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Review: Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet is almost good enough
Archos, known for its multi-talented portable video players, has just busted out a new one: the Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet. The shiny player can be equipped with attachments that turn it into a digital video recorder, TV set, or GPS navigator. In its default form, its 4.8-inch 800 x 480-pixel touchscreen does justice to a variety of video formats.
It's also adept at Web surfing thanks to Wi-Fi, letting you let you browse the Web, watch YouTube video, or answer your e-mail wherever you can find a wireless connection. There's an optional 3G modem attachment on the way, too, letting you connect over a cellular network. We took the 60GB version of the Archos 5 ($350) for a spin, flexing its versatility to the limits. Here's our rapid-fire review:
Form Factor: A
The player is simply beautiful. It's hard to tell from the pictures, but it’s a shiny light gray pewter or gunmetal color. Slightly larger than palm-sized, it's too heavy at 8.9 ounces. It almost feels like it's filled with lead. Plus, that shininess gets annoying after the first impression has faded, attracting fingerprints all over it.
Connectivity: A
Hooking up to our Wi-Fi network was easy, with the Archos 5 recognizing both our wireless networks immediately and giving us a choice of the two. Its reception and transmission were clean, and as good as any laptop we've tested.
Touchscreen: D+
The glossy screen has a mirror finish you could use to check for spinach between your teeth if you needed to, but it's a little distracting for watching videos. Its touch isn't as sensitive as we'd like, feeling more like you must push harder to register a touch, rather than that light, capacitive touch we've grown accustomed to. Many times we'd need to touch three or four times for it to register. Weak.
Video Viewing: A+
Standard-def videos look crisp and contrasty on the screen, with deep blacks and an almost 3D quality. Excellent. Flash 9 is supported, so you can watch tons of web videos with ease. Yeah!
Navigation: C-
Its user interface is OK, but we've seen better. Many times you must select an item first and then touch it again to activate it — we'd rather just touch once. In the long menus, you can swipe with a finger to scroll down the list, and it's graceful and looks organic. Not so when scrolling with the included Opera browser, which feels slow and cumbersome when scrolling. But its Linux underpinnings and two processors inside make it react quickly to your commands. Too bad it takes a frustrating 24 seconds to boot.
Sound: A
Listening to the Archos's music player with high-end headphones was a pleasure, with clean sound quality from lows to highs. Its single tiny on-board speaker didn't fare as well, sounding as tinny as an old Victrola. At least they could have given us two for stereo (How was the food? Terrible, and the portions were too small).
Hot Under the Hood: D
The thing gets hot as a two-dollar pistol when playing video; it's almost too toasty to hold it in your hand. At least Archos could have included a stand to prop it up. [Correction: I see there is a stand after all — a spindly, wire-like protrusion embedded in the back. Thanks for the heads-up, commenters.]
Nagging: D
There are a lot of accessories available for the player, and Archos reminds you in numerous places in the user interface that you can buy them any time. This is no place for advertising. And really, is an AC adapter really an accessory? Sure, you can charge the player via USB, but Archos touts the $20 adapter as "faster charging."
Compatibility: B+
Handling MPEG-4 files easily, it can also play back DivX files without even breathing hard. Load up a software plugin, and it makes 720p HD files look gorgeous. Impressive. You might even want to watch them until the battery runs out at around the quoted four hours' worth.
Verdict: C+
Maybe we're spoiled, but the Archos 5 feels awkward to use because of its slightly unresponsive touchscreen. That said, its playback performance is stellar, and videos look excellent on its sharp wide screen. The web access is a useful feature, but we wish the browser's web pages were more easily scrolled. Overall, this is a highly capable player, and if Archos would further refine its touchscreen, this Internet Media Tablet would be a winning combination of form, function and performance.
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By Charbax at 11:06 AM ON 09/26/08
Booting will take about 3 seconds when they implement standby/resume in firmware, probably in the next few weeks. The browser loads web pages much faster then the iPhone, and no need to scroll right and left since it's got 2.5x more pixels then the iPhone.
By budgethero at 11:20 AM ON 09/26/08
neet. it definitely looks nice. very crisp. but that hot under the hood thing worries me. im very patient so the waiting stuff wouldnt bother me. just wish it were cheaper. but considering it's crispness, i see why so high.
By cajl at 12:01 PM ON 09/26/08
for me it is A for this archos
new techno,good navigation
Why C+ ? because it is not an Apple ?
I hope if Apple create the same TIM, the verdict will be A or A+ !
By Insomnic at 12:37 PM ON 09/26/08
I'd be curious to see how it compares to the Cowon devices in usability and playback.
