Archos 5 60 GB Internet Media Tablet
 |   Publisher : Archos Company : Archos |
Features
- 60 GB capacity for up to 80 movies, 600,000 photos, or 30,000 songs
- Up to 22 hours music and 7 hours video playback time on a single charge
- 4.8-inch TFT LCD touchscreen; 800 x 480 pixel resolution; 16 million colors
- Video support: MPEG-4, WMV, and M-JPEG; Audio support: MP3, WMA, Protected WMA, WMA pro 5.1, WAV; plug-ins available for further video and audio format support
Product Description
ARCHOS offers a concept: the Internet Media Tablet. The ARCHOS 5 is the flagship of the range, bringing the customer a way to enjoy Internet, Media and TV and so on in a handheld device.With its built-in capabilities, your Internet Media Tablet becomes the ultimate way to surf the web. The amazingly sharp and high-resolution screen lets you navigate effortlessly through the web just like you would on a PC. Browsing becomes almost seamless with the ARM Cortex processor and the Adobe Flash 9 video support. Surfing on a handheld device has never been so fast and smooth. The full email application lets you read, write, download and send attachments, and manage your contacts.The ARCHOS 5 features a very high capacity internal hard drive from 60GB to 250GB, in slim and sleek enclosures. You can thus download a vast number of music and video from the unique selection of renowned movie and music partners assembled in the Media Club. You can play movies in HD or DVD quality for the richest media experience on the go.Enjoy your ARCHOS content back on your TV, with the DVR Station. Schedule recordings in few clicks any TV program from you cable channels or your setup box, and choose when and where you want to watch them. Play back all your digital content from your ARCHOS 5 to your TV, even in HD quality, at 720p. With the TV Snap-on, Digital free TV is broadcast live on your Internet Media Tablet, wherever you are.Amazon.com Product Description -- Posted August 19, 2008
Archos, an award-winning company for its constant technology innovation and leadership in portable media players, now introduces a new concept: the Internet Media Tablet (IMT). The Archos 5 is the flagship product of this new line, bringing you a new way to enjoy the Internet, your media, and TV--all in a handheld device. The Archos 5 60 GB IMT is a high-end portable device with an ultra-thin design, a black stainless steel body, a high-resolution 5-inch touchscreen, and the horsepower of a laptop.
Enjoy Internet, media, and TV in a handheld device with a 5-inch touchscreen. Click to enlarge. 
(Click on image below to change view.)
Buy or rent media from the Archos Media Club, surf the Web, and enjoy your music, photos, and videos anywhere, anytime. 
Ultra-slim at just half an inch deep. Click to enlarge.
Uncompromised Web Surfing in the Palm of Your Hand
With an 800-pixels-wide resolution and a 5-inch screen, you can browse the Web just as you would on your PC. No need to zoom in and out, as web pages are fully displayed on the Archos screen. Plus, with Adobe Flash 9 video support, you can natively browse video-sharing websites, such as Dailymotion or YouTube.
Archos' IMTs boast enough processing power to surf the Web on the go, just like you were doing it with your laptop. No more endless waiting for the page to load; just grab your Archos 5 and check the latest news right away. Your PC wouldn't have finished booting up by the time you've put the Archos back in your pocket.
Once connected to a Wi-Fi or 3.5G network, the included email software allows you to check your email accounts (compatible with POP/IMAP) whenever you want. See the number of awaiting emails right on the Archos 5 home screen, answer back, or share attachments with anyone (only compatible formats). Stay in touch while on the go.
Download hundreds of useful and fun widget applications and then put your favorite ones on the Archos home screen. Check the weather before leaving for work, or see the latest sports results without having to start a new application. In less than three clicks, you can access nearly 1,000 Web TV channels, more than 10,000 Web radio stations, and 100,000-plus podcasts. There's no downloading wait time. Radio and TV start streaming right away from a worldwide list of traditional and independent radio and TV stations.
Your Digital Library in a Thin Handheld Tablet
The Archos Media Club remains the easiest way to get video and music content on the go. With an even richer library featuring new partners and the biggest industry players, the Media Club lets you discover a large library of movies, documentaries, music, and games. Buy or rent your entertainment in a couple of clicks and start watching it on your Archos 5. Enjoy a great multimedia experience on the go with a high-resolution 5-inch touchscreen right in your hands. Enjoy your favorite videos, browse through your photos with a simple flick of your finger, or play a slideshow of your last vacation.
