Archos 504 or a Rockbox'd 80gb video Ipod?

[patach]

I am in a bout between buying an Video Ipod 80gb or an Archos 504 80 gb.  Both are roughly similar prices, but the Archos has the added ability to drag and drop while the ipod doesn't.

But this rockbox thing gives ipod the ultimate edge.  Which is why I need the full honest details here.  Knowing very clearly that having rockbox stuck on my ipod HD voids their warranty... has there ever been an issue with rockbox that has had caused any direct damage to the ipod to the point in which you would not be able to reset?  This is especially important since I notice that Rockbox has recently supported the Video Ipod in its 80gb format.  Will there be any real big problems and sacrifices I would have to face with a rockbox'd up ipod video?

I'm just asking honestly and hoping that there would be no bias here since this is an open source program and all.  

[Sherv]

I've been using rockbox for almost 5 years now on a myriad of mp3 players and have never suffered any "damage" to the player by doing so.

[xwaydoublecode1234.rez]

ipod + rockbox = less battery life, no *video* support(just 15fps at 320 240), a little bit slower interface, no usb mode(just emergency disk mode which is slow)... some bugs...

but it supports a large amout of audio codecs...

you decide

[Llorean]

You could always pick up a Gigabeat F-series, and a larger disk for it, instead. This solution offers a similar large screen, but much better performance with Rockbox, and because the processor is quite fast, good Video playback to boot.

[patach]

What do you mean by “no usb mode”?  Sorry, I know very little about mp3 players and am actually trying to finally step up from a cd player.

One real big consideration was convenience.  I was wondering if getting an ipod and trying to hack it to get rockbox on there was more or less convenient than just booting up software once in a while to batch convert some ogg files.  

You could always pick up a Gigabeat F-series, and a larger disk for it, instead. This solution offers a similar large screen, but much better performance with Rockbox, and because the processor is quite fast, good Video playback to boot.

What do you mean by “and a larger disk for it?”  Is the Gigabeat able to have its HD replaced?  How much more can you cram into the thing?  Wouldn’t that void warranty?

It’d be nice to have a cheaper alternative that can hold just as much.

[mschneider]

By No USB mode he means that you can't access the player through your computer with rockbox. (e.g. you cannot put files on it). Now don't get me wrong, this can still be done with the original firmware (the rockbox firmware allows you to use both). As far as convenience- rockbox is completely customizable, fairly easy to use, and has many more functions than the original firmware in most cases.

A larger disk for the gigabeat would mean replacing the hard drive. You can cram in as much memory as the size of the player vs. memory will allow. This would most likely void the warranty seeing as you would have to open the player to do so.

[Llorean]

Installing Rockbox also voids any standard warranty, anyway. Or at least, the manufacturer is likely to claim it does, and in most cases, will probably be right.

After you've done that, swapping out the HD for a larger capacity one (be sure to make sure it's the same connectors) isn't going to make the warranty any more voided.

A 40GB Gigabeat F can be found for as low as US$100 if you're lucky (New!) or possibly even less, though the average seems to run between $130-$180, significantly less than a 30GB iPod Video, and with significantly more power. Then if you need more capacity, sell the 40GB drive on ebay and fine yourself an 80GB replacement.

[patach]

Does a gigabeat take any old standard drive?  

[patach]

What I basically mean is, what kind of hard drive does it use?  I looked it up on the web and it says it's a 1.8 inch hard drive, which so far, all seem pretty expensive compared to my other options.

I would like to have at least 80 gb to play for video and music.  If there is any cheaper alternatives than Archos and Ipod, I'm all ears.  

[markun]

What I basically mean is, what kind of hard drive does it use?  I looked it up on the web and it says it's a 1.8 inch hard drive, which so far, all seem pretty expensive compared to my other options.

Here you can find some info on the drives compatible with our various players:

http://www.rockbox.org/twiki/bin/view/Main/HardDriveReplacement

[Sherv]

Wow, thanks for that link markun...I hadn't seen that on the site before! That's really convenient info, maybe I'll try replacing my X5s HD with an 80gig one if it's possible. Thanks!

[crispyambulance]

Installing Rockbox also voids any standard warranty, anyway. Or at least, the manufacturer is likely to claim it does, and in most cases, will probably be right.

After you've done that, swapping out the HD for a larger capacity one (be sure to make sure it's the same connectors) isn't going to make the warranty any more voided.

A 40GB Gigabeat F can be found for as low as US$100 if you're lucky (New!) or possibly even less, though the average seems to run between $130-$180, significantly less than a 30GB iPod Video, and with significantly more power. Then if you need more capacity, sell the 40GB drive on ebay and fine yourself an 80GB replacement.

Where are you finding these prices?

Also, is there any place to buy large 1.8" HDDs for cheap?  I remember seeing some on various ipod repair sites, but it was akin to rape.  I checked ebay and none ever crawled above 30GB.

[LambdaCalculus]

Try eBay; a friend of mine netted a Gigabeat F10 for $60, including the dock, charger, and software. All he needed was a USB cable.

[crispyambulance]

Try eBay; a friend of mine netted a Gigabeat F10 for $60, including the dock, charger, and software. All he needed was a USB cable.

Ebay has some very interesting listings in regard to finding an F40, thank you.  The problem I have now is finding a suitable hard drive.  All of the larger ones on ebay are zif 40, and the same can be said about the other sites with them on sale I have seen.  Apparently there exists an 80GB one with a 50 pin connector (number MK8007GAH).  Does anyone know of a retailer that sells these or if they turn up on ebay from time to time?

[xtremedrummer498]

The Archos 504 just went by the other day on woot.com for $200, so expect them to be flooding ebay in the next couple of weeks.