STORAGE MEMORY: (Flash memory:
8GB-32GB + Micro SD slot for expandable memory. Hard Drive: 160GB
or 500GB)
WIRELESS 3G (Yes/No): No (not
directly)
CARRIER: N/A (No 3G available -
however you can connect to a standard mobile phone equipped with 3.5G via
Bluetooth)
RATING:
PRICE:
Archos 5 Full Review
The Archos 5 is a full featured Internet Tablet. It does Web
browsing, HD video, instant mesaging, streaming music, Microsoft Office files. The Archos 5 Internet
tablet supports a wide range of media files, including HD video. Right now, it is the only Android device
that supports video formats in HD, which opens up some interesting possibilities for Android app developers
who want to explore high-def territory. In my tests, video looked smooth, with bright and accurate colors,
when played on the device and on an HDTV.
The ARCHOS 5 features an 800 pixel-wide 5-inch touchscreen, an ultra thin design, and an accelerometer
for portrait or landscape viewing. Whether enjoying media yourself or sharing with friends, it delivers
outstanding image quality.
The browser on the Archos 5 supports Adobe Flash 10. Multimedia-rich pages loaded quickly and looked
great on the large screen. One nice thing about viewing Web pages on tablets rather than on smartphones
is that you can see their full width rather than having to shrink the pages down or scroll
them.
The Archos 5 internet tablet is probably one of the best piece of hardware on the market to surf the web
on the go. With its 5-inch screen and its 800x480 native resolution, the Archos 5 internet tablet will
let you surf the web just like on your PC, without the hassle of having to zoom in and out, turn the
device, or try and adjust the size manually. And it’s truly fast, thanks the latest ARM Cortex
Superscalar processor inside and its ability to connect to Wifi-N networks, or to tether via Bluetooth to
a 3G phone. If you add to that all the web related features, such as WebRadio, Email, or online videos,
you probably have the best Web-oriented device on the market.
The player's front panel is completely dominated by the sharp and sprawling 4.8-inch,
800-by-480-pixel touch screen. Side panels house a built-in speaker, volume and power controls, an
earphone jack, and a dock connector. Some average-sounding earbuds come with the Archos 5; they could
stand to be upgraded for a better listening experience. Also in the box are a USB cable, a screen
cleaning cloth, a DVR station adapter, and a Quick Start guide.
File support is generally laudable, but it would be nice to see lossless files, such as FLAC, on the
list, which otherwise includes MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, AC3, and 5.1 stereo surround. However,
the 5.1 stereo surround playback can be achieved only through the optional $99.99 DVR station, which
lets you connect the player to your cable box to give it DVR capabilities. The player also supports
MPEG-4, WMV, and M-JPEG video files, along with JPEG, BMP, PNG, and GIF photo files. It can also record
audio (in WAV format) and video (in MPEG-4), but again, you'll need the optional DVR station for
this.
Archos's
new interface looks more modern and runs more smoothly than the ones in earlier players. The screen
responds to finger touches more quickly than the previous ones did to a stylus. Navigation, being
menu-based, is more straightforward, so clicking on Play pops open a side menu with folders for Music,
Video, Photo, Games, and Flash Apps. The TV section, for those who will use the optional DVR, organizes
your program guide, recording schedule, and recorded content in one area. Media Club brings up content
for purchase from the Archos Media Club, Cinema Now, and Daily Motion. (The buying process is not nearly
as graceful as it is with the iTunes Music or Apps stores, but it works.)
Video looks excellent on the Archos 5. Even the video menu looks impressive: A
moving-image thumbnail plays the next video that's highlighted on the menu. Click on the button in the
upper right-hand corner to see a menu with Info, Format (full-screen, maximized, original, and more);
Set, where you can turn a still from your video into wallpaper; and Settings, where you adjust
sound.
The EQ
is easy to set to your liking and comes with the standard array of presets, and as long as you upgrade
those earbuds, the player sounds fantastic. It's too bad, of course, that there's no lossless codec
support. Yes, WAV files sound fantastic, but they take up a lot of space. I also wish the Now Playing
screen were a little sexier. It shows only a small piece of album artwork and fills the rest of the large
screen with text (artist, album, and song information)—a waste of all those
pixels.
All the multimedia know-how that ARCHOS is famous for, with the ANDROID
operating system.
HD Multimedia
Brilliant 5-inch Touchscreen
The ARCHOS 5 features an 800 pixel-wide 5-inch touchscreen, an ultra thin design, and an accelerometer for
portrait or landscape viewing. Whether enjoying media yourself or sharing with friends, it delivers outstanding
image quality.
