Archos

If you are looking for a portable Internet and media playback device then the Archos 7 could well appeal. Coming in 160GB and 320GB versions and with a 7-inch screen capable of 800 x 480 pixels, it sounds spot-on for a bit of movie watching on the move. With a battery capacity of 10 hours for video and 39 hours for music it might even see you through a weekend away without mains power.

But that screen means it is large, and it is quite heavy too. At 640g and 190 x 110 x 16mm it isn't going to fit into your pocket. Nor is it inexpensive, with even the least costly model coming in at more than you'd pay for a laptop computer or netbook these days.

If you decide you can bear the cost and size, then what you get here is a very capable little device - with a big caveat. Archos has had plenty of experience of making media players and the details are good, from the nice large icons on the touch screen through to the little stand which hinges out of the back of the casing and which looks flimsy but does a superb job.