Archos AV420 Media Center

**GingerPrince** · 02-11-2005, 07:26 AM

Sorry if this has already been discussed, but has anyone had any thoughts about this unit: -

http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS8307749263.html

Basically a media player, RUNNING LINUX, with USB2.0 and touchscreen. YOu can run custom linux apps on it, which presumably means you could compile a USB GPS receiver driver into the kernel. Now if only we had good Linux GPS navigation software....sigh....

Also, wonder what the prospect of running XP Embedded on it are, so the likes of Destinator could be run?

On the face of it, it could be an ideal plug-and-run carputer, no? Or if not this, then it's clearly the start of a "wave" of similar units.

**mpattonm** · 02-11-2005, 07:46 AM

Well if you can run Linux on it and you will gain an access to a boot device means you can install virtually any OS taht supports CPU this unit is based on, right?

**dominic** · 02-11-2005, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by GingerPrince

Now if only we had good Linux GPS navigation software....sigh....

have you taken a look at infomap navigator 4?? it has a linux version is pretty good

EDIT: forgot to mention is uk only, also i can't rember how good it is on a small screen... it a thought though

**Grimey** · 02-11-2005, 08:21 AM

That thing's pretty sweet. I just wish it had a VGA or some sort of input so you could hook it up to another PC and then dual boot the pc on the device and the pc under your seat. If they could do that....then I would buy it.

**cet99** · 02-11-2005, 10:44 AM

Yeah but for $799!!! I rather buy me an old fujitsu lifebook with a 10.4 ts lcd,upgrade the hd, load it with linux and save myself $400!

**Grimey** · 02-11-2005, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by cet99

Yeah but for $799!!! I rather buy me an old fujitsu lifebook with a 10.4 ts lcd,upgrade the hd, load it with linux and save myself $400!

Lol yea good point. But the lifebook isn't as portable and doesn't fit in your pocket.

**cet99** · 02-11-2005, 11:13 AM

well yeah, but it is smaller than any other laptop, and they still look cool, sort of like an old vaio tr3, or an oversize zaurus or jornada with the stylus lol.

**Chairboy** · 02-11-2005, 12:04 PM

A friend of mine is considering whether to wait for this or buy an AV420/AV480, the previous generation from Archos. Tough calls.

**blustreak** · 03-06-2005, 05:12 AM

I Have an AV320. It's one of the older ones you were talking about. I got it about a year ago. For the last few months it has been running my car audio system while I've been building my carputer. I also took it with me on a 3 and a half month backing trip that took me, basically around the world. It was nice because you can plug it into any socket around the world, as long as you have a cheap adapter, and it'll charge. I loaded all my music to it and a few movies. I also backed up all my pictures on it from my camera.

They really are pretty cool devices