Archos Internet Tablets
Archos has always been a market leader when it comes to portable media devices. The company has such devices since its inception and it’s only natural that they should lead the way into the current surge of tablet computers. One of the first modern tablet devices to hit the market was the Archos Internet Media Tablet family of devices. First released in August of 1998, they were years ahead of their other competitors when it comes to providing a quality, portable internet experience.
The Archos Internet Media Tablets are a continuation of the popular Archos portable media devices. The line includes the Archos 5, Archos 5G, Archos 7 and Archos 9. Plans are also in the works for an Archos 8. The number in the name represents the screen size. Archos actually refers to the 9” model as a netbook, though it’s design is that of a touch screen tablet, and refers to the Archos 7 and Archos 8 as home tablets. That leaves the Archos 5 to take the credit as the true Archos Internet Media Tablet.
The Archos 5 comes in a variety of different configurations. There are flash memory models available in 8, 16 and 32GB, as well as HDD models available in 160GB or 500GB. The Media Tablet uses the Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) architecture, which are specifically designed for low power usage and are particularly suited to portable video devices. The Archos 5 was one of the first devices to adopt the Google Android operating system but can also run off Linux. This allows those interested in developing their own apps to do so using the Angstrom Linux platform. The device fully supports Adobe Flash and other applications, though some may need to be purchased separately.
The 4.8” TFT LED touch screen, though small, is very sharp and has gotten great reviews from users. It has a native resolution of 800 x 480. The Media Tablet is designed with Wi-Fi use in mind, but can utilize 3G wireless networks by tethering the device to a 3G phone via Bluetooth.
The Archos 5 is a true do it all portable device. Besides playing music, TV, Movies and having a built in FM radio receiver, the device is also a fully independent GPS navigation system. The GPS feature comes complete with European and North American Maps.
Battery power for the Archos 5 is rated at about 7 hours of constant video playback and up to 22 hours of music play time. Normal internet browsing should fall somewhere in the middle. Charging can be achieved via AC, USB or a separately purchased 12V car charger.
For those who can’t live without 3G wireless connectivity, the new improved Archos 5G will soon hit the markets. Archos released a similar model in 2008, but the old model was more of a video player than a true tablet computer. The 5G will not only be able to use the standard 3G network, but will also operate on the 3.5G HSDPA band. HSDPA, sometimes called 3G+, allows for faster downloads up to 84Mbit/s. this will lead to a more natural web browsing experience when no utilizing Wi-Fi. HSDPA is viewed by many to be the wireless standard of the near future and Archos may be ahead of their time in offering the technology.
When it comes to video and other media, Archos has always been ahead of the pack. Even though the iPod got all the hype, Archos was offering such a product well before Apple entered the market. The Internet Media Family signals Archos’s entry into the full fledged computing field and they are a player to be watched.