Archos Internet Media Tablet 5g (250GB, 6th generation) - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The new Archos 5 wants to challenge Apple's army of media players with a dirty yet clever trick. It comes in the form of a beautiful, 4.8-inch HD screen that is so vibrant; it makes average features shine like rhinestones and completely blinds you ...

Pros: 12.99 mm thickness is perfect for a large pocket (tighty jean wearing hipsters need not apply). Fast ARM Cortex processor moves pages quickly. Supports 3G and HSDPA cellular data connections. DVR accessory completes the system with an HDMI output, ...

Cons: Linux-based custom OS too glitchy for comfort. Doesn't include a built-in mic, so you can't use it as a VOIP phone. Brassy-metal design might prove too ostentatious for geeky tastes. Need separate dongle for 3G and HSDPA connections. They couldn't ...

Pros: The Archos 5 portable video player offers a large, high-resolution touch-screen display, Wi-Fi, music playback, photos, Flash video and game compatibility, a PDF reader, Mac and PC compatibility, built-in speaker, integrated kick stand, and optional ...

Cons: The Archos 5 has poor battery life, the glossy design is quickly marred with fingerprints, older Archos accessories are incompatible, some applications are still in beta, and you'll need to pay extra to activate many of the player's more desirable ...

Verdict: The Archos 5 boasts an improved screen size, image resolution, and sound quality over its predecessor, but its Web browser and Flash media playback are disappointing for a product marketed on the strength of its Internet media capabilities.

Review summary: The newly announced Archos 5 and Archos 7 may look like the company's usual PMPs, but these are actually Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs)...

Verdict: While you may be more familiar with their portable media players, it seems that the good folks at Archos are preparing to branch out just a little. The newly announced Archos 5 and Archos 7 may look like the company's usual PMPs, but these are ...

Review summary: The Gadget: Archos 5, the touchscreen "internet media tablet" with HD video viewing, game support and web surfing, is poised to take on the comparatively puny-in-screen, puny-in-storage iPod touch.

Verdict: But despite its better look, the menu system is a pain to navigate. Certain options are lumped in categories where they don't fit, and there's an entire menu devoted to selling accessories and software function add-ons. Archos is known to sell ...

Pros: Very easy to use, great sound, plays video as well as audio. Acts as a portable photo album and portable hard drive. Great color display that's saturated, bright and vivid. Huge capacity for music and video in a very, very thin and small device.

Cons: You can burn music from your CDs and put them on your iPod, no problem. But if you want to buy copy protected music it must come from the Apple iTunes store. Shows fingerprints like crazy and scratches easily. Battery life for video playback could be ...

Verdict: As a video player and web surfing tablet, the Archos 5 is the cream of the crop. The screen is absolutely fantastic, and large enough to really enjoy a movie and read web pages without constant zooming. Yet the player is small (albeit heavy) and slim. ...