[microsound] [ot] archos 402 camcorder

[Kim Cascone <kim@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've been doing a lot of research on buying some gear needed for some  
upcoming projects:
- a mp4 DV camcorder for taking lo-fi footage for film projects
- an audio recorder for location recording -- also for some film  
projects

I looked at most of the import cheap mp4 DV cams like the Mustek  
DV12M but most of them couldn't take external audio and relied solely  
on the internal microphone for recording audio...not an option for me...

then I was considering the Sony mini-disc which can record 44/16  
linear audio and was enticed but then I'd have no camcorder...
what to do?

I checked out a website Bruce Tovsky sent me (thanks!) which was  
offering an Archos402 with a stereo battery operated mic pre-amp and  
a otter case:
http://tinyurl.com/d54h6

but it seemed a little pricey for what it was...
so I did a little research and uncovered a version of the Archos402  
which had a camcorder built in...
AND it could use the audio input -- meaning I could hook a mic up to  
it when shooting video! voila!

lo-fi mp4 video camcorder + external audio recorder!

and I found it for only $250 USD online at:
http://tinyurl.com/9ne63

the rebate only lasts until March 31st 2006 and although I called and  
asked I'm not sure if this rebate is available for non US citizens...
but check it out -- they're probably going fast!