Easy to use, these cards are an exceptional boost to the latest mobile phones, PDAs, MP3s, digital cameras and any other device the can support SD, MMC, miniSD and RS-MMC. Each card ships with the full-size MMC adapter, this means you can save and store digital content effortlessly and then transfer it to other devices.

Average customer rating:

AV320 Good, but AV420 Great

Caveat Emptor:Poor Quality Control-Horrible Customer Service

So much better than an Ipod

Waste of money

AV320 Does Exactly What it is supposed to do!!

Archos AV320 Video and MP3 Jukebox Recorder

Manufacturer: Archos
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

MP3 Players | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Archos | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics | MP3 Players | Portable Media Players | Accessories
Portable Digital Media Players | MP3 Players | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Accessories:

NETGEAR Wireless Digital Music Player

Sennheiser HD433 Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones

Aiwa HP-V061 Headphones

Aiwa HP-JS30S Stereo Headphones (Silver)

Linksys USBHUB4C ProConnect Compact USB 4-Port Hub

Product Features:

Combines a modular MP4 video player and recorder with an MP3 music player and recorder

Holds 40 hours of near-DVD quality MP4 video with MP3 sound

Record directly into MP3 from any audio source, including stereo-set or computer

Record video off of your television, VCR or camcorder directly into MP4

Functions as digital photo wallet or a data storage device that can store up to 200,000 photos

ASIN: B00009XFVT
Release Date: 2003-06-16

Product Description

The ARCHOS VIDEO AV340 is the first handheld personal entertainment center. It combines a modular MPEG-4 video player and recorder, MP3 music player and recorder, digital camera and camcorder, digital photo wallet, and data storage in a compact device that fits in the palm of your hand.The ARCHOS VIDEO AV340 is the first handheld MPEG-4 video player on the market. You can now enjoy anywhere 160 hours of near-DVD quality MPEG-4 video with MP3 sound. The ARCHOS VIDEO AV340 features MP4 video recording. It has never been so easy to record video and then watch them wherever you are. What you will playback is an AVI format file with MPEG4-SP VHS quality video and MP3 stereo sound. While a standard tape can only hold 2-4 hours of video, your AV340 has a 120 hours capacity (with DVR). More than enough to enjoy your favorite movies while on the move or, to take video information with you for your work. Complete MP3 functionality is included: record directly into MP3 from any audio source (stereo-set, computer etc.). The built-in microphone enables you to use the ARCHOS VIDEO AV340 as a voice recorder providing 2, 000 hours capacity. Listen to your MP3 tracks from the ARCHOS VIDEO AV340 connected to your stereo set. You will never be without your favorite music- keep your entire CD collection on the ARCHOS VIDEO AV340 hard disk.The ARCHOS VIDEO AV340 can store up to 400, 000 photos for easy viewing by your family, friends, customers or colleagues. View videos and photos on built-in color LCD or TV. The 3, 8" built-in color LCD lets you comfortably watch videos or photos while on the move. For large screen size display simply connect the ARCHOS VIDEO AV340 to your TV.The ARCHOS VIDEO AV340 is based on a 40GB hard disk. Connect it to your computer and it will be mounted as an additional hard disk, on which you can store any type of data. The USB 2.0 auto-connection ensures extra fast data transfer to and from your PC or Mac.

Customer Reviews:

AV320 Good, but AV420 Great.......2004-12-19

When I first purchased my av320 a while back I thought it was a good product. The AV420 is leaps and bounds above the 320. First off the loading times for photos are much faster - almost twice so. The built in CF slot is also a nice feature. When viewing images on a standard television the quality is much better than the previous unit.

Loading video is much faster as well, and playback is in true DVD resolution.
and the following link is a great tool for getting your DVDs onto the AV420

Music playback is great and the new smaller size of the unit makes it more portable.

No matter how you get one of these multimedia players, I'm sure anyone looking for a top quality product of this nature will not be disappointed. Definitely consider the AV420 as well, the price difference may be worth it to you.