Plus, you can store your entire CD collection comfortably on your Archos device--there's plenty of room. Rediscover songs left aside for months, or show your friends your latest discoveries. The unique Archos music browsing system allows you to create your playlists without using a PC, and the displayed album covers complete the experience.
Don't get bored on your commute. For a little fun before getting to work or whenever you have a little time to kill, grab your Archos and enjoy some poker, Sudoku, or a round of golf. Premium games can be purchased directly from the tablet or at www.archos.com, or find Flash-based games downloadable for free on the Web.
When you're at home and want to watch a movie or listen to music stored on your PC, just browse the device's hard drive wirelessly and play it without transferring the file. Just stream it via your Wi-Fi network and enjoy it on your Archos.
Experience the Best TV at Home or on the Go
With the optional DVR Station, you have the perfect match for your Archos 5 at home and on the go. Schedule and record TV shows and movies in one step with the included remote control. Just locate the TV show on the program guide grid, and you'll have a recording to enjoy at home on your widescreen TV or in the palm of your hand. The DVR Station also will turn your TV into a real multimedia platform connected to the Web. Enjoy all the Archos functions on the big screen in your living room. Watch your movies in HD, listen to your music, share your high-resolution pictures, play games, or surf the Web. Plug-ins: Add even more capabilities to your Archos 5
Free with registration: 
- Hi-Def Video plug-in for playing HD movies in 720p resolution at 24 f/s MPEG4 and WMV formats.
- Cinema plug-in for playing movies in MPEG-2/VOB format with AC3 sound (or 5.1-surround sound via the SPDIF output on the optional DVR Station). Copy/paste your DVD movies from your computer to your Archos.
- Video Podcast plug-in for playing video podcasts in H.264 MPEG4 format and AAC audio files.
- TVportation plug-in for broadcasting your live TV to your portable device--such as a Smartphone, laptop, or Archos Wi-Fi player--anywhere in the world via a Wi-Fi connection.
- 3.5G Ready plug-in for enjoying Internet everywhere via the 3.5G-HSDPA GSM network by connecting a 3.5G-HSDPA dongle to a Mini Dock or Battery Dock USB port.
Technology Meets Design
The Archos 5 features a comfortable, clear widescreen that'll earn a few looks over your shoulder. The touchscreen technology ensures the most instinctive and direct way to access your movies, view your pictures, listen to your music, or browse the Web. The new graphical interface has been designed for total touch control. Reach the main functions with a tap, return at any moment to the home screen, and use the search function to access your files right away. Add shortcuts to your favorite files and display them directly on the Archos home screen for quick access. You also can bring your home screen to life with the new animated wallpapers.
The Archos 5 gives you 60 GB of storage for up to 80 movies, 600,000 photos, or 30,000 songs--and the processing power to handle them. Enjoy blazing speed with the ARM Cortex superscalar microprocessor.
Add-ons--Enhance Your Archos 5
- DVR Station
Record TV, play video back to your TV, and charge your Archos device via the DVR Station. With the included TV Program Guide, scheduling and recording from your satellite receiver, cable box, Digital TV adapter has never been so easy. You also can surf the Web or stream web video to your TV while comfortably laid back on your couch using the included remote control as a keyboard and mouse pointer. - DVR Snap-on
Record from most any audio or video analog source on the move with the DVR Snap-on, a small device that's no bigger than a pack of gum. - Mini Dock
Transfer your files directly from USB keys, digital cameras, or other portable media players with the Mini Dock. 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. - Battery Dock
Benefit from all the great features of the Mini Dock and get extended playback with the built-in backup battery. - Helmet Cam
Turn your Archos into a hands-free digital camcorder with the Helmet Cam, perfect for sports and family fun. - FM Remote
Built-in FM receiver and microphone to listen to radio anywhere or make voice recordings. This item is not yet available at Amazon.com. - Protective Cases
Protect your Archos and show your style with one of the many protective cases. This item is not yet available at Amazon.com. - GPS Car Holder
Turn your Archos 5 into a high-end GPS with the GPS In-Car Holder. - TV Snap-on (Available by end of 2008)
Watch live digital TV right on your Archos, record, and enjoy the time-shifting function.
