New Archos 5 Internet Tablet Does Media, Web

THE ARCHOS 5 Internet
Tablet—sporting Google’s
Android mobile operating
system—is a touchscreen
media player that stands out
from the crowd. (It comes in
various capacities. A 160GB
hard-drive model is $430; an
8GB P ash-drive one is $250.)
S e Web-centric Android
OS includes a powerful
Flash Lite browser that
will default to a Website’s
mobile version if one is
available. S e Internet Tablet
also comes with free apps
for IM, Twitter, Wikipedia,
and other online services.
S e Android interface
shines on this device, and
the generous (4.8 inches),
800-by-480-pixel display is
well suited to navigating an
assortment of apps.
S e player supports 720p
MPEG-4 HD video, among
other formats; footage looks
beautiful on the unit’s glossy
display. S e on-screen controls
make it easy to pause,rewind, or jump forward.
You can download media
from the Archos Media Club
store over the built-in Wi-Fi,
or sync the device to your
libraries with Windows
Media Player 11 or higher.
S e unit has a DVR capability,
but using it requires a
DVR kit that sells for $140.
Another option (costing
$50) lets you play content
from the Archos on your TV.
S e built-in GPS ob en
failed to pinpoint my location
well, and the feature
requires a subscription.
S e cost of such useful
add-ons may discourage
some potential buyers, but
the unit remains an intriguing
choice as a media player
and mobile browsing device.

article source : pc world
—Robert Strohmeyer