Archos 5 Internet Tablet makes an honest PMP out of Android

Android has become many things to many people, but high-powered media devices haven't latched on to the OS just yet. Much of it has to do with the Android's immaturity: from what we hear, it doesn't even support hardware graphics acceleration, much less embrace multimedia and games. Archos has punched through that barrier by porting over its existing media-happy application layer from Linux to make good use of the 800MHz OMAP3440 processor they've stuffed inside the brand new (much leaked) Archos 5 Internet Tablet. The tablet runs a 4.8-inch 800 x 480 screen, and can pump out 720p video (including WMV and H.264) over HDMI. Because it's Archos' own special sauce, the device also supports protected WMV and protected WMA (hooray PlaysForSure), a rarity for Linux. With the optional DVR Station the device can do VGA TV recording, though you'll probably want to spring for one of the beefy HDD models, which offer capacity up to 500GB, but double the girth of the basic 0.4-inch thick flash player. There's also 802.11n WiFi, a bit of a rarity in portable devices like this, and quite a treat for 2.4GHz-addled city dwellers.

But that's all pretty regular Archos-ey stuff. The newness for Archos comes in the form of Android, which has been fairly seamlessly melded with the Archos layer -- which hovers over the vanilla Android install when needed. The OS scales up pretty nicely to 800 x 480, which is a relief because the touchscreen keyboard is a bit of a chore with the 5's resistive touchscreen. Since it's not a Google-blessed device, you'll have to score a copy of Gmail on your own time, but the regular Market is available if you want to risk going around the 5-optimized AppsLib store. Several third party apps are included out of the gate, including ThinkFree Mobile, which should be updated to allow for document editing in the near future. When plugged into a dock and paired with an optional mini-QWERTY keypad (or any regular Bluetooth keyboard and mouse) the 5 becomes a rather nice way to surf the internet on your TV. It's missing in-browser Flash, but there should be an update to rectify that soon. Out of the house the tablet offers a high-end GPS experience, including hugemongous birds eye photo maps of major cities, and can tether with a 3G phone over Bluetooth for a bit of data. So, Archos 5 might not be Android's killer device, mainly because it isn't a phone and doesn't make for pleasurable mobile data entry or consumption. Still, it's doing stuff with media that the relatively sluggish crop of Android handsets have failed at so far, and hopefully will spur the community to greater heights. The player is available as of today, with prices ranging from $250 to $440, not to mention accessories galore. Check out videos of the tablet in action after the break.

Archos 5 press shots

Archo 5 hands-on

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ARCHOS BRINGS THE ANDROID PLATFORM TO A LARGE-SCREEN INTERNET TABLET WITH THE NEW ARCHOS 5

ARCHOS Introduces the Ultimate Internet Tablet with Android Applications, Bluetooth, GPS and High Definition Video in One Handheld Device

DENVER, CO – September 15, 2009 – ARCHOS, Inc., a top innovator in the portable media market, announced today the new ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet that combines the best of ARCHOS, featuring high-definition content, TV recording and built-in GPS, with the best of the Android platform for Internet browsing and nearly unlimited customization with applications .

The ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet features a sleek and slim design, 5-inch high-resolution touch-screen, ultra-fast speeds of a PC, full fledge Internet browser, 3D GPS navigation, integrated applications that rival Mobile Internet Devices, and far more capacity and flexibility. Up to 500GB of capacity ensures the ARCHOS 5 keeps up with the growth of consumer content, offering the ability to store Android applications along with hundreds of full-length HD movies, songs, photos and more.

"With the steady growth of mobile Internet adoption, easier ways to access the Internet and digital media, and an increasing need for device customization, ARCHOS brings it all together by integrating GPS, HD and the Android platform," said Henri Crohas, ARCHOS chief executive officer. "Android offers to the consumer unlimited ways to customize the tablet with thousands of apps, all easily available on the device or through the AppsLib Store."

New AppsLib Store for Large-Screen Android Applications
ARCHOS introduces the AppsLib Store for unlimited access to free and paid applications developed specifically for the larger 5-inch touch screen display of the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet. Consumers can simply access Android applications from the AppsLib Store through the ARCHOS 5 device and download in one-click, with the application resizing to fit the larger screen in portrait or landscape view.

In addition to accessing applications through the AppsLib Store, the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet will include several pre-installed Android apps, including the popular eBuddy instant messaging app, Twidroid for sending and receiving tweets, Craigsphone for posting or accessing classified ads, Thinksfree for viewing Microsoft® Office™ files, Quickpedia and much more.

