Archos 5 160 GB Internet Tablet with Android

Comment: After reading all the negitive press, I waas aprehensive when the product arrived. I followed the exact procedure to set up the devise. I absolutely love this product- it does exactly what it is supposed to do, quickly, efficiently and very well. I do, however hope that Archos will continue to support and allow Android to evolve the devise to do more and more. By design,the devise is very versatile and perhaps a bit quirky but what it does, it does very well. Enjoy it!

Comment: Bought this for video playing on frequent flights. Couldn't be happier, great screen size and video looks fantastic. Had a couple of freeze ups, but I put that down to operator error! You have got to wait for it to catch up sometimes, when I didn't it would freeze.

Comment: I'm so glad I pulled the trigger on this. I was very hesitant to drop $400 (I got the 500GB model) on something that has received so many negative reviews, but this is definitely the best purchase I've made in a long time!

I use it everywhere and all the time. I use it in the car even though I have a 6-disc CD changer with MP3 capability. I use it at home even though I have a brand new laptop in front of me. I use it instead of using my 32" TV with a WDTV and 1.5TB hard drive of movies and TV shows. I use it while sitting on the toilet. I use it when I should be sleeping at 2am. Its just so darn versatile and fun to use, I can't put it down!

I read a review somewhere, that the Archos 5 Internet tablet with Android wasn't for somebody who expects electronic devices to work perfectly every time and all the time. That it was for somebody who likes to tinker, somebody patient enough to put up with some of its issues. I think those are wise words, and thankfully I fit into the latter category. Although, I must admit, there aren't any "issues" that I have to put up with. The screen hasn't locked up on me but once when I was trying to play music in the background of surfing a pretty graphic intensive website. Even though I had to restart the device, I was back up and surfing that same website within two minutes. I mean c'mon, Windows OS has an awesome and extensive reputation, and even the newest versions on the newest computers will hang at times. They're electronic devices for crying out loud, they're not going to be perfect...EVER!

I did A LOT of research before I made my purchase, so I was aware of the recent firmware updates available and past bugs and glitches that are taken care of, and those that are still an issue to some. I was prepared for the worst, but ended up getting a GREAT experience so far. I received mine on 7/16/2010, and came out of the box with firmware version 1.7.99. I opted NOT to upgrade to the newest firmware available until I got a chance to test its current reliability and performance. So far I see no reason to upgrade, because as far as I understand, most of the new updates are for OpenGL programming for newer 3D games that are becoming more and more available and playable on the Archos, and apparently they conflict with current programming and 2D games. A selling point for me though, was the availability of (2D) NES and Sega Genesis emulators, I don't care much for playing the fancy new 3D iPhone based games. The Archos Development Team is awesome though, because they're releasing two versions of firmware updates currently, one for the people interested in the 3D game capability of their Archos, and one intended for those that want to keep the games, settings, and programs that are adversely affected by the OpenGL stuff. But like I said, my Archos is perfect as is in my eyes, so I'm not going to bother updating until I see a reason to.

The HDD 500GB model is smaller than I was expecting. Real-world, its smaller than the specs "on paper" had me to believe. Which is a good thing, because it fits in my pocket and light enough to comfortably do so. Everybody I show my Archos to, cannot believe it holds 500 gigs of movies, music, and photos and still have the ability to do what it does. Sure there are portable hard drives out right now that are as small as the Archos, that hold just as much and more...but can they PLAY the movies, music, and photos that they hold, with their OWN OS, with a FIVE INCH screen to boot!? Kudos to Archos!

Sure there are a few drawbacks, individual to each user. Such as in my case, concerning the aforementioned game platform emulators...the Archos doesn't support multi-touch...which in this case means you cannot use two buttons on the onscreen controller at the same time (ie jumping in a direction). I found that you adapt though, and most games are still playable.

Also, I think the fact this is marketed as an HD player, but you have to purchase the ability to do so apart from the actual price of the device...is crap. FACT: The average 700mb AVI-format movie plays and sounds PERFECT on the Archos 5, straight out of the box. They look impressive on the screen. FACT: I'll probably purchase the "Cinema Package" add-on at some point in the future. Its a one-time cost of $40 to ensure your device will play virtually ANYTHING you throw at it. Sometimes you don't have a choice either, and the 4gb+ sized HD file is the only version available for some hard to find movies. And honestly, thats the only thing it won't play so far, are the HUGE MKV or VOB movie files. To be clear: ALL WMVs, AVIs, MPEGs, smaller MKVs, and MP4s (all of which make up for, I'd say, 95% of my collection) play just fine.

The included earphones were crap BTW. The right side didn't even work, LOL. I literally just threw them out. We all know you can get a set of decent earphones for under 10 bucks virtually anywhere nowadays anyways, so no biggie.

The Internet on the Archos 5 is FAST! You won't be disappointed. I have a brand new Windows 7 laptop, and I'd honestly say the Archos loads most web pages a little faster than the laptop. Multiple broadband speed tests confirm its wifi speed is 6200kbps+ in my case. THAT'S IMPRESSIVE! The wifi was simple to setup on the Archos, and has never dropped the connection unexpectedly. I've tried the Opera, Dolphin, and Skyfire browsers, and I still prefer the stock Android browser. I downloaded an app that syncs my Firefox bookmarks from my PC, so I feel right at home using the Internet on the Archos.

Speaking of Apps, I highly suggest downloading the Google Android Market "hack." Google it if you're unfamiliar. Its so much better than the Archos supplied Appslib program. In fact, Appslib hasn't even worked at all in my case. It won't even open, yet every now and then says there's an update for it, but fails to load correctly. I suspect this is because I haven't updated my device to the most current firmware? Either way, I don't need it. the Google Android Market has anything you'd ever want, and every App I've downloaded so far has worked on my Archos as if they were designed for it (most apps designed for phones with smaller screens and inputs, ie physical buttons). Most apps are free too, and the ones that have a price are a whopping two bucks on average. I didn't think I'd even be interested in apps at all until I saw what was available. There's some handy and neat stuff out there...and for FREE!

I didn't buy my Archos for its GPS capability, so I wouldn't have any problem purchasing the license to use the GPS function. However, I've found the Google Maps and Navigation apps are awesome (and free)! Only drawback is the Google apps require wifi access, which realistically isn't possible while driving anywhere and everywhere. If you ask me, GPS is only for old people and women anyways, LOL, no offense.

I purchased the Archos brand Car Mount w/FM transmitter and charger, and its a must have for the Archos 5. The FM transmitter option on the device is awesome! In my case, with my car's stereo and speakers and my music library, the sound is EXCELLENT! Much better than I was expecting!

I would also suggest purchasing the battery dock with your Archos as well. So many cool features in such a small package (just like the Archos 5 itself)! Charging takes only two hours with the battery dock, versus all night connected to USB. When the battery dock itself is fully charged, it instantly adds about 30% charge to the Archos device. Thereby increasing your play time by that much. You can also connect your Archos to virtually any TV with this dock as well with the S-Video and Composite connections. When connected to a TV, the Archos goes black and you use the screen as a mouse pad and your finger moves the pointer around on the screen of the TV, which I think is a cool feature. On top of all that, you also get a mini USB port to connect the unit to a PC, AND a standard sized USB input on the dock itself to directly connect a camera, Flash Drive, external hard drive...you name it.

That reminds me, you cannot just connect the Archos to your PC and drag and drop your files. This is understandable because you're dealing with a Windows device and a Linux device. I have no idea in the world how Linux works, but the Internet is a wonderful thing! Google "Ext2 IFS for Windows," click the first result, and download the driver that allows Windows to read and write to the Linux Ext2 and Ext3 drive formats. Its straightforward and does just what it promises. If you're running Windows 7 though, you have to run the Ext2 IFS installer/program in Vista compatibility mode. Literally the whole process will take you a couple minutes, and BINGO! You can drag and drop, copy, create folders, rename files, anything and everything you would need to do. Archos doesn't really explain that this is necessary, as they recommend using your Windows Media Player (WMP) to "sync" your library to the Archos. Personally I rarely use the WMP and don't keep my media files in its library, so using it to "sync" is foreign to me, and honestly, sounds like a PITA with the possibility of all sorts of issues.

