Archos 5 Internet Tablet

“The software changes are significant from the Archos 5 to the Internet Tablet, but the overall user experience is very similar. With new competitors like the Zune HD, the PMP battle has become more intense. Both the iPod touch and the Zune HD offer better touch screens than the Archos 5, which doesn't support multitouch, it only responds—and sometimes not as well—to taps. That said, if copious storage and a super high-resolution LCD are the most important features for you, the Archos 5 Internet Tablet is certainly worth considering. And at its high capacities, it's basically a portable hard drive with an awesome HD screen, so it's easy to forgive the half-baked Android implementation and the touch screen's shortcomings. But for anyone who wants a player that can be loaded with tons of useful apps, this one is likely to disappoint.”

“It’s large and gorgeous screen makes it arguably the best-looking media player on the market. At 6.4 ounces, it’s barely heavier than your cellphone. It has Android OS, although it runs dog-slow when it’s not crashing. Storage isn’t enough for a high definition movie device like this. Another issue is the touchscreen which is badly botched, which makes typing incredibly frustrating. Overall, it’s disappointing that Archos has traded away some of its simplicity, but if the kinks can be worked out of the way Android runs on this thing, it’s feasible that the addition of applications might be worth it.”

“On paper, the Archos 5 touch-screen Internet tablet comes across like an Apple iPod Touch on steroids. Every spec is designed to be over-the-top, from the 720p HD video playback and 4.8-inch screen, to the integrated GPS, Bluetooth, and FM transmitter. The capacities on offer are also beyond belief, starting with a $249 8GB model with a slender body and microSD slot, all the way up to a chunky, hard-drive-based 500GB version selling for $489. In short: every aspect of the Archos 5 is made to lure hard-core digital media nerds away from products like the Zune HD and the iPod Touch. Wish the iPod Touch had GPS? Try the Archos 5. Disappointed by the relatively small screen and limited video codec support of the Zune HD? The Archos 5 is a video junkie's dream come true. Even the open-ended appeal of the iPhone App Store is addressed with the inclusion of a handful of Google Android applications and a built-in Archos download store where a limited selection of additional applications can be installed. And while the barrage of features included on the Archos 5 are sure to feel liberating for technically demanding users, we suspect that the majority of people will prefer the more refined qualities and characteristics of an iPod Touch or a proper Android smartphone with full application support.”

“Archos devices are always desirable - the question is: how much would you use it? But if you have room in your life for a portable video player and web browser, the Archos 5 Internet Tablet is a slick product to which Google Android has added extra functionality.”