Mobile & Wireless - eWeek

Mobile & Wireless: LABS GALLERY: Android-Based Archos 5 Internet Tablet--That's Entertainment


Everyone thinks of Googles Android as an operating system for phones, but how does it work on a device that isnt a phone? The Archos 5 Internet Tablet is an entertainment and media-playing device (think iPod Touch instead of iPhone) that uses Android as its base operating system. The Archos 5 Internet Tablet (despite the name) has no 3G Internet connection, instead relying on Wi-Fi hotspots to get on the Internet. The well-built device provides quality HD video, a good MP3-playing experience, games and, of course, Internet browsing.
 
  • More iTouch than iPod
    The Archos 5 Internet Tablet is an Android-based device, but it isn't a phone. It's an entertainment and media device that competes more directly with the iPod Touch than the iPhone.
  • Video
    Video capabilities on the Archos 5 Internet Tablet were excellent, providing a small-form-factor HD viewing experience.
  • Stand and Deliver
    The sturdy metal stand that folds out of the back of the Archos 5 Internet Tablet makes the device an excellent option for watching videos while on a plane.
  • Solid MP3 Player
    The Archos 5 Internet Tablet is a pretty good MP3 player, with intuitive browsing options and surprisingly good built in-speakers (though headphones are still much better for listening).
  • Android Browser
    The standard Android browser provided a decent Web browsing experience when the Internet Tablet was connected to a Wi-Fi network.
  • Image Browsing
    Browsing through images on the Archos 5 Internet Tablet was fairly easy, and the quality screen provided a clear and detailed view of photos.
  • App Library
    When connected to the Internet through Wi-Fi, users can add applications to their device through the Archos Application Library.
  • External Controls and Slots
    With most of the device's controls being touch-based on the screen, the Archos 5 Internet Tablet has only a few external controls--for power, volume and headset jack--as well as these slots at the bottom for MicroSD cards and for connecting additional Archos accessories.
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