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Subject: Re: FMR - rest in peace

Re: FMR - rest in peace

From: LoveLearn <LoveLearn_at_iw.net>
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2003 13:09:30 -0500

I wouldn't respond to this a second time, but it seems likely that
Archos employees may scan Paul's post.

Paul wrote, "Actually i'd be interested in archos doing a remodeled FM
Recorder using a 1.5" hard drive, it would certainly rival the ipod and
i'm sure it wouldn't cost nearly as much."

Here are some design considerations I'd want to see addressed.

AM-FM rather than just FM. Radio section IC chips are similarly sized
and cost differences for including AM with FM are justified. All current
top sized listener audience radio shows in the US are "Talk radio"
programs. Most talk radio programing is only broadcast on AM. Ignoring
this market simply because FM is sonically better is a terrible mistake.
When selecting an AM-FM chip, find a top performer like the Sony
CXA1129N AM/FM chip rather than another weak performer.

Archos FMR and later models adopted a stylish convex rounded front. They
are attractive. But their projecting display panels and projecting keys
invite damage. Slightly recessed displays are much less prone to
abrasion damage. Accidental impact pressure is better absorbed by
projecting case rings and bumper structures than by display and keys
which may directly load damaging pressure into internal components.
Older AJR 20 and earlier designs protected their display and buttons
with projections. Surely there's a way to protect displays and keys with
stylish projections. French and Italian style designers are world
leaders, and since you're based in France, ask some style wizards for
help.

Memory chip prices have declined enough that refresh from the hard drive
shouldn't be needed more than twice per playing hour. Other compression
formats WHICH DO NOT INCLUDE COPYWRITE CONTROL OPTIONS should be
supported. Attractive current choices include RCA's commercial MP3pro
and free Ogg Vorbis. MicroSoft's commercial WMA versions perform well
sonically, but encouraging users to become dependent on WMA versions is
equivalent to knowingly encouraging them to insert sharp copywrite
triggered fishing hooks into their mouths.

Just my opinions,
John LoveLearn
Received on 2003-09-30

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