Archos almost completely skipped the “MP3” generation and went straight to personal media players. It is one of the first companies in the industry to go for the gusto and target its products to high end users looking for the complete digital media experience. Finally, the market is catching up to Archos’ vision.

With a gorgeous 4.3 inch display the Archos 504 is a masterpiece of technology. Although it is almost twice as large as the popular iPod the Archos 504 is not just another MP3 player with video capabilities, it supports most common music formats like MP3, WMA and unprotected AAC; video formats include MPEG-4, MPEG-2, H.264 (Apple) and WMV. One of the 504’s best features is the ability to record television directly to the device through a line in connection (with an additional adapter).

Techies and critics love Archos 504’s extensive feature list. Users like using their Archos 504 for traveling in airplanes or commuting.  Users found that to use the 504 to its full potential it’s almost a requirement to purchase additional accessories and software.

Archos products are usually a little more expensive than their digital device counterparts, but they consistently have feature packed toys that will thrill any gadget geek. Take a look at other hard drive MP3 players and compare and contrast the best hard drive MP3 players with our side-by-side comparisons. Here at TopTenREVIEWS, we do the research, so you don't have to.