Archos 604 Wifi

Its nearly the ULITMATE in mobile electronics, but
still misses the mark. The Archos 604 WiFi comes as close as possible to being a highly coveted ultimate device, but falls short under real world usage. The tiny (think of a thin stack of 3"x5" note cards) device is a superb audio and video player and recorder accommodating MP3 audio and a variety of video formats (including MPEG-2, MPEG-4, protected WMV, DivX, and H.264) as well as functioning as a photo viewer. The 4.3" TFT screen (480X272 pixels, 16 million colors) has excellent color and clarity for a touchscreen. It also has a little touted but highly useful feature of reading/displaying Adobe PDF files. While the 604 has a very usable incorporation of an 802.1b/g WiFi interface, the one weakness that keeps this from being THE device to have is the Web interface. The inclusion of the Opera browser is a compelling feature, but its inability to execute the Active X and Java as well as render some websites that employ the Adobe Flash plug-in correctly all but killed it for wide use in our company. In a sample test at a shopping center, the 604 WiFi was able to connect to a `free' WiFi site at a Panera Bread shop but wasn't able to properly load the `Flash' graphics or `logon/splash screen that the provider requires passing through. On the other hand, another nearby free WiFi source (Caribou Coffee) had no such `logon' screen and internet browsing worked seamlessly---the virtual keyboard that pops up when browsing to a text-entry box is ingenious--but really demands use of a stylus rather than a finger for tapping the screen. This inability to connect was repeated when attempting to connect at a paid WiFi provider. ATT WiFi service has hot spots at Barnes and Noble, McDonalds and many other high profile locations. Unfortunately a login screen that couldn't be processed by the Opera browser on the 604 limited its use. Weve contacted Archos to inquire about a possible patch/update that cures this limitation, but have not received an answer. The device itself is well constructed and its aluminum case feels quite solid. Operation of the 604 is via the buttons on the right side of the device. Each button is actually two buttons, depending on whether you press it on the left side or the right side, but the concept is not exactly intuitive for ease of navigation its impossible to activate any control (such as volume up/down) without actually looking at the buttons themselves. This was only a minor hindrance.that is once someone created a `cheatsheet' and taped it along the side for reminders. The integrated speaker at the bottom of the row of control buttons is only marginally useful. Sound quality is poor and volume is weak, only being audible in the quietest of situations. The 604 is undoubtedly meant for use with headphones (included in the box) or an external speaker arrangement. The 604 uses USB 2.0 for data transfer and moves data in both directions quite rapidly. A USB cable, included with the player, utilizes a proprietary connector on the device side of the cable --a concern if the original gets misplaced.

(continued)

July/Aug 2007
The open end of the cable is a USB type B connector and is used for recharging the unit as well as (and concurrent with) data transfer. The software functions are also solid in operation. The initial GUI home screen consists of two rows of icons, for access to the major features including: Video, Music, Photo, Web, Browser, Resume Playback, TV Scheduler, Video Recorder and Audio Recorder. The icons are large enough to be touch-screen activated using a finger, but some of the finer points of navigation in the GUI demand the use of the included stylus.

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29 July/Aug 2007
The one point of significant irritation that the review staff found was the inconsistency in the players ability to play video. The need to spend extra (and significant, at approximately $40) amount of money to get the MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 video decoder software plug-ins is offensive. The DVR options are equally costunpleasant add-ons taking another $60-$80 to achieve full functionality, although this was clearly spelled out in the product description whereas the software decoders were not. None of the test staff found limitations in the other specifications: The 30GB hard drive provided ample space and the (removable) battery life was quite good---approaching 6 hours of mixed use audio, video and Wifi browsing. The processor performance when browsing could be considered sluggish but has to be weighed against the WiFi source and the sheer convince of having Internet access (when it works). The ML1 Media video specialist summarized it best: "That thing would
be better than the I-Phone (Apple)if it had a phone.it's too bad the I-Phone doesnt have the features of the Archos 604". Archos has just released the model 605 WiFi lineup, which incorporates a resolution of 800x480 pixels on the same 4.3 screen. The storage options include 30, 80 and 160GB models as well as a version that includes a card slot for a 4GB SD flash card. Oddly, Archos has not chose to combine the SD slot version with a hard drive. More interestingly, ARCHOS claims of full-fledged Web browsing including Flash sites for the 605WiFi line of media devices. Of course theres one small irritating catch. The Web browser is available only as an extra $30 plug-in. And not so surprisingly, the video decoder plug-ins are still a separate cost item (at $20.00, each). Our Features Editor has claimed our 604 WiFi unit. No doubt he will give it a long, steady workout. The 605 WiFi is a model we will evaluate more fully before spending our hard-earned expense account/equipment slush fund dollars.

