Archos 400 30 GB Pocket Media Assistant (PMA430)

Archos 400 30 GB Pocket Media Assistant (PMA430)

Archos 400 30 GB Pocket Media Assistant (PMA430)

Product Description
From the Manufacturer
The Pocket Media Assistant PMA430 is the the first Linux-based 30 GB HDD device allowing you to record directly from TV, listen to music, browse the Internet and stay connected, for entertainment or productivity anytime, anywhere. A new generation of ARCHOS smart portable devices, the PMA430 combines full audio and video capabilities, WiFi connectivity and a personal information manager in one slim, pocket-sized device.

Record, playback, and store up to 120 hours of video
Record directly from a TV, VCR, cable box or satellite receiver with a convenient, one-time set-up TV Cradle. Transfer videos from a PC or Macintosh computer, watch favorite content on the large color LCD screen or play it back on any TV, video projector or any other external screen (with composite analog inputs, PAL or NTSC).

The PMA430 can control the tuner inside your VCR, cable box or satellite receiver to automatically adjust the channel and record based on the time and duration of the schedule.

Play games
The PMA430 includes a variety of Qtopia games ready for play. The device also features a Mophun game engine for purchasing and downloading games from the ARCHOS Web-site.

Record, Listen and store more than 6500 songs or 650 CDs
The PMA430 features a newly-designed music player that plays MP3, WAV and WMA music files, including WMA protected files (with Windows PD DRM). Easily organize songs with the enhanced ARCLibrary and customize your view by artist, albums, genre, title, year, and playlists. Each time you download a music file onto the device, it will automatically categorize the song using its ID3 tag. Create a playlist while on the go using the touch-screen.

The PMA430 can control the tuner inside your VCR, cable box or satellite receiver to automatically adjust the channel and record based on the time and duration of the schedule.

Organize photos in easy thumbnail and slideshow views.

Record your voice using the internal microphone. The PMA430 also features an audio recording application allowing you to record (encoding in real time) in MP3 and WAV, from almost all analog stereo sources.

Transfer, View and store up to 300,000 Photos
As a mass storage device, the PMA430 allows you to transfer, store and view up to 300,000* photos (JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP) directly from another mass storage device, digital camera using the built-in USB host port connection or computer. Organize photos in easy thumbnail and slideshow views.


Connect via WiFi, IrDA or Ethernet Cable
The PMA430 features built-in 802.11b WiFi to browse the Internet and access e-mails from any wireless hotspot. Whether in a McDonalds, Starbucks, airport, or hotel / café equipped with a hotspot, the PMA430 can automatically search for a connection.

Connect to USB Devices with USB Host Port
The PMA430 is recognized as a mass storage drive on your PC or Macintosh, allowing you to store any computer file using the high-speed USB 2.0 interface (backward USB 1.1 compatible). Use the USB host interface to make file transfers directly from powered mass storage devices such as other ARCHOS products, digital cameras and USB powered hard drives or connect an external USB keyboard for easy text input.

Connect to the Internet using the IrDA port of your mobile phone and to a local Ethernet by using an optional USB Ethernet adaptor.


Connect to stock quotes, check sport scores, read news, stay connected using the Opera Web browser and check e-mail while on the go.

Touch Screen for Fast and Easy Navigation
The PMA430 features a touch-screen making it easy to navigate through menus and tabs. There are three ways to enter text: virtual keyboard, handwriting recognition or a telephone number pad.

Browse the Internet and Access Emails
Connect to stock quotes, check sport scores, read news and stay connected using the Opera Web browser. The PMA430 features an e-mail client enabling you to read, create and send e-mails from your personal and business accounts when connected. POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP protocols are supported.

Stay Organized with Personal Information Manager
The PMA430 includes personal information manager software offering a selection of applications such as an address book, agenda, calendar, PC synchronization and PDF viewer.

Customize Your PMA430 with Linux-Based Applications
The PMA430 platform is easily customizable by adding third-party software or self-developed applications with the help of the optional Software Development Kit.

Removable Battery
Get extra long battery life for extended mobility.

