Surf, Stream and Inspire (Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet 120 GB)

Member Name: 1st2thebar

Product:	Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet 120 GB
Date:	01/10/09 (107 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Archos ahead in electronic device platforms

Disadvantages: Awkward to travel with

ARCHOS 5 - 120GB - Media Tablet
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Established - 1988
CEO - Henri Crohas
Workforce - 200+ worldwide
Market area - Electronics - 5G technology - 2009
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URL - http:// www.archos.com
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Surf, Stream and Inspire
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Amongst the doom and gloom of a deep down-turn; it was like a big gust of fresh-air to learn that Archos in August 2008 had finalized their long awaited 6th generation of portable media players. The pioneers of media and entertainment brought us Archos 5 120 GB. Archos also branded the home-coming of the 6th generation of Portable Media Players as a 'Media Tablet'- Popping/bopping was their core mainstay in their new brand awareness scheme. It was to set-out to capture the ever constant liquid media market that envelopes all of the main media companies today.

Incorporated in 1988, Archos has been able to re-tune their market know-how by introducing media generation models; allowing the consumer to understand the newness of particular models that fly-in and out of the market. This has been a clever ploy for Archos and their team, to re-shape brand awareness to their media savvy consumers. Now the 6th generation is upon us, it has embarked on a much more able and reliable surfing facility; that their consumer has been reporting on Archos's own product forum since 2006. - You can simply find that by googling the item. The 5, is part of this new generation of Portable Media Players that are labeled as 'IMT' - "Internet Media Tablets". The 5, has a web-browser and an internet compatible media player already installed before purchase.

The Archos 5 is smaller than the earlier models like the 2007 604 model, it is suppose to sit on your hand with the capacity to allow usage by your fingers alone. That is what the definition is of a 'Tablet' in Portable Media Player circles. I like the 5, because of the new 'Tablet' status. At first glance I knew the navigation had very strong points, especially it you like small molded merchandise with a lovely touch and smell. The 5 series, is has a few hard-disk options, all available in GB's; there is the, 60, 120, and 250 GB models. In the 5 series there is a 5G also available at 30GB which is notoriously slow at present due to the bugs that comes with the new WiFi connectivity. By having bigger storage facilities this allows for any cache discrepancies that slow-up devices at quite a rate. This 5, has a strong built-in 120GB facility that will allow for a huge amount of data via the internet, such as streaming and downloads straight-on to the tablet. TV viewing is joy as the terrestrial channels are notably more enhanced than the 5th generation models. The speed of the FPS transit has improved greatly, as the internet rate for film is 35 frames per second. This device certainly exceeds that, which makes the whole viewing experience more rewarding while downloading from BBC iplayer or 4OD. TV has is now a viable option now for the 6th generation models. Remember to sporadically clear the cache for internet related spyware or add-ons which are not required, as over time the WiFi will falter and downloads will be less workable.

The 5, is in my knowledge the next item all gadget peeps should consider when carrying accessories. I've just started to notice more Archos tablets on the High Street also. David Dickinson's Real Deal' endorses the Archos branding and notably uses the facilities while on air. The last one I think I viewed was the 704, - I think it is due an update; however, they're not as cheap as chips. At least the 5 series will be able to buffer to quicker file formats, as they'll more capable of divulging codec's formats and while gallivanting online the web-browser will be able to distinguish what a PDF Reader is, as prior models had problems in returning to the original platform. What Archos wanted was to embroider all PMP facilities within one player with compromising on any particular facility, with the 5; the objective was achieved, thanks to the 6th generation models.

The new concepts have interested my fascination somewhat and as an Archos fan I've seen also this year that they have introduced their first 'Netbook'. Watch-out for generation 7 as more internet goodies could be in the wakening in mid 2010. In my eyes Archos is the true bridge between what is regarded as a portable media solution and what a laptop solution is? The Archos 5 is a step closer to bridging that gap. Sony and Microsoft may have a main player turning up the heat, which has solved problems from a completely different angle.

Archos 5's palm experience, is like a big bolt from the blue that integrates total 'Internet' 'Media' and 'TV'; equally. I found that the navigation is catered for the hard to please consumer, as all the graphics are enticingly delicious. The notification reaction is smoother than a Boddingtons on a canal in Venice. All you need is a little bit of sunshine to try-out the non glare screen.

The features are of a very high standard, the options also include add-ons that allow downloads to be sent directly to your 5. - the 120GB is an avalanche of memory that will never be compromised, well for not a long while; - On average each film download is 800MB it will take at least 150 films for the memory warning signs to appear.

There is one thing that is not too hot for the consumer, and that is some features require add-ons that you are billed per month. It is something I personally hated when dealing with huge manufacturing businesses, and some mobile phone providers. Before accepting a link, look at the small-print, it will often tell you another story.

PRICED AT - £225.99
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The Archos 5 - 120GB Media Tablet performance statistics
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Sound and Graphics - 18.26 out of 20.00
Storage - 17.90 out of 20.00
Features - 16.85 out of 20.00
Design and Navigation - 19.03 out of 20.00
Originality - 15.64 out of 20.00
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OVERALL SCORE - 87.68 out of 100
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Thank you for reading Archos 5 - Surf, Stream and Inspire

Copyright 1st2thebar- 10 - 2009

Summary: Archos 5 - 120GB Media Tablet - Number one in U3 technology

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