Go Retro With ONDIO from Archos

Nov. 21, 2002--Just when you thought Jukebox technology could not go any further, Archos got seriously retro with the launch of a petite personal MP3 player/recorder with built-in FM radio, the ONDIO.

Containing 128MB of solid state memory with smart card slot to increase capacity, the ONDIO supports up to three hours of MP3 playback (at CD quality) and adds two unique features to the functions of its big brothers in the Archos Jukebox Recorder series.

1. A built-in FM radio, and
2. A 30-second retro recording buffer.

Not only can you listen to your favorite radio station and MP3 music, you can also record/encode MP3 from any audio source, or from the integrated FM radio itself, while on the move!

The ONDIO gives the freedom to capture any track, clip or quote from the radio with a simple push of a button. The user can also retro-record 30 seconds before the button is pushed, as well as front-end edit the file on the first playback. (records up to 3 hours with 96 kbits/s).

As with all Archos products, these recorded files can be dragged and dropped onto/from the computer via the supplied USB connector, and can be e-mailed to friends.

At a tiny size (3-1/4 x 2 x 1 inches), this dynamic little player's futuristic design is eye catching.

The ONDIO is the first product in the Archos range of personal entertainment systems to utilize "Flash" memory and offer memory expansion by incorporating a slot for Multimedia cards.

The ONDIO also includes the following functionalities:

-- Store 2 hours minimum of music MP3 in quality CD (from a computer or directly off the FM tuner and other analog audio source)
-- Use the integrated microphone to turn it into a dictating machine (capacity of over 4 hours vocal recording)
-- Transport data by storing them on the 128 memory Flash (USB 1.1 interface)
-- Multiplatform -- compatible with Mac or PC.
-- Hot swappable (the computer immediately sees the ONDIO as another drive without the need to re-boot)
-- Simple to use menu
-- LCD screen

The new Archos ONDIO is available for an MSRP of $179.95. Additional information is available from Archos Technology, 3 Goodyear, Unit A, Irvine, Calif. 92618, visit www.archos.com, or call 949/609-1400.