So, what do we have in here? It’s Archos, hitting the online scene again, this time with a brand new Android-based Internet Tablet device, which apparently gets exactly the same looks and specs its 5-inch Archos 5 predecessor packs, only this one unsurprisingly runs a Google Android trendy OS – all over the place – while design wise, it gets darker than ever with a whole black body color, covering both the media tablet itself and its optional $130 DVR docking station. Other than that, it seems that Archos’ new kid on the block just grew up bigger, and now being offered with storage capacities starting at 160GB HDD priced at $320 or a whopping 500GB HDD for merely $420. However, in case you’re into the SSD flavor, you can choose either going with the 16GB SSD version that is listed at B&H for $294 or the 32GB SSD option that will run you back for $370. Stay tuned for even more. Meanwhile, hit the jump to see the rest.
Update1: Apparently, the Android-based Archos 5 Internet Tablet just turned official and is now available with prices ranged from $259 – $430 (depends on storage configuration). Other than that, it seems the French have taken the vanilla Android OS and managed to hover it on top of Archos’ own Linux platform. Surprisingly, the combination of both systems works pretty smooth and flawless, then we may have expected. Additionally, Archos also included some neat third-party apps, like ThinkFree Mobile for document editing, Internet browser for net surfing, and some cool navigation features that suppose to take advantage of the full-fledged GPS system inside and help you find your way with local maps, voice over guidance and even 3D landmarks. And while the new Archos 5 doesn’t seems to have any mobile phone pretensions, it still packs some very advanced specs that make it such a fun and usable device for users. You get a 4.8-inch 800 x 480 resistive screen, which responds pretty well but not as fast as a multi-touch display. You can also find a 802.11n WiFi connectivity, paired with 800MHz OMAP3440 processor, storage drives which can go up to 500GB capacity, and an optional docking cradle that lets you record your favorite shows into the Archos unit or watch your 720P video files whenever connected to an LCD TV through the HDMI port. Press release is right after the break, along with three walk-through videos.
Update2: Looks like Amazon has finally listed the Archos 5 “Internet Tablet” device on its online store, running for either $390 (160GB) or $370 (32GB)at your choice (and pocket size).
Update3: Radio Shack seems to have a cheaper version of Archos 5’s Android-based tablet – just $249.99 – in case those $390 bills are too heavy for you to carry. Besides those 8GB of storage, that the new version packs, you get all the good things its bigger brother has, only with 1/20 of the capacity, but that for itself shouldn’t bother anyone who uses Archos’ device mainly for emails and internet.
[via Archos]
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[videos are courtesy of engadget]
ARCHOS BRINGS THE ANDROID PLATFORM TO A LARGE-SCREEN INTERNET TABLET WITH THE NEW ARCHOS 5
ARCHOS Introduces the Ultimate Internet Tablet with Android Applications, Bluetooth, GPS and High Definition Video in One Handheld Device
DENVER, CO – September 15, 2009 – ARCHOS, Inc., a top innovator in the portable media market, announced today the new ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet that combines the best of ARCHOS, featuring high-definition content, TV recording and built-in GPS, with the best of the Android platform for Internet browsing and nearly unlimited customization with applications .
The ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet features a sleek and slim design, 5-inch high-resolution touch-screen, ultra-fast speeds of a PC, full fledge Internet browser, 3D GPS navigation, integrated applications that rival Mobile Internet Devices, and far more capacity and flexibility. Up to 500GB of capacity ensures the ARCHOS 5 keeps up with the growth of consumer content, offering the ability to store Android applications along with hundreds of full-length HD movies, songs, photos and more.
“With the steady growth of mobile Internet adoption, easier ways to access the Internet and digital media, and an increasing need for device customization, ARCHOS brings it all together by integrating GPS, HD and the Android platform,” said Henri Crohas, ARCHOS chief executive officer. “Android offers to the consumer unlimited ways to customize the tablet with thousands of apps, all easily available on the device or through the AppsLib Store.”
