Archos 15 GB Mini Jukebox Recorder

• Record directly from a stereo set, radio, or preamplified microphone via the stereo, line-in jack
• Includes 4 AA nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries
• Compatible with MacOS 8.6 or later, MacOS 9.x; Microsoft Windows XP

I've had my Jukebox Recorder 15 for about six months now, been getting used to 'living with it', so to speak. In that time, I've gotten VERY accustomed with using it. Yes, like anything with a great deal of complexity in a simple package, there's a bit of a learning curve. But once you figure out how to 'handshake' with this box (and it doesn't take long), you find that it's quite intuitive, and navigating through its functions is a breeze.

Audio quality? Excellent, both on record and playback. The unit can RECORD (which is VERY nice) via a line-level analog or digital input, which makes this a great device for hooking to a line-level output from a stereo to transfer pesky non-digital sources such as vinyl or tape. It can handle qualities up to 320kbps in constant or variable bit rates. Playback audio is excellent and rather powerful for a portable device.

The internal battery is very convenient, IMHO...all it takes is a few hours of charging and you can get some 10 or so hours of playback time. No running out to drop some dough on more batteries needed, nope.

BUT...that's not all, folks. The nice thing here is that this also can function as a removeable drive, with USB transfer capabilities. So you can cram some MP3s in there, some large project, etc etc...and take more than just music with you. This'll be convenient for anyone who has to transport large files, such as multitrack session files for music types, or big graphics files for artists, or some specifically-needed piece of software that needs to move around, etc etc. Use your imagination, you'll find uses.

Plus, of course, this works with anything...sure, you can make an iPod work with a Windows box, but it's not quite so 'happy'. So with this being more 'generic', it seems to help with ease of use/connectability issues for different platforms. Just find a USB port and get busy.

The only flaws here lie in the headphones. They're pretty uncomfortable. But this is easy enough to remedy and, in fact, WORTH remediation by getting a much better set of 'cans' and using those with the Jukebox Recorder 15. You can appreciate the excellent quality of audio you'll get out of a well-encoded MP3 with this box that way.

I'm planning to take mine into some studio sessions I have coming up next month (June 2003) so that I can convert and 'dump' various mixes of tracks in MP3 format to the box so that they can be reviewed outside the studio, at leisure. It's good enough, IMHO, that even semi-pro-type usage of Archos's machine in this way is warranted. Very cool little machine, this.

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I am not sure what Gillian was talking about but it is rather easy to adjust the volume while it is playing. You simply press the up and down buttons. How hard is that? And the navigation is easy as long as you put them into the player in a reasonable manner. The back and forward buttons function the same way as windows explorer. The player is a bit heavy, but I knew it would be because it does have a 15 gb hard drive. The USB 2.0 interface is awesome, great transfer speed, and no errors. The software installation was a breeze and the batteries can be charged while it is on. I have never had it falter, or had a play error. This is a great player, but you have to have some sort of computer knowledge to use it. Don't be swayed by reviews done by people who are computer illiterate.

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This is one great piece of technology. I bought my Archos Jukebox Recorder 15 off of ...Amazon.com and it was the best choice I have ever made. The sound quality is Great. I have tons of my favorite songs on it and it barley took any memory. The controls are really easy to learn and i set it up in a half an hour that includes getting all my songs onto it. The only down side to the product it the manual doesnt give you much information to start off with. This is just my opinion though. I have had only one dificulty with the software but that was strictly user error. The battery charge seems to last forever and it is one loud ...(which is definetly needed for metal). I would definetly recommend this MP3 player.

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i got this player for Christmas. The setup was fairly easy. I like the fact that i can use it was a back-up hard drive too. The Archos frimware is very iffy so i reconmend getting the rockbox one. It is better and has different fonts and even includes games like tetris. THis made the player better. It helps to have USB2.0 to help with faster tranfers. Transfers are easy becuase it shows up as another hard drive so it is a drag and drop job. Good player

Pros

rechargable battery

upgradeable firmware

memory

capability

good looks

ok battery life

Cons

size (on the heavy size)

included headphones

It is a very good product, simple to use and efficient. I just spent two hours understanding its operation. I have loaded hundreds of songs and have a lot of space left. It is not a lot heavier than the 64Mb units and the space is huge. I recommend it to every one.