July/Aug 2007 30

WIFI & Internet FUNCTIONS
Supplement to the ARCHOS504/604 User Manual Version 1.1

604 wifi

Please visit www.archos.com/manuals to download the latest version of this manual.
This manual contains information about the WiFi and Internet functions of your ARCHOS 604 WiFi device. You can find instructions on how to use all other functions of this device in the ARCHOS 504/604 user manual.
All the information contained in this manual was correct at the time of publication. However, as our engineers are always updating and improving our products, your devices software may have a slightly different appearance or modified functionality than presented in this manual.

MANUAL V1.1

Table of CONTENTS > p.

Table Of Contents

Introduction.....3
ARCHOS 604 WiFi Interface Description. 3 Using the Touch Screen. 3
1. Connecting to a WiFi Network...5.
1.1 WiFi Connection Procedure. 5 1.2 WiFi Network Configuration. 6 1.3Browsing OTHER COMPUTERS ON the Network. 8
2.Browsing the Web with Opera...10.
2.1Launching Opera. 10 2.2 Using Opera. 10
3.Wireless File Server....13.
3.1 File Server Settings. 13
Technical Specifications....14

Introduction > p.

Introduction
ARCHOS 604 WiFi Interface Description
The Home Screen of the ARCHOS 604 WiFi has one more icon than that of the ARCHOS 604: the Opera Web Browser. See: Browsing the Web with Opera. There is also an extra menu item: Enable WiFi. See: Connecting to a WiFi Network.

Using the Touch Screen

Your ARCHOS 604 WIFI device is equipped with a touch screen. Most screen areas will react when you tap on them using the included stylus or your finger. Below is a description of the main tactile screen areas and a few tips on how to use the touch screen.

Tactile Screen Areas

Status Bar When a cross appears at the right end of the status bar, you can tap on it to exit the current screen. This is equivalent to pressing the button. Tabs You can tap on the tab icon ( ) to switch between the available screens. This is equivalent to pressing the button. You can also tap directly on one of the tabs to access the corresponding screen.
Menu You can tap on the MENU word at the bottom right of the screen or directly on one of the icons. The available menu items will appear. This is equivalent to pressing the MENU button. You can then tap on an item or on its icon to select it. Selecting Icons, Launching Files, etc. In the Home Screen or in the Setup Screen, you can tap directly on an icon to select it. Tap a second time to launch the application. This is equivalent to highlighting the icon with the navigation pad and then pressing OK. In a browser window, in the ARCLibrary, in the photo wall etc., you can tap twice on a file, song or video to launch it. Other Touch Screen Actions When watching a video or listening to music, you can tap on the progression bar to go directly to a different location in the video or song. You can also drag the cursor in the progression bar to another location in the video or song. In the screens where it appears, the volume bar can be dragged in the same way. In the Archos file browser, you can drag the scroll bar up and down. In the PDF viewer and in the Opera Web browser, you can scroll up and down by tapping on the page and dragging it up or down (be careful not to tap on a link!).

Precautions

In order to keep your touch screen in good condition, and to avoid damaging the screen surface, you should use only the included stylus or your finger.
Connecting to a WiFi Network > p.
1. Connecting to a WiFi Network
Your ARCHOS 604 WIFI can connect to a variety of wireless networks, thus enabling you to browse the Internet or share files with other ARCHOS devices or computers, for example.
1.1WiFi Connection Procedure

ENABLING WiFi

From the Home Screen, press MENU and select the Enable WiFi menu item. Your device will scan for available WiFi networks. The first time you use your device, you may get a message No configured networks found. Highlight View available networks and press OK. The list of available networks will be displayed. If your ARCHOS device finds networks that you have previously used and configured, it will connect automatically to one of them. If you get the message Could not connect to any network, highlight View available networks and press OK. The list of available networks will be displayed. Once you are connected to a WiFi network, the status bar icon (WiFi not connected) will become (WiFi connected). There is no status bar icon at all when WiFi is not enabled.

