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]