Archos 5 Tablet
Archos 5 Tablet Overview
Archos is a French consumers electronic company that became a household name in 2007 after it launched its 605 WiFi, a portable media portable media play that offers full web browsing and video/audio playback capability. The groundbreaking creation even won an Editors’ Choice Award for Archos.
Hoping to recreate its previous success, the company recently built a luxurious-looking Android-powered Internet tablet called Archos 5. While the new device integrates some of the features of the 605 WiFi, Archos also made various improvements particularly in its operating system. Packed with a more stable OS and high storage capacity, can Archos’ Internet tablet make the same splash as its 605 WiFi portable media player?
Features – Hardware and Software
Archos is struggling with design, though one will notice they have made great improvements in thinness. The Archos 5 with the smallest drive (8GB) is down to 0.5-inch waistline. Though thickness of models varies with drive size, length (5 inches) and width (3 inches) are the same for all models.
Thanks to a 4.8-inch TFT LCD panel that allows touch interface, the Archos 5 can afford to have less hardware buttons, resulting in a sleek, minimalist look. There are only two found on the device: a volume rocker and a power button. Archos has also made quite a feat in integrating a photo frame-style kickstand (it can be folded in if you don’t want to use it), which is quite useful if you want to view the device while writing or having a cup of coffee.
While Archos whittled down the gadget’s size, it did just the opposite step with specs. Whether your choice is an 8GB or 32GB Flash version, a 160GB or 500GB version, you’re guaranteed plenty of storage space for your multimedia files. The screen high 800 x 480 resolution and support for 16 million colors guarantee a wonderful viewing experience at all times, whether you’re watching videos, browsing photos, or surfing the web.
Archos’ switch to Android 16 Donut platform enables it to pile on entertainment apps into the device. You can send instant messages through eBuddy, send and receive tweets using Twidroid, or view Microsoft office files using Thinksfree. With the Vtuner-powered webTV, you can connect to a wide range of TV channels from around the world. For those who love listening to radio music, the device comes with FM receiver/transmitter.
The Bottom Line
Already available in France starting at $249.99 (8GB model) to $349.99 (500GB model), the Archos 5 is reasonably priced for a very impressive device.
What’s in the box: - Archos 5 Internet Tablet - USB cable - Cleaning cloth - Stereo earbuds - DRV Station adapter - Quick Start Guide
Main Features • 4.8-inch high resolution, 16 million-color touch screen • WiFi connectivity • Dimension: 5 x 3 inches, thickness varies with gig version • Battery powers 4 hours of video playback or 12 hours of music playback • MicroSD card slot supports up to 32GB external storage • WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity Key Features • Stunning bronzed metallic finish • Support for multiple video formats and codecs • Support for Adobe Flash 9 • Displays HD videos • Integrated GPS with 3D option
[...] have presented this tablet before and I like to review it every time I have the opportunity. I am always amazed by the fact [...]