Wow. With Steve Job’s iPod related announcements at the Wednesday, September 5th keynote (View it HERE), everyone has been stopping me in the halls asking “Hey, what do you think about the new iPod <insert model name here>?” Well, I think that the new iPod models are all great as long as you are willing to tie yourself to both the iTunes software and the iTunes Store. Do not get me wrong, I have owned several iPods that I have teamed with my various Macs and the experience has been as seamless as it has been enjoyable (Note: About.Com has posted this comparison grid providing a quick ‘Tech Specs’ overview of all the new iPods). However, the focus of this post is to provide a ‘buyer’s guide’ comparison of sorts between the newly released iPod Touch 16GB and the Archos 605 WiFi 160GB, both retailing at the $399 US price point.
iPod Touch 16GB
Retailing at $399 US, the iPod Touch 16GB is basically the iPhone sans the phone, bluetooth capability, camera and built-in speakers. The iPod Touch includes the revolutionary multi-touch interface, 3.5 ″ high-resolution display, wifi web browsing and wireless music downloads from iTunes and Starbucks (Full technical specifications are available HERE). There is also a rich aftermarket of accessories for the iPod Touch, with particularly beautiful and well-crafted options from Griffin Technology.
Archos 605 WiFi 160GB
The 5th Generation Archos 605 WiFi 160GB retails for $399 US MSRP – just like the iPod Touch 16GB. Is it as slim and beautiful as the iPod Touch? No, but of course neither am I…
My point is that the Archos 605, when viewed from the perspective of end-user usability and versatility is a clear winner when positioned at exactly the same price point. I linked to the iPod Touch technical specifications above. Open that page in a new browser tab. Now, open the Archos 605 WiFi Tech Specs page in a new browser tab. Take a few minutes to objectively view the specs side-by-side and look at how much more dollar value the Archos PMP (Portable Media Player) provides. In particular, note the range of supported file types, media sources and functions the Archos supports.
Archos Recommended Accessories
Following are the accessories I own and recommend for the Archos 605 WiFi 160GB:
DVR Station Gen 5
- Turn your ARCHOS into a DVR
- Record TV and most video sources in MPEG-4 format
- Play back on TV in DVD resolution.
- Stream media from your PC to your TV using your WiFi home network (for WiFi devices only)
- $99.00 US MSRP
Plugins
- Video podcast plug-in (H.264, AAC Audio) Gen 5
- Cinema plug-in (DVD, MPEG2 video, AC3 audio)
- Gen 5 Web Browser plug-in
- When released for the 605 Gen5, the 5V Car Lighter Adapter.
- When released for the 605 Gen5 160GB, the Archos stand case.
My solution: The iPhone/Archos 605 WiFi Combo
My personal (not business) communications/entertainment solution for day-to-day operations is to utilize the iPhone along with Griffin Technology’s iClear, Streamline and PowerDuo Travel products as my ‘all-in-one’ smartphone for integration with my web-based email accounts, contact lists and calendar applications. 
The iPhone’s 8GB of on-board memory is enough for me to load a few iTunes Smart Playlists for use while I exercise or for listening to while I work.
Now, since I travel quite a bit to our own branch offices, client offices, speaking engagements, and so forth, I prefer to carry my Archos 605 WiFi 160GB as my primary portable entertainment device. 
I can load it up with various formats of audio and video from multiple sources as well as carry backups of critical documents and presentations in the event my laptop and/or flash drive should fail me at a critical juncture. The included stand works wonderfully on an airline/commuter train tray table, a hotel room night stand, or any available flat surface. Irregardless of the form-factor comparison to the iPod Touch, the Archos unit is really not so bulky as to be uncomfortable when handheld.
Conclusion
As with all electronic devices, especially in the handheld arena, what is best for each individual is a very personal choice. Apple’s products clearly dominate in industrial design as well as form and function. They are not perfect by any means, but they are as good as can be expected when viewed from the business perspective of designing products that will succeed in a specific, targeted market segment. I hope this post will at least spur the reader to avoid marketing hype and take the time to research product alternatives prior to making a purchasing decision.
