I'm also interested in the new Archos range.
Still have an ancient AV700 player from years ago, use it for watching films when travelling.
A few years ago the screen wouldn't illuminate so I sent an email to Archos in France asking if it was a user replaceable part as the player was years out of the warranty and I had no paperwork for it.
They got back to me withinh 30 minutes asking if they could send a courrier around to collect the AV700 and transport it from Norway to France and take a look.
Sure enough, that afternoon, a chap from DHL arrived at the door asking for the package.
Long story short, a week went by before I recieved my player back complete with new screen, updated software and a technical report which stated the battery was not optimal so they fitted a new one, all free of charge.
After reading several horror stories about poor after sales service from Archos around the web, it was indeed a pleasant surprise.
In my view, their media players are solidly built, easily upgradable and they look superb.