It’s been almost a year since the unveiling of the Android OS, and we’ve fallen for the charms of the HTC G1, Magic and most recently the DEXT, in short it’s been mobile-tastic. But now, please welcome, the new Android powered gadget, the Archos 5 Internet Tablet. The first non-cellular slice of tech to come powered by the OS.
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Out of the box you could be forgiven for thinking that the device is the Archos 5 media tablet, in terms of looks they’re near identical. The pockmarked copper back is a tad fingerprint friendly, but it feels well built and with hardly any hard buttons to speak of it's slimline and very pocketable. Both Flash memory (8GB up to 64GB) and harddrive options (160GB up to 500GB) are available, the latter is slightly chunkier and may be too much so for some.
Fire it up, and the Linux-based OS has been replaced by the much loved Android. Dazzling on the 4.8-inch screen you get three fully customisable home screens with widgets in tow that you can drag on and off the homescreen easily using the uber responsive touchscreen. With just three home screens, it can get cluttered very easily regardless of the larger estate. If you’re all for the minimal approach there’s also the main menu screen to house your unwanted widgets.
Without a camera or a compass Google wouldn’t give the green light to this product so don’t expect any Market Place action. Archos has fashioned it’s own app store named the Apps Lab. Once connected to a nearby Wi Fi, tap on the widget and you’re ready to go. The interface is simple enough, with three main tabs to search, update and download. The device comes housing a few apps preloaded for your use, the main four are Twitroid, ebuddy (for instant messaging), Craigsphone (to keep up-to-date with classified ads) and Thinksfree (synch your Microsoft Office apps). To-date don’t expect the volume or choice of Market Place or the Apps Store, it’s pretty basic but the essentials are covered.
Also with no 3G and only Wi-Fi compatibility you’ll have to find yourself in a hotspot before making good use of the apps and the additional features available. Without a connection unfortunately you won’t get access to the app store, the multitude of internet radio stations. An even bigger faux-pas is without a Wi Fi connection the killer feature of Flash compatibility allowing iPlayer and web TV viewing is a no-go.
There is a but, and it comes in the shape of tethering to your mobile phone. Connect the device via Bluetooth and you can piggy-back the 3G to get a connection. It’s a bit of a tedious process and we found the success rate a bit low and not worth the effort of setting it up in the first place.
Apart from the initial Android interface, we were left wanting for more from the OS. The welcome addition of so-called superwidgets allow direct access to you videos and music, but in terms of multimedia that’s as far as the OS goes. A few touches and we were back in the somewhat confusing Archos OS of old. This is essentially the Archos 5 media tablet with an OS reskin. Think the Toshiba TG01 and its reskin of Windows Mobile.
The device comes with two HDMI ports and is capable of 720p video playback. As expected from the Archos heritage playback is impressive. Add a pair of decent cans and the sound is fantastic too, although don’t expect much from the buds provided.
As with most Archos products, there are a bundle of add-ons, not least the TV aerial dock available. Slot in the 5 tablet for access to digital channels on the go. It comes at a price you’ll have to fork out another £80 for the privilege. There’s also GPS on-board, but again you’ll have to part with your hard earned cash to get more than a 7-day free trial.
We reviewed the original Archos 5 earlier this year and awarded it four stars, when it comes to multimedia this latest tablet remains a strong performer. We expected more from the OS and without a strong app store and a significant change to the original it’s much of the same product, but the new concept just doesn't add up.
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