Labs

We're not sure how Archos managed to fit everything into the Gmini XS 202s. It's only slightly wider than a 1" hard disk player, but has a 20GB 1.8" disk. It's smaller than players with a similar capacity and is the most affordable of those on test. It feels well made, but falls short of the iPod in style.

Windows treats the

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Gmini as removable storage; copying music to it with Explorer is fast and easy. Once disconnected from your PC, the player quickly creates its own database from your music's ID3 tags. You can select tracks, albums or artists, or browse the player's folder structure.

The Gmini's large mono screen displays ID3 data and the title of the next track. Sadly, you can't skip tracks during the couple of seconds it takes to retrieve these details, making it a chore to skip just a few songs. Using the player's controls often produced quiet pops through the headphones.

The headphones incorporate a volume control, but they sound weak. We were unimpressed with the player's harsh, muddy sound through our other test headphones. This is the only rechargeable device here that can't replenish its battery from a USB connection. It comes with an AC charger, though, and its battery life of more than 19 hours is excellent.