Caveat Emptor:Poor Quality Control-Horrible Customer Service.......2004-12-15

Anyone considering purchasing this or any Archos product should be aware that based on my experience (4 Archos jukeboxes) their quality control is spotty at best. This used to be bearable because they used to have a fairly liberal warranty policy and would repair or exchange defective products no questions asked. That has changed. Now you have to go through an elaborate process of providing documentation of purchase, mailing the unit back at your own expense, insured, and waiting in silence while they decide what to do. In my case the little joystick that is the key control of the unit fell off. When I returned the AV320 to them for repair (they would not simply send me the part) they decided to keep the 80 gb hard drive I had installed in my AV320. Because they claim installing the drive voided the warranty they now say that they will not return MY drive to me unless I pay them $125 for the repair. Won't take back the replacement they sent me, won't send me a replacement part, won't give me my property back. Worst customer service I've ever seen. I think it would be a serious mistake to buy anything from them.

So much better than an Ipod.......2004-12-08

When I first started researching mp3 players I was drawn to both this one and the RCA Lyra. I loved that I could play movies on either one of these instead of just music, like the Ipod. Although the Archos is slightly larger than the RCA Lyra, I think the Archos is a much better find. I've had mine for about 8 months and I love it! I bought it so that I could watch movies or listen to music on the bus for long rides instead of puling out my laptop and this has performed in every way possible. Archos has also updated the software for the player and posted it on their site so the operating system can be updated.

All of the reviews I read before buying said the controls were very confusing at first, I didn't think so. I liked that fact that there was a joystick-like cursor. I also love the DVR attachment becuase if I wanted to I could record movies or Tv shows and take them with me.

I already have almost 2,500 songs on it, 6 movies, and lots of pictures on it and have barely made a dent in the 20GB. One of the other things that really drew me to the Archos was that both the battery and the harddrive could be replaced, unlike an Ipod.

But, the major selling point on the Archos was the AVcam. This is another attachment that turns the player into both a digital camera and a digital video camera. I love this part! I'm not a big picture taker so I wasn't looking for any high powered, high megapixel, super fast camera and this one works fine for me. The pictures turn out great and this video on the player is wonderful. The one disappointment about the camera is that it doens't take very good night pictures but if you change the setting to "flurescent" it works much better. I know that Archos is no longer making the AVcams but if you can find one and just want a simple digital camera I would highly recommend that.

After using this for a few months I have just a few complaints. When watching a movie during the day sometimes the screen is hard to see, but I guess that happens with all screens. Also, the missing case was a little bit of an issue becuase I used to throw this in my backback but when I bought the AVcam it came with a really nice case, otherwise use a PDA screen protector, they are the perfect size. My last complaint is about the AVcam becuase it takes forever to boot up into camera mode but as long as your not using it to take action shots it's fine.

Overall, even though it is larger than the other digital players on the market, I would say this is well worth the money.

Waste of money.......2004-11-08

Do not buy this!!!
It craps out in about a year, of course once the warranty is up.
Like several other people, mine doesn't turn on unless it wants to and it shuts off when it wants to. The battery life also lasts about 10 min. after four days of charging it. From the time I got it to now, it kept getting worse and worse. It is nowhere near the money that this thing is going for. Buy an ipod or something sturdy with good battery life. If you really want video, wait awhile until better video technology comes out, because you can only watch video on this in mpeg4, which is hard to encode and doesn't get a good picture.

AV320 Does Exactly What it is supposed to do!!.......2004-11-04

After reading so many of the poor reviews I wanted to through my hands up and scream. You people must have got hold of bad equipment,damaged it somehow or are just generally clueless. I've had mine for a month. I backed up my entire hard drive from my laptop on the AV320. I plug it into my TV and record old Seinfeld and Raymond shows...or Chapell's Show or South Park. I plug it into the DVD and record full lenght movies to take with me when I travel. I've already dumped my punny 500 song collection from my Dell DJ to the AV320 and I have tons of room to spare. Now, granted it gets complicated if you want to rip a DVD to AVI on your computer to later pull over to the AV320, but there are legions of 3rd party software out there on the market that make if doable if not exactly fun.

Stop your caterwauling or donate your device to a smart person today. (FYI I'm just having some fun with you here...no need to bomb my email or anything ;)

Product Description

Amazon Imaging Quick-Dry, ultra-fine ink dries immediately on contact with most plain and coated papers providing vivid high-image quality output and brilliant color with minimum dot gain. These inks feature superior resistance to bleeding and smudging on all media types.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics