Archos 560GB Internet Media Tablet

The Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet (PMP, MID, etc., etc.) is getting a lot of attention lately, and rightly so. It combines the performance, function, and content most of us are looking for in a portable media device: full Web connec­tivity, PC compatibility, music, video, photos, and games. There's even more than that, though. If you're not sold on netbooks and don't want to give in to a smartphone, the Archos 5 is probably a good fit for you, especially if you really only care about the multimedia capabilities.

Starting with menu features, the Play category is where you store files from your PC-you can also access Web Radio (with an incredible 10,000 stations), built-in games, and added Flash applica­tions. PC connectivity requires the included USB cable, 

and syncing the media from your hard drive is extremely easy. Windows Media Player assists you in the syncing process, so you can quickly transfer MP3s, videos, and your photo collection. Videos on the Archos 5 are crisp, and the audio is consistent on both the uploaded content and Web Radio­clear highs and lows provide a well­rounded sound. The touchscreen is highly responsive, but you do have to tap twice to select options in each media category. If brows­ing via Opera is new to you, be assured that there is practically no learning curve. You can also set up a Gmail, Yahoo!, or Hotmail account that's accessible with a few taps. The cons are moderately annoying at worst. A stylus would have been a practi­cal accessory; some Web pages are diffi­cult to navigate on the touchscreen. 

(Still,you can zoom in and out by double­tapping.) The glossy metal finish is in no way a fingerprint deterrent, but Archos does include a cleaning cloth to remove smudges. By no means have we covered every significant feature; however, we can confi­dently say that the Archos 5 is beyond adequate for its purposes .

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