Product Description:
Hold the future in the palm of your hand. The PMA400 Pocket Media Assistant is a revolutionary Linux-based 30GB HDD device that allows you to record directly from TV, playback video, browse the Internet, record and listen to music, store and view photos and more. Use the PMA400 to manage your agenda too. Keep contacts and task lists, read PDF files and even add or develop your own applications. This slim pocket-size assistant handles most popular video, music and photo formats. It's powered by internal rechargeable Li-Ion batteries but also comes with an AC charger/adapter. 8/10Hx4-9/10Wx3-1/10D".
Archos 400 30 GB Pocket Media Assistant (PMA430)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Archos PMA 430 is Super!!!
  • Archos PMA 430 -- outstanding mobile device.
  • Review Archos PMA430
  • STAY AWAY FROM ARCHOS!!!
  • Great Music and video, Not bad Wi-Fi; USB Host Mode Problems
Archos 400 30 GB Pocket Media Assistant (PMA430)

Manufacturer: Archos
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

MP3 PlayersMP3 Players | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Audio & VideoAudio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Portable Media PlayersPortable Media Players | Archos | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
Portable Digital Media PlayersPortable Digital Media Players | MP3 Players | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Similar Items:
  1. Archos Removable Battery for AV420 & PMA430 (500672)
  2. Archos Car Lighter Power Adapter (500503)

Accessories:
  1. Belkin F3N402-03-ICE 4-Pin to 4-Pin FireWire Cable (3-Feet)
  2. Monster Cable 126130 iCable for iPod
  3. Belkin F8V7058-APL Auto Kit for iPods with Dock Connector
  4. Belkin F8E464 Backup Battery Pack for iPod
  5. Monster Cable AICYP iSplitter Mini Y-Adapter for iPod and Mac

Product Features:
  • Record, playback, and store up to 120 hours of video
  • Record, Listen and store more than 6500 songs or 650 CDs
  • Transfer, View and store up to 300,000 Photos
  • Features built-in 802.11b WiFi to browse the Internet and access e-mails from any wireless hotspot
  • Includes personal information manager software offering a selection of applications such as an address book, agenda, calendar, PC synchronization and PDF viewer

ASIN: B0007LNDU6

Product Description

The Pocket Media Assistant PMA400 is the the first Linux®-based 30GB HDD device allowing you to record directly from TV, listen to music, browse the Internet and stay connected, for entertainment or productivity anytime, anywhere. A new generation of ARCHOS smart portable devices, the PMA400 combines full audio and video capabilities, WiFi connectivity and a personal information manager in one slim, pocket-sized device. Music playback - Stereo MP3 decoding @ 30-320 kb/s CBR & VBR, WMA (including Microsoft PD DRM protected files), WAV / Music recording - From any analog source into MP3 or WAV (PCM) format Voice recording with built-in microphone Digital Photo viewer - JPEG , PNG, GIF or BMP PIM functionalities - Qtopia software to manage your address book, agenda, calendar, calculator. PDF viewer Games - Qtopia embedded games and Mophun game engine to play games downloadable from Archos web-site Display - 3.5 TFT transflective touch screen 320x240 pixels QVGA res, 262,000 colors and TV output AV connections - Composite Video/ E Earphone/Line Out jack. Built-in microphone and speaker. TV cradle to connect to TV with analog A/V In & Out to RCA jacks, S-video In, and IR receiver for remote and IR emitter for tuner control Battery life - Up to 4 hours for video playback or 9.5 hours Size - 4.9 x 3.1 x 0.8 / Weighs 9.9 ounces For Windows and Macintosh

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Archos PMA 430 is Super!!!.......2007-04-19

I think Archos should continue manufacturing this model... it is very reliable and ENTERTAINING

5 out of 5 stars Archos PMA 430 -- outstanding mobile device........2006-07-27

After using the Archos PMA 430 for a few weeks now I am still excited to use it daily. It must be the new toy affect. The video/audio playback are tremendous. The transferring of files and ease of use with the product is what I love about it. And the TV playback and recording are great.

The only drawbacks are the basic interface design and the PDA functions are functional but not outstanding compared to other traditional PDA's. And the device does freeze from time-to-time if it is overed but not much different from other PDA devices.

Overall, it's the best portable device I have used and the overall value is tremendous.

