Archos 5 32 GB Internet Tablet with Android
by Archos Inc. dba Archos Technologies
List Price:
Our Price: $135.00
You Save: $244.99 (64%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: Archos Inc. dba Archos TechnologiesModel: 501318
Color: Black
Product features:
- 32GB capacity for up to 9,500 songs, 25 movies, and 320,000 photos
- 10 hours of audio or 4 hours of video on a single charge
- 4.8-inch TFT LCD touchscreen display with 800 x 480 pixel resolution and 16 million colors
- Supports MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, AAC+, FLAC, and OGG Vorbis audio formats; MPEG-4
- One-year limited warranty
- Ultimate Ears MetroFi 220 Noise Isolating Earphones
- Genius SP-i200 Portable Speakers for MP3 Players (Black)
- Timex T435B MP3/CD Line-In 8-Color Clock Radio
- Coby Compact Folding Portable Stereo Speaker System for iPod and MP3 Players (White)
- Logitech Portable Speaker S125i with Built-in iPod Dock
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Archos 5 32 GB Internet Tablet with Android
Customer Review: I see why this device is on the outs.
Summary: 2 Stars
First disclaimer: My review is for the 16GB version which Amazon no longer carries. For the summary judgment skip to the very bottom.
Those who have seen my review for the Zune HD 16 GB Video MP3 Player (Black) and Creative Zen X-Fi 16 GB Video MP3 Player with Wireless LAN and Built-In Speaker (Black/Silver) know I'm not new to media devices. I've been around them for many years, all the way back to the failed MiniDisc format and even back to cassette decks, single and dual reel. I just can't seem to find that perfect device no matter what I do - they're all missing one or more critical features that render them essentially worthless. Zune HD came the closest, but not for the glaring issues I mentioned in that review.
For me, I don't need a movie player - my laptop does that fine. I also don't need something to hold my entire library - I usually want to listen to a single genre at a time. But the catch with me is that it needs to be simple and efficient. I don't want to futz with all sorts of crazy settings in order to get it to work. Above that, it needs to be an all-around device that I can literally use anywhere without spending inordinate amounts of cash.
I decided to take a plunge on the Archos 5 as it was on sale. I know it's basically an all-around device with tons of features I don't need, but it also had the things that a lot of media players lack these days:
- support for hidden WiFi hotspots (Zune HD flaw)
- near universal codec support (Zune HD and iPod flaw)
- touchscreen (Zen X-Fi flaw)
- standard connectors (Zune HD and iPod flaw)
- Mass storage support for drag-and-drop (Zune HD and iPod flaw)
- Ready to use out-of-the-box (Zune HD and iPod flaw)
- Shuffle play (Zen X-Fi flaw)
- Bluetooth (Zune HD and Zen X-Fi flaw)
Those are the pros. And it is an impressive list. Unfortunately, the entire experience is marred by what I can only assume are glaring bugs with the Android OS on this device. I'm not sure if it's the older firmware or if it's Android specifically, but there are major issues with this device that render it nigh unusable.
- WiFi is essentially broken. I turned it on and set up my hotspot, and it did find the hotspot, but then it turned itself off. I tried to turn it back on and it came on for a split second, then turned itself off again. Then when I finally got it to stop turning off, it refused to connect to my hotspot claiming it was "out of range". Considering I'm 25 feet away from the router and I've got four devices around me all connected without a problem, obviously there are some glitches with the Archos. It never happened after I upgraded the firmware, but still...this is appalling to have it be released with this kind of issue.
- The touchscreen is analogous to the older style touchscreens, not the iPod Touch type touchscreen. The Zune HD also uses the older style, but it is a lot more responsive than the Archos. The way they implemented it, most options require a double click to confirm input, but certain menu options do not. This resulted in many inadvertent clicks on menu options I didn't want, just so I could scroll up and down. Sometimes it doesn't respond, sometimes it locks up completely. Not good.
- You can't do anything when it's connected via USB. This one is a tad bit unfair, but I want to note it as my BlackBerry Storm works just fine when connected via USB. I can't access the SD card, but I can still at least get to other options. The Archos throws a message that it can't access media functions even if you're just trying to navigate the File Explorer.
- I mentioned it supports mass storage. This is true...but it still requires Windows Player 11. Why's that a problem? Well, if you're a Mac user, the Archos will not be recognized. In fact, Snow Leopard never did throw a message that it couldn't read the Archos; it just ignored it even though the Archos claimed it was mounted. Now, I don't use iTunes, so that might have affected the experience. But I still expected the Archos hard drive to show up on the Snow Leopard desktop without additional changes, and it did not. In any case, mass storage should not require any application, hence the term "mass" storage.
- Shuffle play does work and works fine - which is a big feature for me given I use it in my car and don't want to futz with picking songs - but the problem is the control scheme of the Archos. Because it doesn't have any physical buttons, and because there isn't really a media "player" to use (more on this later), you have to select the first song/folder you want to play and then it will shuffle. Call it nitpicky, but I want to just go to a genre, "right click" and select "Shuffle Play" or "Play Folder" or "Play Random". I don't want to select a song, that's 6 extra clicks which isn't practical when on the move.
