Technofile: Anyone impressed with the arrival recently of the 80GB iPod may have to think again. Archos, which makes increasingly impressive digital media players, has now launched a massive memory video jukebox with a 160GB hard drive, or double the biggest iPod. The 504 model is the latest in a range of three, joined by the 40GB and 80GB models, writes Mike Butcher.
It features a 16m-colour, 4.3in screen and is compatible with all standard video file formats, while an optional accessory allows you to record directly from TV, DVD or a PVR . Or you can play out to a full-sized TV in full DVD resolution.
The massive memory equates to about 80,000 songs or 450 movies, or 1.6 million photos - assuming you ever take that many. The price ranges from €370 for the 40GB model up to €715 for the 160GB model. All three come with headphones, USB cable and protective pouch. See Archos.com for details.
• A new version of the standard Windows web browser, Internet Explorer, is coming soon, probably this month. But assuming your PC is set up to automatically update its Windows software, the transition should be pretty smooth. However, with Firefox now a viable alternative browser, one wonders what Microsoft can do to regain its cutting edge. Watch this space.
• Apple has launched its latest iPod Nano in a shade of red, the idea being to donate about €8 from its sale to the RED fund, set up by the likes of Bono to contribute to the Global Fund and help eliminate Aids in Africa. Apart from being red, it'll still be the usual 4GB Nano, but you will get an added warm feeling of satisfaction that your generosity is on display to the rest of the commuter train or bus stop queue.
• Sony Ericsson has launched a new silver Cybershot phone (pictured below) to coincide with the new James Bond movie. The special edition K800i doesn't pack any rockets or ejector seats, but it does have a very good 3.2 megapixel camera.
• Smartphone watchers would normally be excited at the news of a new Treo. The trail-blazing smartphone has seen many an e-mail and text addicted businessman through the tough times, but these days it's looking pretty dated. However, in today's market where Wi-Fi and fast HSPDA data downloading are almost standard, you really have to be going somewhere to impress. Which is why the new Treo 680 is such a disappointment.
Okay, so it has a new Palm operating system (one that hardly anyone uses any more), and okay it has 64MB of memory (low compared to many handsets) and yes, it has a new 312MHz chip (yawn).
But none of this excites and the latest Blackberry or the Nokia E61, or the Sony Ericsson P990i are all looking far more powerful these days. Treo-maker Palm will have to try harder.