THE LIST OF AVAILABLe NETWORKS
The list of available networks shows all the wireless networks in range of your device. To refresh the list, select the Scan for networks menu item.
In the list of available networks, for each network you will see the following information: the name of the network (SSID), if it is broadcasted (if the SSID is not broadcasted, you will be prompted to enter it in the next configuration screen) configuration status: configured network unconfigured network this icon will appear if you are currently connected to this network the type of authentication key that is required Open network WEP key WPA key WPA2 key
the strength of the signal
the channel used by the network the type of network (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc) (Ad-Hoc networks are not supported at this time) To select a network and start the connection process, simply tap on the one that you want to connect to (your home wireless network or a free hotspot), or select it using / and pressing OK. You will be taken to the configuration screen for this network, where you will have to enter some information to set up your access to this network.
1.2WiFi Network Configuration
In order to connect to a wireless network, the ARCHOS 604 WIFI will need some specific information about the network. Your device will automatically pick up certain pieces of information that it needs. You can enter the rest of the information manually in the networks configuration screen, as shown in the following sections.
Note that your device will remember the network connection information that you enter, in order to re-use it and connect automatically to the network when it is in range.

OPEN NETWORKS

Open networks do not require an authentication key. If the network has automatic configuration turned on (DHCP), simply tap on the Connect button, and your ARCHOS 604 WiFi will connect to this network, provided the signal is strong enough. If the network needs to be configured manually, press the button to select the Manual setting on the Configuration parameter. Other parameters will appear: the required information can be obtained from the person who manages the network. When you have finished entering all the information, tap on the Connect button, and your ARCHOS 604 WiFi will connect to this network, provided the signal is strong enough.
PROTECTED NETWORKS (WEP, WPA OR WPA2 KEY)
Encrypted networks require an authentication key to connect. The type of key (WEP, WPA or WPA2) will be detected automatically by your device. The rest of the required information can be obtained from the person who manages the network.
You will have to specify the following settings: Authentication: (for WEP networks only) the networks authentication method can be based on an Open system (default) or a Shared key. Key length: (for WEP networks only) the authentication key can be 10 characters long (64bit) or 26 characters long (128bit) (hexadecimal characters). Key: type in the authentication key. You will be taken to a virtual keyboard: type in the key and tap on OK when you have finished. Configuration: it can be Automatic (DHCP) or Manual. - If it is Automatic (DHCP), then you do not have to enter any more information. Simply tap on the Connect button, and your ARCHOS 604 WiFi will connect to this network, provided the signal is strong enough. - If you must configure the network manually, select the Manual setting. Other parameters will appear: the required information can be obtained from the person who manages the network. When you have finished entering all the information, tap on the Connect button, and your ARCHOS 604 WiFi will connect to this network, provided the signal is strong enough.

1.3Browsing OTHER COMPUTERS ON the Network
When you are connected to a Windows network, you can browse the shared folders of other computers in the network, using the Archos File Browser. From the Home Screen, select the Browser icon. Once in the browser, select Network. Your device will search for other computers in the Windows network and you can start browsing their shared contents.
If WiFi is not enabled or if you are not connected to a network, the device will scan for available networks and connect to a known network or display the list of available networks so that you can connect to one of them.
Using the Archos double browser, you will be able to transfer files from a computer onto your device, or transfer files from your device onto a computers write-enabled shared folder (see Copying files and folders in the ARCHOS 604 user manual).
Browsing the Web with Opera > p. 10
2.Browsing the Web with Opera
Your ARCHOS 604 WIFI features an Opera Web browser that was designed especially for this ARCHOS device. Opera allows you to browse Websites, read your e-mails, download content, etc.

2.1Launching Opera

From the Home Screen, highlight the Opera Icon and press OK, or tap directly on the icon. If you are already connected to a network, the Opera browser will simply open and you can start browsing the Web. If WiFi is not enabled or if you are not connected to a network, the device will scan for available networks and connect to a known network or display the list of available networks so that you can connect to one of them. Please note: not all wireless networks offer access to the Internet. Some WiFi networks only link several computers together, without any Internet connection.

