Archos 5, Archos 7: tablets WiFi and 3G +

[MattyBoy]

Archos begins by formalizing the release of its first Internet tablet WiFi and 3G +, "Archos 5" before the end of the year which will be available from, among others, the operator SFR (under the name "Archos 5G" ). It will be marketed at the beginning of September, without subscription, in three versions: 60 GB of storage space for 349.99 euros, 120 GB to 399.98 euros and 250 GB to 499.99 euros. The price of mobile subscriptions partners are not yet known.

On the technical side, "Archos 5" remains fairly large (127.5 x 78.3 x 12.9 mm) with a weight of about 300 grams, but compensates by using a large touch screen of 4.8 inches for a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and 16 million colors. It is compatible with networks WiFi 802.11b / g and integrates a loudspeaker, a Texas Instruments ARM processor Cortex, an audio jack of 3.5 mm, a crutch, a USB 2.0 slave and host and the connector Archos for use of optional accessories (including the DVR Station to record TV programs).




Its Lithium Polymer battery provides autonomy announced 12 hours in music mode or up to 4 hours in video mode. Note that the "Archos 5" will not default location of a SIM integrated, being possible to activate its functions via internet networks high-speed mobile 3G + that by using the "pack 3G + Ready "option which will be available via SFR. This kit will connect to its USB plug.

At software, it has a new interface touch with a web browser evolved, Opera Mobile Flash 9 and compatible with widgets (weather, currency conversion, calculator, RSS reader), a comprehensive mail client (compatibility vCard, POP3, IMAP) and a player. This might play videos MPEG-4, WMV and M-JPEG. To use formats HiDef MPEG-4 (ASP 720p) and WMV HD (720p MP), it will once again buy additional plugins. The customer will be compatible audio, for its part, with stereo MP3 files @ 30-320 KO / s CBR & VBR, WMA, protected WMA, WMA Pro 5.1, WAV (PCM / ADPCM).



As an option, it will be possible to add the kit "DVR Station for 100 euros, a mini dock (quick exit and S-Video & Composite) for 30 euros, GPS and a kit DVB-T (launch at the end of 2008) .

[MattyBoy]

For its part, "Archos 7" is an Internet tablet that has a design slightly different and a 7-inch screen showing the same resolution of 800x480 pixels. On the technical side, it will differentiate the "Archos 5" by the presence of 2-in speakers, a chance to recharge by the sector only (USB recharge possible on the "Archos 5") and his weight significantly larger (640 grams). All for much less compact dimensions of 190 x 110 x 16 mm and a self-identical.



The tablets "Archos 7" will be available in two versions, 160 GB and 320 GB of storage space. They should be marketed in October at a price of 450 euros respectively and 550 euros. They have exactly the same functions that "Archos 5 with a web browser, a customer and multimedia possibilities of using online services Archos, rental of films for download mobile game.

[Aikonik]

Archos is quick to point out that these new "Internet media tablets" are not to be confused with the company's line of portable video players (such as the Archos 605 WiFi), which will continue to be manufactured and offered alongside the new tablets. That said, the new offerings clearly draw on many of their predecessor's features. Like the 605 WiFi and 705 WiFi, the Archos 5, Archos 7, and Archos 5G include video and music playback (MPEG4, AVI, WMV, MPEG2, h.264, MJPEG, DIVX, MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV), a photo viewer, touch-screen navigation, a Flash-enabled Web browser (Opera), DVR capabilities, games, and Mac/PC compatibility. Familiar hardware features such as a fold-out kickstand, integrated speaker, and 3.5mm headphone jack are also included on the new Archos tablets.

[MattyBoy]

The newly announced Archos 5 and Archos 7 series portable media players are on sale on Amazon.com.
The top of the line Archos 7 features a 7 inch screen and a huge 320GB hard-drive. An Archos 7 with a smaller 160GB HDD is also available. The Archos 7 320GB sells for $549.99 on Amazon.com.


The Archos 7 with 160GB storage sells for $449.99 on Amazon.com.

The Archos 5 60GB starts at $349.99 on Amazon.com.