New AppsLib Store for Large-Screen Android Applications
ARCHOS introduces the AppsLib Store for unlimited access to free and paid applications developed specifically for the larger 5-inch touch screen display of the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet. Consumers can simply access Android applications from the AppsLib Store through the ARCHOS 5 device and download in one-click, with the application resizing to fit the larger screen in portrait or landscape view.
In addition to accessing applications through the AppsLib Store, the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet will include several pre-installed Android apps, including the popular eBuddy instant messaging app, Twidroid for sending and receiving tweets, Craigsphone for posting or accessing classified ads, Thinksfree for viewing Microsoft® Office™ files, Quickpedia and much more.
Fastest Wireless Connection
With WiFi n network capabilities, the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet is connected where and when consumers want and with broadband-like connection speeds. Without WiFi access, consumers can use the 3.5G connection of their mobile phone and connect through the Bluetooth™ to the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet, without requiring an additional subscription.
The brilliant 5-inch screen of the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet, combined with the new superscalar microprocessor ARM® CortexTM A8 from Texas Instrument, allows consumers to surf the Web on a high-resolution 800×480 touch screen, as if they were surfing on their PC. Unlike the small 2- and 3-inch screens of most Smartphones and media players, the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet makes surfing the Web, watching movies, sending email, Twittering or updating Facebook pages easy and comfortable.
Integrated GPS Features 3D Maps and Adventure Mode Compass
The ARCHOS 5 features an embedded GPS application that can be used in the car, around town or even in “adventure mode” for off road travels. With voice assistance, Points of Interest, multiple-route calculations, maps from TeleAtlas® with 3D landmarks, and a unique 3D photo realistic feature for in-city navigation edited by BLOM, the ARCHOS 5 ensures one less device in the pocket and keeps consumers moving. With multiple view angles, four zoom levels and digital compass, the ARCHOS 5 keeps users on track whether in city or back-country.
ARCHOS offers a seven day free trial of the GPS features to test the power and performance before subscribing.
Entertainment Your Way with the Highest Quality Content
The ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet offers a host of content options, including:
16GB to 500GB Capacities: Provides enough storage to hold up to 710 full-length, HD quality movies, 3.2 million photos or 190,000 songs.
HD capabilities: Consumers don’t need to make compromises concerning their videos. The ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet can handle the widest range of video formats even at HD 720p resolution (H.264 HD, MPEG-4 HD, and WMV HD).
Web TV and Radio: Users can stream thousands of Web TV channels and more than 10,000 radio stations directly to the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet.
TV Recording: With the optional DVR station accessory, ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablets offer a fast and easy way to record live TV and play back favorite HD movies directly on the Tablet or TV.
ARCHOS Media Club: The easiest way to access content on the go, the Media Club features the latest movies, TV shows, music and games from a host of providers.
Personalize with Plug-Ins and Accessories
Furthering the company’s strategy to offer multiple customization options, the ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet offers a host of optional plug-in and accessories from the ARCHOS store or Web site:
HD Cinema plug-In: Play WMV HD movies in 720p resolution as well as movies in MPEG-2/VOB format with AC3 sound.
Accessories: DVR Station, Battery dock, HDMI Mini-Dock, GPS In-Car Holder, , and more can be used to record TV, charge the device, transfer photos from a digital camera, record videos on the go, etc.
Pricing and Availability
The ARCHOS 5 Internet Tablet will be available from retailers, Amazon and the ARCHOS Website beginning September 16, 2009, at prices ranging from $249.99 to $439.99.
Order information and customer support details are available on the ARCHOS Web site at www.archos.com.
About ARCHOS
ARCHOS introduced the hard-drive-based MP3 player with the Jukebox 6000 in 2000, and since that time has revolutionized consumer electronics devices. The company introduced the portable video player in 2003 and was the first to bring TV recording, wireless and touch screens to the portable media player. The ARCHOS Internet Media Tablet and PCtablet offer consumers uncompromised access to the Internet, movies, photos, video, music and television anytime, anywhere. ARCHOS has offices in the United States, Europe and Asia, and is quoted on Compartment C of Euronext Paris, ISIN Code FR0000182479. More information is available online at archos.com
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