All in all, I couldn't be happier with the Archos 5IT Android! I NEEDED an MP3 player, and WANTED a portable wifi device...and I can't believe i was even considering an iPod Touch, because with the Archos 5, I got what I needed and wanted, and so much more. For 64GB and a 3.5" screen, Apple wants $350! Ludicrous! Its thin and the battery lasts a little longer, big whoop. Apple is such a gimmick and I truly don't understand why so many people fall for it and pay outrageous prices for devices that don't offer much compared to what else is out there! For only $50 more and only a quarter of an inch thicker than the iPod Touch I just described, you get a much bigger screen with GORGEOUS ouput, a whopping 400GB PLUS more space, the ability to play ANY video or music file you throw at it (as opposed to using proprietary file formats and programs to even load your device!), an FM radio and transmitter, GPS...you name it, and the Archos beats the Apple in every category (except for probably the battery).

Most people have never heard about Archos as a company, and that's a darn shame because they offer some AWESOME products. Just for fun, compare the "Archos 9" to the Apple iPad. Blows it out of the water. Just as the Archos 5IT Android does the iPod Touch! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Comment: After updating the Android system to 2.0 and downloading Skyfire and Opera mini 5.1 I'm completely satisfied with the performance of the Archos 5 with android. So far the battery life is good to excellent(if I turn off the wireless). While I cannot play all videos, I found the updated browsers skyfire and opera mini cover most of the videos that I want to play. Youtube videos play without any problems. Like most Archos 5 owners I'm waiting for 2.2 update to extend some of the features. Follow instructions and update the Archos after charging the battery. Don't play with it just charge it, update it, then work with it. There is a hack/file you can download to access the android lib. but I cannot remember what or where I saw it. It did work as advertised.

I transferred some movies to the archos and played them without any issues. Videos and photos are excellent on this screen. My movie files looked like hd because of the compressed screen size and stero sound was excellent. I was able to connect to the wireless internet without difficulty. I have wireless n and able to work with the tablet anywhere in the house, even in the basement. I was able to access shared files on my home network. Could not view works spreadsheets but could access videos, mp3, and pdf files. Have not really tried others at this time. Still experimenting with the possibilities of the tablet. Like the size because it is still pocket friendly. The only criticism I would have is the external speaker. Not really very good. But I usually listen with earbuds or headphones with a bass booster and the sound is very good.

I would not classify myself as a nerd/geek but I can work with most software and deal with minor problems on a computer. Downloading, installing, and working with settings is the extent of my skill level. Software development...not so much.

I have found the forums, written reviews, and customer reviews very useful in researching the product before I made the purchase. Many thanks to those of you who take the time to go the extra mile on your evaluations. For those considering the Archos 5, do the extra research and be patient. Be realistic in your expectations.

By the way, I also bought the dvr station at the same because the deal was too good to pass up. Excellent for charging and hooking up to a flatscreen. Haven't tried any recordings yet since I have dish and Magnavox recorders hooked up. Probably missed some important points but may add to the review later.

Comment: Just don't buy this product. It's a simple as that.

Mine never really worked.

- Despite buying the optional HD video software, the device isn't able to play HD (720) content properly. I constantly have a/v out-of-sync problems. The video lags the audio. All the time. Then you pause, resume playing and it's ok for 5 minutes but then it drifts out of sync again.
- Accessing the microsd card is a disaster. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. You need to keep on inserting and removing the card.
- The battery doesn't even last an hour if you are playing videos
- The device gets extremely warm (so warm that it is uncomfortable in your hands)

But what's worst is that you are on your own if you buy this. Archos support doesn't exist!
My device had all these problems. I logged tickets with their support and nobody *ever* bothered to respond. Then one day my Archos just stopped working completely. The screen would just flicker and never turn on.

So I wrote a letter to the CEO or Archos and returned this awfully engineered piece of hardware to them. All I got back is a standard letter telling me my warranty has expired (which for the record isn't true) and an offer to repair my Archos 5 for 148 EUROs.

Stay away from Archos.