By Idire at 6:03 PM ON 09/26/08
I disagree about the toucscreen's response. It responds very fast for me, never misses a touch. Also i havent noticed it heating up and i havent had a problem with the interface.
The only thing I will say is, the firmware is in BETA, ie its buggy, If you want it immediately stable, wait a few weeks
By Jackofspades at 10:30 PM ON 09/26/08
The archos 5 has a leg stand built into it. You can see it in one of the pictures. It flips out so you can set it on a table.
By Davemhead at 2:01 AM ON 09/27/08
I can't get the Archos wifi to work properly at my local wifi places. Some people claim I am doing something wring, but I don't think I am. My Ipod touch works perfectly at these spots. My Archos is on auto. It should work, but it isn't. After hearing about all the bugs and beta firmware, I decided it must be a firmware bug. So, I decided to keep it (instead of returning it within 7 days) and wait for Archos to address the problem. Other people are having the same problem I am having but no one seems to know how to fix it.
If you are an Archo 5 owner, please go to Starbucks, Barnes & Noble and McDonalds and let me know if you are able to sign onto the Internet. If you can, there must be something wrong with my device. If you can't we all need to email Archos and tell them about it. There is no point to having a portable Internet device if you can't connect to the Intrnet at any place beside your home network and a local place that is free. (By the way, it does work at my local library-that is the only free connection in my town)
By kschroppe at 7:16 AM ON 09/27/08
I have had the 605 WIFI for a year not bad but Archos customer service will hang you out to dry something not working tough shit. I would consider buying it again but not from them. Also no docks or support from other suppliers they habe Ipod ecerything out there no one makes anything for the Archos. No docks no cases and no chargers so buy the one they advertise or your out fo luck.
By MasterBaiter at 5:39 PM ON 10/02/08
thank you for the review, no other website covered all the bases of this player.
By madiusmax at 2:50 AM ON 10/06/08
Archos is a French based company whereas Apple (Ipod) is a US company, along with this fact and wide differences in popularity is why you don't see as many suppliers/accessories for the Archos in the states. If the popularity of the device were to increase dramatically in the states then i am sure you will start to see more things to buy and from more places. This being said, support is of course an important issue, and while Archos may not have as involved an access for customers as other companies, best idea is to buy from a supplier that has a good return/exchange policy in the event that something does happen or is wrong with the device.
By Teasy at 12:24 PM ON 10/17/08
Hmm it makes me question the value of your review to a degree when you say it should have a stand yet don't realise this device already has one....
By markas at 2:47 AM ON 12/15/08
I purchased the 120gb archos 5, 3 weeks ago in Hong Kong. the video resolution is brilliant, the web browser is good but like the review says, the touchscreen is just not sensitive enough. I have had no issues with connect-ability my girlfriend has an i-phone & the touchscreen on that is far superior. I feel that Archos are really mean with the "optional extras" & fully agree that a mains charger should be standard. i travel a lot so battery life in important to me. i did a test running video nonstop & got about 4 hours 15 minutes
By Techguy at 11:55 AM ON 12/30/08
The Archos 5 is superior in every way that counts over iphone/ipod touch:
Much larger storage capacity
Best networking capabilities in any portable device. Able to stream files from other computers or device on your network through the Archos. Also works flawlessly with FTP servers, allowing you to access your files from anywhere in the world, sweet! By the way starbucks wifi networks are encrypted, (at least in Canada they are), so you will either need a username password or you will need the network key and may have to connect manually.
My player doesn't get as warm as the reviewer says his does, in fact it's usually cool to the touch.
The screen is very good, excellent sensitivity, but slightly less sensitive than the Ipod/Iphone.
The resolution is rediculous, this is the only device that does web surfing any justice, next to a full fledged laptop. On all other devices I have tried, websurfing becomes combersome because of the limited view of the webpage, on this device horizontal scrolling is very minimal.
Pages load very quickly, much quicker than any other portable device on market.
Full format support, will play almost any file type without having to convert it first.
But the best thing about this product is that I don't have to use itunes and am not limited by Itunes system of control, eg. I can create folders on the device and organize the files as I see fit, just as you would on your pc/mac, rather than having to create playlists. I can treat my files the same way that I do on my pc, all your files are fully accessible at all times, whereas Itunes converts all your files so that they will only work on apple devices, (making you a slave to apple), and then hides them so that you cannot easily transfer them or manipulate them.
I can go on and on about the things that make this product better than the competition, but this post is becoming long winded.
Excuse punctuation I'm in a hurry.
