The photos of the 705 WiFi available on this manufacturer’s website give you the idea that this device is disproportionate compared to other products of the new (5th) generation.  And it’s a not false impression.  This multimedia player and its 17.7 cm diagonal tactile screen shouldn’t be compared to the 605 WiFi or Creative Zen Vision W but rather to the Samsung Q1 Ultra.

Handling

It’s undeniable that visual comfort in movies film is largely superior with such a diagonal size; however, there is also the added bulkiness.  Even if the areas around the panel are relatively well optimized, we still are stuck with carrying around a device that weighs 609 grams and measures 22 cm diagonally (body included).  Besides its dimensions, ergonomics are very close to other generation 5 models from this manufacturer.  Advantages include: a tactile screen, easy navigation with colored animated icons, wide viewing angles except from below (a TN panel limitation), WiFi internet access (if you buy the Opera navigator as an option) and a large compatibility with different video, audio and photo formats (if you buy the plug-ins, see box). As for downsides, once again you will have to buy a number of options to fully take advantage of this device, there is the absence of an integrated memory card player and finally no place to store the stylus used for tactile navigation.

Video quality

The 705 is capable like its smaller sibling of reading a large variety of video formats.   For VOB files, you have access to the different audio tracks, which is appreciable if you want to hear movies in their original language.  As for the actual playing quality, we noticed very slight afterglow and reddish colors.  Moreover, blacks are not as deep as with Creative and there is generally more shimmering.  The only compensation for this is that this shimmering is better controlled in the darkest areas.  Instead of blocks of color, this is evenly spread out.

Sound quality

Without surprise, the standard headphones are of poor quality.  You will have to think of an upgrade to really enjoy your audio files.  By default, sound is generally dull with dominant basses that tend to tread over the other frequencies.  In default settings, the equalizer amplifies basses and highs (less felt) and decreases mediums.  To improve this, we recommend amplifying high-mediums and highs resulting in a clearer sound.

The player’s sound levels from the jack are modest and we expected maximum volume to be a bit more powerful.  Finally, the two speakers on the front enable to share your videos or music if the files do not contain too many basses or highs.