What's in the Box
Archos 5 60 GB Internet Media Tablet, headphones, Archos USB cable, DVR Station adapter (DVR Station is sold separately), screen cleaning cloth, quick start guide, legal and safety notice.
Customer reviews
Ogg and Flac Now Supported. Full Review Later 
I just received the 250gb version two days ago and I'll post a full review tomorrow, but as one of my main disappoints with Archos has been the lack of Ogg Vorbis or Flac support, I was elated to hear that they've added it for free in the latest firmware. I updated it last night and it plays those formats nicely.
Perfect 
I wanted an upgrade from my Creative Zen Vision W and I didn't want a smaller player. So after much deliberation I chose The Archos 5 120 Gig
I am a software and hardware geek and i don't mind that The software is still in beta partially because I can work my way around problems. The Opera web browser provides seamless browsing and the Arm 3 Cortex processor makes it lightning fast Sound quality is the same as my Creative and the video is even better.
The touch screen (thankyou Texas Instruments) fantastic not only responsive but simple and not very likley to smudge.
-pro
Touch screen
Great processor
Huge storage space
Hosting to other devices
Web and WiFi
Sound and Video
-Con
software in beta (for now)
Cost of extras
Almost perfect out of box (Archos 5 250GB)
I'm coming to one of the devices from an iPod 5G 60GB, and two Creative players prior to that.
First, the device itself. Sleek, slightly fingerprint prone on the front and fairly intuitive. The screen is beautiful and the built-in speaker is a plus. As for the touch screen itself, it's not quite as good as the iPod Touch's but it's good. For maneuvering around your media your finger works fine, however for web browsing you may want to pick up a stylus since some links can be very small. The 5's biggest setback, if you've read other reviews, is the beta nature of it's software. Different reports of problems exist including flaky WiFi, audio stutter, not recognizing files, power problems or bad batteries/charging.
My device has been fine except for not recognizing files. I have about 1300 tracks under one artist (Various Tracks) and the Archos only sees 1013, as well as other albums with missing tracks here and there. Hopefully it's something that will probably be fixed in the upcoming firmware update.
The device itself plays almost any audio and video format (Apple formats with paid plugin), SWF internet Flash files, PDF and the Opera browser supports Flash, but not every site. So far I've only used YouTube and Google Video and they've worked great, although you can only skip to the parts of the video that have been downloaded (as opposed to seeking to random spots and playing from there before that part downloaded). You can also alter the speed of the video and it's aspect ratio.
Charging can take a long time, so a dock purchase is recommended.
My rating is four stars, but if the cataloging bug is fixed, for me, that would make it five.
-------
Update: Device works fine (apart from bugs). Be sure to charge fully before using. I've returned mine because of that cataloging problem, but once that is fixed, I will be re-purchasing the Archos 5.
the best pmp hands down
ok im 36 years old have been working in I.T. for abot 10 years i have seen some pretty good things come and go but this is one thing i dont know how i lived without it can do just about everything you can think of archos nailed it dead on with this one video quality is amazing sound on ex speaker is good not that loud but good and with a nice set of head phones its pretty amazingyes the extra attachments coast some change but are very well made and really make it the end all beat all of pmp's if your considering getting one just get it you will be very happy you did !
oh yes amazon rocks to.
have had this for 7 days now
A Nearly Perfect Device!
The first thing anyone should know about the Archos is that as of 10/5/08, the Archos 5 Firmware is still in beta. Beta means very different things for different products, but for the Archos 5 it means that some of the features are crippled, and that the firmware is still buggy. I have been using the 5 for about 2 weeks now, and during that time the device has crashed 6 times. Keep in mind this is only relevant if you want to purchase it right now. If you choose to wait, I think Archos will have the firmware finalized in a few months.
I migrated to the Archos 5 from an iPod Touch, my main reasons for doing so being the significantly larger capacity and the larger screen. I use a mac, so it was quite jarring migrating out of the Apple universe. Some things you should know if you are coming to this device from an Apple product:
1. The Archos will not sync with iTunes. This means that music you downloaded from the iTunes music store will be incompatible with the Archos. This also means that the playlists from your iTunes library will not natively work with the Archos. For many people this will not be an issue, but I have a rather large library (7000 songs), and depend on playlists to separate my music. The Archos uses the universal .m3u playlist format, so if you want to have your iTunes playlists on the Archos, you will need to find an iTunes playlist exporter.