- The apps on the Archos leave a lot to be desired. I didn't go too deep into these as my main goal was music, but there is an actual "Music" app that didn't do anything. It wouldn't read the music I had stored on the Archos even though the primary music option did. The instructions didn't help either (more on that later). That Music app was where the flexibility was supposed to come into play, but how can I leverage it if it won't even read the music I've got stored?
- The instruction booklet in the box is pathetic. So much so that it actually refers you to a PDF stored on the Archos itself (or on the website) that goes into more detail. If you're going to have a user manual, include the WHOLE user manual. Don't pull a Final Fantasy XI (long story).
- SD Card corruption. I had a brand new card inserted, the Archos threw all sorts of red flags. Mind you, the card worked just fine in my Macbook prior to me inserting it into the Archos. Something the Archos did corrupted it, and it wouldn't let me format the card. I had to plug it back into my MacBook to format it before the Archos would receive it, and even then, it corrupted again when I was sync'ing files to it. After that, I plugged it back into the MacBook, and it crashed Snow Leopard. The Archos WILL corrupt your data, folks.
- Random shutdowns and reboots. The device would just shut itself off randomly, even when it was still connected and being charged. It happened at least 7 times. Didn't happen after I upgraded the firmware, but I note it here for anyone else foolish enough to buy this device.
- And then, the Bluetooth. I didn't think anyone could screw up a Bluetooth implementation, but Archos sure did. See, I have a BlackBerry Bluetooth Stereo Gateway in my car, as my car has Bluetooth phone but not Bluetooth A2DP. Now, that device works extremely well with my Storm and my computer, and it did work initially with the Archos. The problem is that the Archos does not re-connect automatically; you're forced to manually re-connect it each time you want to use it. This is a pain - even the order of connection matters. The Archos has to be set up to connect to the A2DP device before the A2DP device responds. It's hard to explain, but suffice it to say, it was a struggle getting it to connect, and when it did, it wouldn't connect again. This one is a deal breaker, and I know it's not the Gateway, as every other Bluetooth device connects with no issue.
In short, is it recommended? No. It's simple as that. There's a reason that Archos released Archos 7 with a full OS that wasn't Android. There's a reason that Amazon dropped the prices of these to rock bottom. The device is a novel concept, and a worthy effort. But it's just not up to par. Even at lower prices it's not worth the headache of futzing with it.
Now you might be saying to yourself, "but what about movies?? What about games?? What about apps?? What about browsing??" To which I would challenge you to think: If this can't even play music properly, what does that tell you about more advanced functionality? Think about it. For the price they're charging, would YOU take that chance?
Description of Archos 5 32 GB Internet Tablet with Android
Archos, award-winning for its constant technology innovation, now introduces its new Archos 5 Internet Tablet. This product combines all the multimedia know-how that Archos is famous for, with the Android operating system. It offers you an uncompromised Internet, Media and TV experience in a customizable interface. In perpetual evolution with the continuous arrival of new applications, you can personalize your Archos 5 Internet Tablet to perfectly reflect your tastes and needs.ARCHOS, award-winning for its constant technology innovation, now introduces its new ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet. This product combines all the multimedia know-how that ARCHOS is famous for, with the Android operating system. It offers you an uncompromised Internet, Media, and TV experience in a customizable interface. In perpetual evolution with the continuous arrival of new applications, you can personalize your ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet to perfectly reflect your tastes and needs.
 All the multimedia know-how that ARCHOS is famous for, plus the ANDROID operating system. Click to enlarge. |
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
The device features a 32 GB Flash drive and a microSD card slot for expanding the player's capacity, so you won't waste time choosing what files to bring along--instead, take your entire media library with you.
 Personalize your ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet with apps to suit your tastes and needs. Click to enlarge. |
 Find your destination with the on-board GPS. Click to enlarge. |
Internet
Fast and 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 widescreen, 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 and 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 three 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 that includes 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 U.S. (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 the included remote control. Then you can enjoy your recording at home on your widescreen 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. Click to enlarge. |
 Get extended playback and S-video/composite video with the battery dock. Click to enlarge. |
 Use the DVR Snap-on to record from almost any audio or video analog source when you are on the move. Click to enlarge. |
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 with 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 and 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 and 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's end, allowing you to also edit and create documents.
E-mail and Contacts
Stay in contact by using the fully integrated e-mail 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, items for sale, services, community, gigs, resumes, and discussion forums.
High-Paying Jobs: For Access to a List of Jobs (U.S. and Canada only)
Browse through job lists, and search over 2 million jobs from all the leading job sites.
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 lounging on your couch and 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 with Android (32 GB), headphones, standard USB cable, DVR station adapter, quick start guide (QSG), and legal and safety notice.Also Available for this Android Device
 | Amazon Appstore for Android |  | Kindle |  | Amazon MP3 |
 | IMDB |  | Audible |  | Amazon Mobile |
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