HD Video Formats
Don't compromise--the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet is able to handle the widest range of video formats, even at HD
720p resolution (H.264 HD, MPEG-4 HD, and WMV HD5).
Your Music Everywhere
Enjoy more music formats directly on your device (MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, AAC+, FLAC and OGG Vorbis). In addition,
the unique ARCHOS music browsing system allows you to create your playlists without using a PC. Who needs a
tuner? Just plug your ARCHOS 5 into amplified speakers and you're all set.
Experience Your Photos
Browse through your photos with a simple flick of your finger or play a slideshow with music and transition
effects. The high resolution screen is great for zooming in on details.
Take It All
With a 500 GB Hard Drive, you won't waste time choosing what files to bring along--take your entire media
library with you.
Personalize your ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet with apps to suit your tastes and
needs.
Find your destination with the on-board GPS.
Internet
Fast & Convenient Web Surfing
The ARCHOS 5 lets you easily surf the Web. With a Wi-Fi connection (802.11 b/g/n) and the new OMAP3440
processor running at 800 MHz, you get quick and responsive Internet browsing just like on a laptop, without the
endless waits for page loads. Enjoy the Web in full width thanks to the 800 pixel wide screen, with no need to
zoom in or out.
3.5 G Mobile Phone Connection
If you own a standard mobile phone equipped with 3.5 G & Bluetooth technology, simply pair it up to your
ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet via Bluetooth. This will give you easy access to Internet directly on your device
anytime and anywhere.
Web TV and Web Radio
In less than 3 clicks, you can access nearly 1,000 Web TV channels, over 10,000 Web radio stations, and 100,000
podcasts. There's no downloading wait time. Radio and TV start streaming directly from a worldwide list of
traditional and independent radio and TV stations.
Media Club
The Media Club remains the easiest way to get video and music content on the go. With an even richer library
with new partners and some of the biggest industry names, you'll discover a large library of movies,
documentaries, music albums, and games. Buy or rent your entertainment in a couple of clicks and start watching
it on your ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet.
GPS
Full-Featured GPS
Whether you are walking or driving, you will always find your destination with the on-board GPS. The GPS
includes voice assistance, points of interest, fast multiple-route calculations, and car/pedestrian/adventure
modes based on the latest maps from Tele Atlas with 3D landmarks.
You can go to your account at anytime on the ARCHOS website and purchase the available
maps or cities.
3D Photo-Realistic City Navigation
Find your way around cities in 3D Photo Realistic mode. With multi-angle views and four zoom levels, you'll be
able to recognize places as if you had taken your own photos from the sky. This is ideal when walking and
visiting large cities in the US (available Q1 2010).
Free 7-Day Trial
Try the GPS for 7 days free of charge.
TV
HD TV-Out With the Optional DVR Station or HDMI Mini Dock
Turn your TV into a real web-connected multimedia platform. Enjoy all the ARCHOS functions on the big screen of
your living room. Watch your movies in HD (720p), listen to your music, share your high resolution pictures,
play games or surf the Web.
Record your favorite programs with the Optional DVR Station
With the optional DVR Station, you have the perfect match for your ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet at home. Record TV
shows and movies in one step using with the included remote control. Then you can enjoy your recording at home
on your wide-screen TV or in the palm of your hand when you are out.
Add the DVR Station to record TV, play video back to your TV and charge your
ARCHOS.
Get extended playback and S-Video/Composite video with the Battery
Dock.
Use the DVR Snap-on to record from almost any audio or video analog source when
you are on the move.
Applications
Ready to go with pre-installed
applications
Enjoy a selection of fun and practical applications for daily use right out
of the box:
eBuddy IM: for instant messaging
The multi-platform instant messaging application. Chat from one place to all your friends on the various
platforms. Supports MSN, Yahoo, Gtalk, Facebook, ICQ, MySpace and AIM (AOL)
DroidIn: for connecting to LinkedIn
Connect to your LinkedIn account to exchange information, ideas and opportunities. Stay informed about your
contacts and industry. Find the people & knowledge you need to achieve your goals. Control your career
online.
Twitroid: for instant micro-blogging
Twitroid is the industry-standard Twitter client for the Android platform. Easily access the famous free social
networking and micro-blogging service that enables you to send and read tweets, publish short URLs and
pictures.
Deezer: for music streaming
Enjoy 35 free web radio stations and the SmartRadio directly on your ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet.
Dailymotion: for viewing and sharing videos
Browse videos by searching tags, channels or user-created groups.
QuickPedia: for access to Wikipedia
Access to the free web-based and collaborative encyclopedia.