4 out of 5 stars Review Archos PMA430.......2006-03-18

Bought the PMA 430 for about 2 weeks now. Setting up the recording was fairly simple, took about 5 minutes following the instructions to get it to play out and record whatever was showing on tv, satellite tv and dvd. The recorded items are very clear and viewable on the PMA screen. Audio is not too good but listenable playing out from the built in speakers but extremely clear via the supplied earphones.

Connecting to the PC was easy. So is the transferring of whatever files from the PC to the PMA.

Setting up internet connection via WIFI hotspot was easy. I did not even have to look at the instructions to figure it out. Connection speed was good and a lot better than via my NOKIA 7710. Screen shot for internet is readable but not made for long hours surfing. The touch screen's response time is way faster than my symbian Nokia 7710.

Overall am very pleased with my purchase and have been very fearful to buy this product after reading some of the online reviews. Safe to say my PMA 430 has been without any problems at all. (Touch wood) Infact it has not even hung once unlike my turtle slow NOKIA 7710.

2 out of 5 stars STAY AWAY FROM ARCHOS!!!.......2005-11-19

Product: Archos PMA400 (430)

This company is horrible.

I can guartentee you 3 things if you purchase this unit:

1) You will have a problem within the first week of ownership.

2) The tech support will attempt to solve ALL problems by telling you to reformat the unit and install the operating system again. THIS IS THERE ANSWER TO EVERYTHING! EVRYTHING!!!

3) I gaurentee you the tech suport suggestion of reformatting the harddrive will NOT fix your problem.


My first unit was defective - the new unit will not record audio.

Not a complete waste of $650 because the video recording has worked well on the second unit - but when you pay this much for something EVERYTHING should work.

Great concept - poor technology.

4 out of 5 stars Great Music and video, Not bad Wi-Fi; USB Host Mode Problems.......2005-07-01

The other reviews are mostly accurate and fair but you may want to know about a couple of important "gotchas". After 3 months of evaluating alternative devices (iPOD, Epson, dedicated external drive, etc.), indecision and refinement of my "requirements", I bought and I will keep the Archos PMA430. All of the conventional PDA features, music and video work very well. The Wi-Fi works up to about 25-30 ft from my Microsoft MN-500 wireless base station at home. I still need to go out in public to see how well it might work at, say, Panera or Starbucks. But the USB host mode (for digital cameras, etc) has limitations. First, you need to have the PMA430 on external power to get it to connect to a USB device like an external hard drive or thumb drive. Otherwise it just sits there and you get no indication that it IS or ISN'T doing anything. After long connection times (yes, I decided to wait it out) it gives a cryptic error message. But, connect it to external power and it quickly detected my 20GB Buslink external hard drive and my 512MB Kingston thumb drive. That means when you're away from home, you're gonna need the cigarette lighter adapter if you plan to connect through this port. The USB Host port will not connect to my Canon EOS 20D nor will it connect to my (sample of 1) USB Compact Flash reader. I plan to try others but if this port is important to your buying decision, I recommend "try before you buy". This renders the USB Host port useless for extending my camera's in the field storage space. The opposite function, connecting the PMA430 to a computer's USB port works flawlessly!

For me, the delays reported for start up of the individual applications was not an issue once you know it's going to happen. You simply adapt to it and it's a pretty short delay. My character recognition was excellent (I had the latest OS 1.13-2). The music is awesome! The video is great. The "sync" is a bit awkward but no worse for me than the first few times I used my old Palm Pilot. When you remove the battery, the internal clock seems to reset to 8AM on 16 May '05 for some reason (mfg date maybe). The pen is indeed flimsy and the cover kinda cheesy. All in all, I'm satisfied with my purchase and expect that a later revision in the OS is likely to overcome the USB Host port issue. When you plot function versus cost for a dedicated hard drive ($250-ish), iPOD ($350-ish) and high quality PDA ($500-ish) the PMA430 offered the most bang-for-the-buck against my "needs" and I CAN carry it in my shirt pocket without significant problem.
If you want a recommendation to wait or buy, I recommend buy if these things don't intimidate you, otherwise wait for a "next-gen" device.

UPDATE:
Purchased a Promaster CompactFlash USB2.0 reader. Connects without need for external power, and strangely, neither do the two USB devices that previously did. I'm now happy that I can get around the lack of camera recognition by the simple expedient of taking along the USB reader.

Wonder if I can figure out how to get it to brew up a cup of tea?

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