Before the iPod phenomenon how did people exist? The answer is simple - we had mp3 players, CD players, walkmans... need I go back any further? Well those in the know had none of the above; they had a media player from the French company Archos, and many of them probably still do.

ARCHOS 605 WIFI Portable Video

The 605 is a very clever device which allows you to play all your digital entertainment using only one machine. The 605 is WIFI compatible, meaning that you can stream and watch videos from your pc and download movies and music directly onto your PMP using the Archos Content Portal.

The screen is a high resolution 4.3" touch screen 800x400 pixels so you are guaranteed a crisp and clear picture to enhance your viewing. The 80GB model allows you to store up to 100 movies, 800,000 photos or 40,000 songs, though if this is not enough space for you; try the 160GB model which can store more than 200 movies, 1, 6 million photos or 95,000 songs.

Another hit function of the Archos 605 WIFI Portable Video is the ability that it gives to watch web video directly onto the device. On video sharing sites you have the option of streaming the video on the homepage in full screen mode; I'd say it's worth every bit of the £299.

ARCHOS 104

If the 605 model is a bit on the large size for you (though who says that size matters?), maybe the Archos 104 is more suited to you. It fits in the pocket and although the Archos 104 has a lot smaller memory capacity, for light use you'll still have more space than you need. The 6GB holds up to 3,000 songs, 60,000 photos and plays MP3, WAV, WMA and protected WMA files.

The Archos 104 has a 1.3" OLED colour screen and the USB 2.0 high-speed Interface makes it easy to transfer files from your computer to the device. The purchase price is £103; the Archos is available in 3 colours and has a 13 hour battery life, making it the ideal workout companion.

www.archos.com