Fastest Wireless Connection
With WiFi n network capabilities, the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet is connected where and when consumers want and with broadband-like connection speeds. Without WiFi access, consumers can use the 3.5G connection of their mobile phone and connect through the Bluetooth™ to the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet, without requiring an additional subscription.

The brilliant 5-inch screen of the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet, combined with the new superscalar microprocessor ARM® CortexTM A8 from Texas Instrument, allows consumers to surf the Web on a high-resolution 800x480 touch screen, as if they were surfing on their PC. Unlike the small 2- and 3-inch screens of most Smartphones and media players, the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet makes surfing the Web, watching movies, sending email, Twittering or updating Facebook pages easy and comfortable.

Integrated GPS Features 3D Maps and Adventure Mode Compass
The ARCHOS 5 features an embedded GPS application that can be used in the car, around town or even in "adventure mode" for off road travels. With voice assistance, Points of Interest, multiple-route calculations, maps from TeleAtlas® with 3D landmarks, and a unique 3D photo realistic feature for in-city navigation edited by BLOM, the ARCHOS 5 ensures one less device in the pocket and keeps consumers moving. With multiple view angles, four zoom levels and digital compass, the ARCHOS 5 keeps users on track whether in city or back-country.

ARCHOS offers a seven day free trial of the GPS features to test the power and performance before subscribing.

Entertainment Your Way with the Highest Quality Content
The ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet offers a host of content options, including:
16GB to 500GB Capacities: Provides enough storage to hold up to 710 full-length, HD quality movies, 3.2 million photos or 190,000 songs.
HD capabilities: Consumers don't need to make compromises concerning their videos. The ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet can handle the widest range of video formats even at HD 720p resolution (H.264 HD, MPEG-4 HD, and WMV HD).
Web TV and Radio: Users can stream thousands of Web TV channels and more than 10,000 radio stations directly to the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet.
TV Recording: With the optional DVR station accessory, ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablets offer a fast and easy way to record live TV and play back favorite HD movies directly on the Tablet or TV.
ARCHOS Media Club: The easiest way to access content on the go, the Media Club features the latest movies, TV shows, music and games from a host of providers.

Personalize with Plug-Ins and Accessories
Furthering the company's strategy to offer multiple customization options, the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet offers a host of optional plug-in and accessories from the ARCHOS store or Web site:
HD Cinema plug-In: Play WMV HD movies in 720p resolution as well as movies in MPEG-2/VOB format with AC3 sound.
Accessories: DVR Station, Battery dock, HDMI Mini-Dock, GPS In-Car Holder, , and more can be used to record TV, charge the device, transfer photos from a digital camera, record videos on the go, etc.

Pricing and Availability
The ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet will be available from retailers, Amazon and the ARCHOS Website beginning September 16, 2009, at prices ranging from $249.99 to $439.99.

Order information and customer support details are available on the ARCHOS Web site at www.archos.com.

About ARCHOS
ARCHOS introduced the hard-drive-based MP3 player with the Jukebox 6000 in 2000, and since that time has revolutionized consumer electronics devices. The company introduced the portable video player in 2003 and was the first to bring TV recording, wireless and touch screens to the portable media player. The ARCHOS Internet Media Tablet and PCtablet offer consumers uncompromised access to the Internet, movies, photos, video, music and television anytime, anywhere. ARCHOS has offices in the United States, Europe and Asia, and is quoted on Compartment C of Euronext Paris, ISIN Code FR0000182479. More information is available online at archos.com

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 15th 2009 6:05PM]

Was reading someone's post on another forum and they said they were very picky about sound quality and then they said they had an ipod WTF! I just laughed, how typical.

Guess for those who don't like this can always get a ladypod. They are pretty with a cheap looking edge, affordability for the masses and getting a bit long in the tooth YAWN.

As if TV is that important as programming is sub standard anyway.Different strokes I suppose.

These are just my own opinions, if you don't like, do you think I care? lol NOT.

Have an A5 250 quite cool actually (no probs) with 729 albums on it, Cowon Q5W (has best screen), Zune 120, ipod classic 120, Zune has better sound the A5 2nd, Cowon 3rd can't go back to listen to ipod gave that away now selling my Cowon.

This new toy seems quite sweet will buy one, thanks ARCHOS

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 15th 2009 6:20PM]

Too many bleeding hearts complaining about buying extra bits for the ARCHOS devices, it's known before purchase that there is further financial outlay for docks and plugins so why sulk after the fact?

DON'T BUY THEN.

Fair enough if things GENUINELY don't work.