2.2Using Opera

You can use the Opera Web browser to read your Web-based e-mail, view Web sites, download documents from the Internet, etc. The Opera Web browser features tabbed browsing. You can open several pages at the same time: they will appear in the tabs area, in the upper left corner of the screen. When several pages are open, simply tap on a tab to access the page that you want. See Opera Browser Menu Items.
Browsing the Web with Opera > p. 11
Opera Browser Button Controls
In the Opera browser, the buttons of your ARCHOS device will act as follows: next page scroll left previous page close Opera go from tab to tab scroll up scroll right scroll down validate (Enter button) display the menu items

Opera Browser Menu Items

Zoom - Zoom In: magnifies the current Web page. - Zoom Out: unmagnifies the current Web page. - Set zoom: allows you to set the zoom level directly by dragging a cursor. Render mode - Changes the way the Web page is displayed. - Auto: will reformat the Web page to fit the width of your screen, so that no horizontal scrolling is necessary. - Desktop: will display the Web page as on a large display. Vertical and Horizontal scrolling is necessary to view all parts of the page. Navigation - Back: will go back to the previous page that you browsed. - Forward: will go to the next page in your browsing history, if you used Back before.

Browsing the Web with Opera > p. 12
- Stop: will stop loading the Web page. - Reload: will refresh the current Web page. Tab - Add: will open a new, empty tab in the tab area (top left of the screen). - Close: will close the current tab. Go to - Enter URL.: allows you to enter the address of a Web site youd like to visit. Tap on the letters of the virtual keyboard to enter the address. - Search.: allows you to search directly in one of the configured search engines. Tap on the letters of the virtual keyboard to enter your keywords. - Home: will go to the Home page. Bookmarks - will open the Bookmark manager. Here you can sort your bookmarks, delete them, etc. - Select a bookmark and press OK to open this Web address in a new tab. - You can also set your Home page: highlight a bookmarked Website and select the Set as Home Page menu item. - To go back to the Opera browser from the Bookmarks screen, press. Settings - will open the Opera settings screen. Here you can decide whether to block popup windows or not, and you can also delete your Internet history and cookies. - To go back to the Opera browser from the Opera settings screen, press.
Please note that some Web features requiring special plug-in software or Active X controls may not work in this special version of the Opera Web Browser.
WiRELESS FILE SERVER > p. 13

3.Wireless File Server

Your ARCHOS 604 WiFi allows you to share files with other computers or 604 WiFi devices on a network.
Important: please check the applicable laws in your country or jurisdiction to know what media files you are allowed to share or copy.

3.1File Server Settings

First, you need to enable WiFi as shown in section 1.1, and connect to a network. You can then enable the file server directly by selecting the WiFi status menu item from the Home Screen, and pressing the Enable file server button. While the file server is turned on, other functions of your device are disabled Your ARCHOS 604 WiFis hard drive will then be accessible from your computers network neighborhood. If you want to set up your ARCHOS device to appear with a particular name in a particular workgroup on the network, press to go to the setup screen, then select File server and press OK. You will see the following parameters: Workgroup: enter the name of the workgroup, using the virtual keyboard. Computer name: enter the name for the ARCHOS 604 WiFi device in the network, using the virtual keyboard. Normally, you do not need to change this parameter unless more than one ARCHOS 604 WiFi device is in the workgroup. Write access: On will allow other computers to write to your ARCHOS 604 WiFis hard drive. Off will prevent other computers from writing to your disk. Password: only appears if the Write access parameter is set to On. Type in the password for other computers to be able to write to your hard drive. Enable file server: press this button to turn on the file server.

Note: some networks filter MAC addresses. You can find your devices MAC address in the System Settings screen.
Technical Specifications > p. 14

Technical Specifications

These are specifications for the WiFi functions only. For general specifications of the ARCHOS 604 series, please see the ARCHOS 504/604 user manual. Tactile screen, 4.3 TFT (480x272 pixels) 16/9, over 16 millions colors. WiFi 802.11b/g.
Web Browser WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: DISPLAY:
Opera Web Browser. Version specific to the ARCHOS 604 WiFi.

Industry canada statment

Operation is subject to the following two conditions (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. This equipment marketed in USA is restricted by firmware to only operate on 2.4GHz channel 1 - 11.
Operating in the United States of America
All brands and product names are registered trademarks and the property of their respective owners. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Errors or omissions excepted. Images and illustrations may not always match contents. All the information contained in this guide was correct at the time of publication. COPYRIGHT ARCHOS 2006. All rights reserved.