ThinkFree Mobile: for viewing Office documents
This application allows you to view, edit and create Microsoft Office 97/2000/XP/2003/2007 Word, Excel,
PowerPoint and PDF documents. You will get a free update before year-end allowing you to also edit and create
documents.
E-mail & contacts
Stay in contact by using the full integrated Email and contacts applications.
Moov: toggles easily between your apps
Moov wraps up your search needs all in one place, so you can quickly toggle between the product's contacts,
Google, Wikipedia and the remaining Applications on your product.
CraigsPhone: for access to online classified advertisements
CraigsPhone is a centralized network of online communities, featuring free online classified advertisements
with sections devoted to jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, gigs and discussion
forums.
High Paying Jobs: for access to a list of jobs (US & Canada only)
Browse through jobs lists directly on the Product. Search over 2 million jobs from all the leading
jobsites.
Add-ons
DVR Station
This accessory allows you to record TV, play video back to your TV and charge your ARCHOS. Recording your
favorite programs has never been so easy. You can also surf the Web or stream web video to your TV while
comfortably laid back on your couch using the included remote control as a keyboard and mouse
pointer.
DVR Snap-on
Use our DVR Snap-on to record from almost any audio or video analog source when you are on the move.
Mini Dock
Transfer your files directly from USB keys, digital cameras, or other portable media players. Quickly charge
your ARCHOS with the included charger/adapter. Play video out to your TV with video output in high quality
S-Video or standard quality composite.
HDMI Mini Dock
Optimize TV playback with HDMI output quality. Transfer your files directly from USB keys, digital cameras, or
other portable media players from the standard USB port. Quickly charge your ARCHOS with the included
charger/adapter.
Battery Dock
Transfer your files directly from USB sticks, digital cameras, or other portable media players. Quickly charge
your ARCHOS with the included charger/adapter and get extended playback with the built-in backup battery. Play
video out to your TV with video output in high quality S-Video or standard quality composite.
What's in the Box
ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet
Headphones
Standard USB cable
DVR Station adapter
Quick Start Guide (QSG)
Legal and safety notice
Archos 5 PROS AND CONS
PROS:
Beautiful build quality
Thin and light (very portable, small enough to fit in a large pocket)
High-resolution touch screen display
Wi-Fi
Music playback
Flash video and game compatibility
Video HD
Sound quality is good
PDF reader
Fast web browser
MAC and PC compatibility
Optional Dock/DVR
GPS (great GPS system, you can use it for in-car GPS)
Micro USB
SD card (for expandable memory)
Large sotrage memory (up to 500GB)
Android interface
Multitasking
Dedicated volume button
On-screen home button for one-click main menu access
Built-in kickstand (very nice feature)
Access to the entire Android Marketplace after enabling Google apps
Free Internet Radio and TV
CONS:
Requires a proprietary USB cable for charging and transferring content
Glossy design attract fingerprints easily
Touch screen is not as responsive as it should be
It's got a resistive touch-screen, not a capacitive touch-screen (so there is no multitouch
experience, no pinch-and-zoom feature)
Power button is also the reset button
Archos 5 Video
Reviews
Where can you find the best deals on Archos
5 Tablet?
Amazon usually has the best prices and free
shipping.
Archos 5 Technical
Specifications
Display characteristics
High resolution touch screen, 800x480 pixels, 4.8'' TFT LCD,
16 million colors
User interface
Touch screen, ON/OFF, vol+ and vol- buttons, retractable
virtual keyboard
Processor(s)
Central Unit:
Main processor: ARM CortexTM-A8, 32 bit,
In-order, dual-issue, superscalar core @ 800 MHz
Additional processor: 32 bit DSP @ 430 MHz
RAM memory
256 MB* (Low-Power Double Data Rate SDRAM)
Mass storage memory
• Flash Memory: 8 to 32 GB* + Micro SD Slot (SDHC
compatible)
• Hard Drive: 160 to 500 GB*
Operating system
Android v1.6 Donut - enabling application installation or
development
In its normal use mode, the ARCHOS 5 being a miniaturized Personal
Computer:
Program language
C - requires special developer-edition
firmware15
Connectivity
On board WiFi (802.11 b/g/n), USB 2.0 host with optional
accessories
PC accessories
Possible attachment of numerous standard USB PC accessories
(keyboard, mouse, memory key, memory cards reader, camera and other future computer
accessories)
Others applications
Webbrowser, Email, Contacts, DroidIn™, Ebuddy™IM, Twidroid™,
Deezer™, Dailymotion™, Quickpedia, ThinkFree Mobile, Moov, Craigsphone, Pages jaunes™ (only for
France), High Paying Jobs (only for US & Canada), Alarm clock, Calculator...
