Archos Gmini 220 20 GB MP3 Jukebox / Recorder / Photo Wallet-Viewer with Compact Flash Reader here
Archos Gmini 220 20 GB MP3 Jukebox / Recorder / Photo Wallet-Viewer with Compact Flash Reader hereI will have to first admit that I only have one day’s experience with the Gmini. All in all, the device does its job well; it is an excellent external hard drive and transfers via USB 2.0 are fast. The sound of the ear buds seem fine to me, and the UI isn’t the best but gets the job done.Problems started, however, when I started trying to copy files from my CompactFlash card to the Gmini hard drive via the CF port (this is extremely important to me, since I bought this device primarily as a data vault for digital pictures while on vacation).I have three CF cards: Kodak (256MB), SimpleTech(128MB) and SanDisk(8MB). Both the Kodak and the SimpleTech have problems in the Gmini (firmware 1.9). You can browse the directory structure on the CF cards fine, but when you try to copy a file, the Gmini hangs; turning the device off is the only recourse. In addition, whatever directory you were copying into on the Gmini’s hard disk is now corrupted.In desperation, I popped in my SanDisk 8MB card. Files from it copied perfectly. Hmmmmmmm.Next step was to call tech support. While not tremendously helpful, they seem to be loosely aware of the issue. Their claim is that they have seen a problem with SimpleTech cards and with Lexar cards (they were especially emphatic about Lexar). They are not sure whether it is a hardware or firmware problem, but the claim is that they are working on it.I plan to test some Viking, Kingston, and SanDisk cards tomorrow; according to another Amazon reviewer, these cards should work in the Gmini. We shall see.So, this is the main showstopping problem I have with this device. As of today with firmware 1.9 on the Gmini, be very cautious about buying this device if you have “off-brand” CF cards such as SimpleTech, Kodak, Lexar, etc. and plan to use the CF port with these cards.A couple of other gripes: there is no belt clip, and the thing is way too big for a pocket. Where does it go while you are walking/jogging? Also, the earbuds are too large for my wife’s ear, but that just might be an anatomical anomaly on her part.Since there was a significant amount of bad, I’ll restate the good: the price, 20GB can hold a *lot* of music, the USB 2.0 connection is fast. Being able to hold 20GB of any data you like in a small portable device is just too useful.