Misery love's company sometimes.

Nobody is forced to buy.

[wcw001 Posted Sep 15th 2009 7:54PM]

Your right, no one here was forced to buy an Archos. I for one knew nothing about the kind of company Archos was and many of the people here are just trying to inform others of what to expect if you decide to deal with this companies products. My IMT crashes incessantly to the point of infuriating me. And this is my second one, the first one died 3 weeks after purchase. Oh, and good luck if you need service help from Archos. You can either wait a week for an email reply or you can wait over an hour and hope someone actually picks up the phone. Why is there no AC charger (it takes 20+ hours to charge by USB), why did it ship with buggy beta software, why did it take 9 months to release the hi-def plug-in when it was advertised from the start? Sorry, but none of this was "known before purchase" as you surmize. Most of us who have bought Archos products recently will never buy again.

[brdystyls Posted Sep 15th 2009 8:40PM]

I second Wayne's comment.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 16th 2009 2:30AM]

Many of the people here are just trying to inform others of what to expect if you decide to deal with this companies products.


It's not a good thing if a product breaks down it's crap when it happens and it still can with mine, but it happens, do a search and you will not find a product that is without fault.

You will always hear more negatives than positives and that's not just contained within consumer products I believe it's a human trait. I work in retail and believe people's expectations are mostly unrealistic, to be honest there is a very high ratio of people that are @rseholes and I can't believe how stupid they are.

What about all those that have had no problems with their devices, it's just a bit juvenile when someone has an issue and then feels they have to WARN others and say DON'T BUY THIS! What a hero.

There's a big difference between informing others about a faulty product and warning them about it, if ARCHOS products were that bad they would not be around today.

Some just like to whine and get attention regardless what the issue...

Life is short lets enjoy technology as it develops rather than drag it down, good on you ARCHOS and others for the gadgets we play with.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 15th 2009 7:08PM]

Is there any buttons on the side or any way to fast forward or rewind easily? I had a Dell axim and I had buttons and a Dpad I could program to do what I want. It was easy and I wouldn't have the problem like with the Ipod touch I am using. It is a hassle I have to pull it out of my pocket,unlock it, hold fast forward at least 10 sec to fast forward a minute. Before I would just have to tap a couple times in my pocket and takes a sec. I need this feature because I listen to podcasts and radio shows. If it gets boring or a commercial it quick to ffw or even skip a song. Does any of these new players like this one or the zune or zii going to make this possible?

[brdystyls Posted Sep 15th 2009 8:43PM]

From the picture and having the original A5; nope. Though you can buy what they called a fm remote. Which gave the radio capabilities and it could control music as well. But the cord is a bit too long to be comfortable.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 15th 2009 9:49PM]

So other then all the lil charges, what would stop me from buyin this, hmmm...? Wonder how often they have software/hardware updates, hmmm...? I dont care too much about the annoying charges, but I dont wanna be left in the dark once i buy this thing. Any word from ppl who own previous versions, sound off plz.

[brdystyls Posted Sep 16th 2009 8:41AM]

Once every two to three months for first six months. After that? Well we still haven't had an update since.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 16th 2009 1:14AM]

Thinkfree Mobile is included complete for free? Or is it just the trial?

[SpongeBobPistolPants Posted Sep 16th 2009 8:27AM]

this thing looks gorgeous on the big screen tv. lets get Ceten to make a USB cableCard tuner for this, plug in an external hard drive, and this can be my dream set-top-box! hahaha.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 17th 2009 11:24AM]

If they really open this device up with apps, codecs and updates, it could be a winner. For example, there's no-one else talking about 500GB in a handheld device, so that niche could easily belong to Archos. But they've got to get their market figured out, get their software figured out and get their customer service figured out.

As others have mentioned, you don't realise how crippled an Archos device is until after you buy it. A charging dock shouldn't have been an optional accessory. (And what's with making the battery dock unable to power the device on its own?) Further, any add-ons you buy won't work with the next generation, so you have to buy them again if you upgrade.

I want to like Archos, I really do. But a substantial, vocal proportion of its client base feels burned by its tactics and products, and the company hasn't done anything visible to address this. I won't buy another Archos product until I see that change.

[supremehustle Posted Sep 17th 2009 4:37PM]

Video: http://www.v3.co.uk/v3/video/2249667/archos-internet-tablet-demo

[Deoki Posted Sep 18th 2009 5:09PM]

Good to see how Portugal´s NDrive works on Android.
Sad they didn't show the 3D nav.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 14th 2009 8:40AM]

where can i find maps for Asia?