Archos has finally launched its new Android device - the Archos 5 Internet Tablet. Those of you who are confused, thinking this has already been released, don't worry as Archos has just dropped the word 'media' from the range.
Which is strange, as there's more focus than ever on the media side of things. The Archos 5 IT is a novel device, coming in a range of flavours, from the £200 8GB flash drive to the HDD 500GB, costing £350.
We got our hands on the 32GB flash effort, which comes in at a reasonable 143.2x78.8x10.4 mm. The 160GB and 500GB options are a lot bigger at double the thickness (given the huge HDD inside) and may be a little cumbersome for most, although none of these were on display.
The new Archos 5 Internet Tablet is a peach of a device to hold, with a wafer thin profile and lighter than (heavy) air at 182g. The unit feels very light in the hand, which is an odd sensation when you consider how big the screen is. However, it does in all honesty feel massive thanks to the 4.8-inch screen, so you will feel like something of a fool holding it to your face.
The design clearly takes its cues from the current Archos Internet Media Tablet range, with a pockmarked shiny back cover and smooth touchscreen. The WVGA resolution (800 x 480) looks great on the Archos 5 IT too.
The headphone jack is slightly raised, but the addition of a microUSB charging slot is welcome, despite the normal connector ports being on board as well. The sides are slightly more curved than we're used to, giving another clue that Archos is looking to move away from its more 'industrial' days.
The new overlay is slightly odd considering it's Android under the hood - it's like Google's mobile OS came across a slightly drunk Archos UI one night and the two spent a passionate night together before coming up with the 5 IT.
For instance, the homescreen looks like an Archos-ed Android phone, yet delve into the media and you'll see the normal Archos UI. The battery meter changes between the Archos standard graphic and the stereotypical Android one, which is really odd and feels like you're running with two operating systems.
The whole thing works well though, with minimal lag thanks to an 800MHz processor under the hood. Swishing left and right on the home screen was as simple as on the HTC range, with the wide touchscreen performing well.
Your comments (3) Click to add a new comment
hotsoup
September 21st 2009
3. "The 160GB Archos is £299, that is the same price as the 64GB Touch. The 32GB Archos is £274, which is very expensive and more than the 32Gb Touch. "
If that's the case, then a 64GB archos is about the same as a 64GB touch as you can get a 32GB micro-sd card for around £60, if not less. Plus Sandisk are working on a 128GB card, gives the option of expansion in the future where the touch doesn't.
Then there's the plethora of functions that a touch just does not have, makes the archos even more value for money.
Slightly harsh review in my opinion. There is no other player out there that does what the Archos does. It's a generation ahead of anything else.
I just wish they'd stick an hdmi port on the things and do away with the dock.
Apple products are pretty, but functionally limited, too restrictive and appeal to the mass market. Archos producs are streets ahead.
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mitchelln
September 17th 2009
2. If he is an Apple fanboy then what are you Charbax?
Always first to post. Have you actually got one of these?
Once again you are way off on the pricing. The 160GB Archos is £299, that is the same price as the 64GB Touch. The 32GB Archos is £274, which is very expensive and more than the 32Gb Touch. Go on the UK Archos and UK Apple sites to see this.
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charbax
September 17th 2009
1. I counted about 12 inaccuracies in your post. For example:
"We're very disappointed that Archos has decided to keep its plugins policy with the 5 Internet Tablet range, meaning users have to pay extra to pump HD content to the TV."
- WRONG!
Mpeg4/DivX/XviD HD, H264/MKV/Mp4/MOV HD, Youtube HD, Flash HD are supported by Default for free.
You only have to pay 15€ for Mpeg2/AC3/WMV-HD/VC1-HD. Why should everone pay the codec licences for these if only some users even need those codecs. And those codecs are free with the DVR Station.
"so no voice calls are possible.
Well, that's not strictly true, as you can perform VOIP calling, but it's a poor second to being able to communicate wherever you want using mobile broadband."
- YOU can use broadband using Bluetooth tethering using a 3G Bluetooth modem in any cheap 3G mobile phone and do your Google Voice, Skype, SIP VOIP calls through that.
"the new Archos 5 Internet Tablet costing £70 more than the iPod touch at 64GB. The two might be very different in terms of hardware options (the Archos has a much nicer screen and can play Flash video, for instance) but we think to properly match and beat Apple, the price has to start a lot lower."
- How about Archos gives you 500GB for the price of ipod touch 64GB! How about Archos gives you 160GB for the price of ipod touch 32GB. How about Archos gives you 8GB for the same price as ipod touch 8GB. How about Archos is 100x better value than the ipod touch on every single feature.
My guess is techradar is kind of an apple fanboy.
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