Interfaces
• USB 2.0: Media Transport Protocol (MTP)
• USB 2.0 Host: Mass Storage Class (MSC) and Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) with optional Mini
Dock, Battery Dock and DVR station
• Micro SD (SDHC compatible) on ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet 8 to 32 GB
• Add-on connectors to connect to the DVR Station and other ARCHOS add-ons
Communication protocols
• WiFi (802.11 b/g/n)
• Bluetooth 2.0 A2DP, EDR, ARCP, HID, Dial Networking
• FM transmitter (requires the Car-mount that features the antenna)
• FM receiver (RDS)
Video Codecs7
• MPEG-4 HD (up to 720p)
• MPEG-48 (ASP@L5 AVI, up to DVD resolution)
• H.264 HD (up to 720p)
• WMV (MP@ML, up to DVD resolution) including WMV protected files
• MKV (up to 720p, 2500kbs, 23fps
• M-JPEG (Motion JPEG Video) in QVGA resolution
With optional plug-in (downloadable from your tablet or on www.archos.com):
• Cinema: MPEG-2, WMV HD (720p), VOB
With optional software plug-ins (downloadable from your tablet or on www.archos.com):
• AC3 stereo audio and 5.1 sound files (via SPDIF output of DVR Station )
Photo viewer10
JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF
Subtitles
Support subtitles files with .srt, .ssa, .smi, .sub
extensions
Video recording11
• Via the optional DVR Station or DVR Snap-on. Records
NTSC/PAL/SECAM in MPEG-4 AVI format with stereo sound, VGA resolution (640 x 480) @ 30 or 25
f/s
• Via the optional TV Snap-on (only available for Europe): Records TV in MPEG-2 TS
format.
Audio recording
• Voice recording with the built-in microphone
Miscellaneous
• Built-in speaker • Built-in leg stand • Built-in
Microphone
Power source
• Internal: Lithium Polymer battery
• Device charges via computer USB port
• External: Power adapter/charger (via optional add-on)
Battery life
• Music playback time12: up to 22
hours13
• Video playback time12: up to 7 hours13
Scalability
• Device automatically downloads latest firmware updates when
the WiFi connection is activated
• Updates can also be downloaded at www.archos.com
Dimensions & weight
• ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet Flash series: 143,2x78,8x10,4 mm -
182g• ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet Hard Drive series: 143,2x78,8x20 mm - 286g
In a possible use mode, in connection with an external computer through the USB
B connector:
Minimum system requirements
• Microsoft® Windows® XP, Vista, or higher (with Windows media
Player 11 for MTP)
• Linux (with Mass Storage Device Support)
• USB 2.0 interface
Package includes
ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet, earphones, Standard USB cable, DVR
Station adapter, Quick Start Guide (QSG), legal and safety notice.
*1GB = 1 billion bytes; actual formatted capacity is less.
1/ Actual screen size is 4.8 inches.
2/ 7 day free trial. Software and maps sold on archos website.
3/ With the optional TV Snap-on only available for Europe.
4/ HDMI connection with the optional DVR Station or HDMI Mini Dock.
5/ With the optional HD cinema plug-in (included WMV HD in 720p, MPEG-2, DVD, AC3) 4/ with the
optional accessories: DVR Station, DVR Snap-on or TV Snap-on.
6/ TV Program Guide is only available for the following countries: UK, France, Germany, Spain,
Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, and UK. The first year of subscription is
free.
7/ Certain bitrates, resolutions, and/or file variations may not be compatible.
8/ MPEG-4 ASP@L5 AVI (MPEG-4: ISO standard by Moving Picture Experts Group; AVI: audio/video file
container by Microsoft) without GMC and Quarter pixel.
9/ Does not read AAC protected files.
10/ Certain resolutions and file sizes may not be compatible.
11/ External video output disabled for Macrovision®-protected contents.
12/ Rechargeable batteries have a limited number of charge cycles and may eventually need to be
replaced. Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings. Test run on an ARCHOS
5 160 GB with low backlight.
13/ “Depends on model. Rechargeable batteries have a limited number of charge cycles and may
eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings.
Test runs with low backlight.”
14/ Certain PC accessories may not be compatible.
15/ Firmware available for developers, requiring a sufficient expertise. May not be available
immediately
This video features the new tablet from Motorola - Motorola XOOM. It is one of the first
tablets to run Google's Android 3.0 (Honeycomb). Click here to see a full review of Motorola XOOM.
Best Tablets