2. Even if your songs are not copy-protected, the Archos will not play AAC files without a $20 plugin. For some, this is a moot point, for others, it could be a deal-breaker.
For the PC users: The Archos can either function as an external hard drive (very useful), or as a Windows Media Player Drive.
Now, the device itself:
HARDWARE:
THe specs of the Archos are impressive, and best most other "IMT"s of its class. I have the 60GB version, however all models boast a 4.8" (Resistive, not capacitive) touch screen, Wi-Fi, a speaker, and a pull-out stand. But keep in mind that the Archos uses a proprietary USB connector, and that all previous Archos accessories (for the 605, 604, etc.) will not work with the 5. The back of the unit is mirrored, and scratches incredibly easily. The front screen is susceptible to glare, but this is not very noticeable unless viewed in direct sunlight. Keep in mind that all the models use hard drive based storage. This enables a large capacity for a cheap price, however, the unit will be slower because of this. The iPod Touch uses flash memory, which is very expensive and has a low capacity, but is less likely to break. The Touch is also thinner. (You wouldn't think so, but the Archos is surprisingly pocketable) The speaker on the unit is small and tinny, but I am amazed on how many occasions I have found to use it. The 2nd gen. Touch also has a speaker, and I highly doubt it is much better than the one on the Archos. Something no one else has mentioned: The Wi-Fi antenna in the Archos is located on the right side, a place where you normally might hold the unit. It is very easy to accidentally block the Wi-Fi signal, and I have noticed that the connection can be tenuous (this might just be my network). The external volume control is very useful, but I wish the 5 also had a hold switch, as it can be annoying to have to find the "lock device" command throughout the menus. Also: on the original settings, the device will automatically power off after 5 minutes when locked (and when not in music mode). This can be very annoying if it is not changed.
I know that in the above paragraph I have criticized the Archos, but I cannot stress that the device itself is a beautiful, well made, piece of technology. Everything works very well, and most BIG problems with the device lie in the...
SOFTWARE:
The software is currently the Archos' weak point. As I said before, the firmware is still in beta, and this means that a few of the features just don't work. (A good example of this is the file sharing feature. When I select "file sharing", a notice pops up telling that the feature will be enabled in a "future release"). The parts of the software that do work function adequately, but could be better. The Music menu is a good example. Scrolling through large lists is jerky, and I find the organization of the metadata perplexing. However, the Music section works.
The Video section, on the other hand, is near perfect. Videos can be organized any way you want, and watching movies on the 4.8" screen is enjoyable. I think that the software can be summarized by working, but having quirks. You might want to wait for the firmware to become more stable.
A few more notes about the software:
1. The Add-Ons section is just ADS for the optional add-ons. Yes, ADS. This is just a minor annoyance, but please, a major company should not put ads for other products in their flagship product.
2. There is no way to directly skip tracks from other areas of the device (unlike, for example, the Touch, where you can tap the home button twice and control the music).
3. The Archos takes about 20 secs. to boot, and, when the device is "locked", the screen does not shut off for about 30 secs. (this can be changed)
4. The Opera web browser is fast and, renders pages as well as the Touch. The Mail app is not as good as Apple's, but if functions.
5. Games cost $20 for 4, but you can load your own flash apps onto the device.
6. One great addition to the Archos was internet radio and video. This is a feature I have seen in very few other devices, and the Archos implements it very well.
Lastly: Should you buy the Archos?
If you can escape the Apple universe, and don't mind the beta firmware for a few months, then buy the Archos. If is truly a great piece of hardware. if you can't stand betas, then wait a few months (the price will probably drop too).
The Archos 5 blows the Touch right out of the water, but the software could use some work. By now the iPod had become so ubiquitous that it doesn't really fit into Apple's "Think Different" philosophy, as many of its features have been matched and transcended by other devices. I don't mean to sound cliche, but if you truly want to think different, buy the Archos 5.
UPDATE: As of firmware update 1.0.87 the "file sharing" feature mentioned above has been completely removed from the settings menu. I don't know if this is because Archos has killed the feature or because they want to release it in a future release.
Also, as of 1.0.87, the Archos no longer lists its firmware as beta. However, the firmware is still buggy. The Archos firmware is definitely a work in progress, but Archos seems to be updating the device frequently, so most of the bugs will eventually be ironed out.
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