By mabhido at 7:52 AM ON 01/11/09
why must everything be compared with the iphone or ipod touch.....the archos is the better of the two and if it was an apple ipod product people would be saying it's amazing. it's better than the ipod touch simply coz of the capacity it's available in, it can play HD yes you have to buy the add-on but at least the option is there, much better and bigger screen, flash 9 is installed with the opera browser, the navigation is simple and straight forward not everything must be like apple.
By init1 at 10:10 PM ON 01/31/09
Yeah I've got an Archos 5. My main complaint is the battery life and charging time. Of course, not many MP3 players have 250GB hard drives, so there aren't very many options if you want a lot of storage.
By rico at 3:03 AM ON 02/08/09
I have the 60Gb version of this device and think there is a lot to like about it. I don't think it gets too hot to hold and the screen is beautiful. The gloss isn't THAT distracting and touch sensitivity is fine. I think giving a D+ was a bit over-critical. Surfing the net is a pleasure and plays (some) Flash 9 videos.
I dislike the blatant advertising for plugin and hardware upgrades, especially the fact that there appear as buttons on the interface that cannot be removed. I also hate the proprietary USB plug because not only didn't it come with an AC-USB adapter, but it makes the unit very unbalanced when plugged-in, despite the "spindly, wire-like protrusion embedded in the back" (which no longer closes flush with the unit).
I like to judge companies by the quality of their customer service. On the good side, they are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The wait time is often pretty long (half an hour or longer). The first customer service operator I spoke with seemed to lack enthusiasm for the job or to help, but did resolve my problem. The second time I called, I spoke with a very knowledgeable operator who was unable to solve my internet connectivity issue. So they are there when you need them, but they're not the best trained.
They can learn a lesson from companies like Bose and Logitech when it comes to customer service.
By Archos_vs_itouch? at 8:18 PM ON 05/26/09
This truly is one of the worst reviews ever... You can tell with every word you're just another apple fanboi. B+ for compatibility? Please do name a player with a broader video file support...
By Wrighty at 9:58 AM ON 06/17/09
On the Archos 5 Internet tablet how can I connect to an external modem if there is no wifi available
By toria at 4:29 AM ON 07/24/09
For the reviewer that was asking about wifi connection in Starbucks and the like, I have to concur with the other reviewer who said that you'd need a username and password to access their wifi - Starbucks wifi is NOT free and they have to insist on a username and password for security purposes otherwise anyone could 'hack' into the router so I don't think your unit is faulty!
I have to say that the BEST place to get one of these beauties is from QVCUK.COM a) because their returns policy is great (you have 30 days to try and can return if you don't like, even if you've used it!) and b) if the unit develops a fault within the first 6 months, you can return it to QVC for a full refund or replacement. Their Customer Service is second to none (sadly I cannot say the same for Archos - there CS is appalling/non existent) - nothing is ever any problem with QVC and if there is any sort of a problem with your order or delivery, they go out of their way to solve the issue. I cannot praise them enough and no, I do NOT work for them but just feel it important to give glowing reviews when they are clearly deserved as it seems that the only people that review items on the internet are those that are NOT happy with the item or just want to whinge!
I have had the Archos 5 (with docking station) before and had to return it 6 months ago but this was no problem - thanks QVC. I think I was just unlucky and had a lemon as it kept freezing and gaining time for some bizarre reason. However, I am now going for it again (so I must have liked it!) as there will have been a lot of firmware updates and therefore hopefully a lot of the bugs have been ironed out.
I think before people complain about this product, or any other (not saying that anyone here is outwardly complaining - this is just a 'general' comment), they should check things like firmware updates before judging units as 'faulty' or 'rubbish'. Also, remember to re-boot after a firmware update - like a computer, when you update the OS or security patches etc.., you are prompted to re-boot so think of the Archos in the same way - and remember, be gentle with them, they are delicate/complex pieces of kit and like computers, don't appreciate being thrown around or handled roughly - or perhaps that's just me being anal and treating my 'gadgets' like babies but at least, generally, they last a lot longer and look nicer for longer!
Also, it's a very unfair comparison to review the Archos against the iPhone/iTouch - they are two TOTALLY DIFFERENT THINGS, the iPhone is ......... a phone (!) and the Archos is a PMP so decide which one you want, phone or PMP and DON'T COMPARE THE TWO as reviews such as this cannot be fair or balanced! I have to confess that I have the iPhone 3GS and love it - far faster than its predecessor but I'd never even think about comparing it to the Archos. The Archos is designed firstly as a PMP (video first and foremost) and the iPhone is designed firstly as ....... you've guess it, a PHONE!
Sorry chaps, rant over!
Best regards,
Toria
By trickydicky at 7:58 PM ON 01/03/10
Can you play evony on the archos 5?
on your cellphone!
Text DVICE to 72434
editor@dvice.com
trickydicky:
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