Archos 5 Internet Tablet review

This media player from Archos certainly looks the business, but we found the touchscreen deeply frustrating to use Tested at £280.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

An extremely desirable media player, but The Archos 5 is still hindered by a few performance niggles

Pros

  • +

    Gorgeous styling

  • +

    attractive operating system

  • +

    good size for video playback

Cons

  • -

    Accessories and plug-ins hike up the price

  • -

    touchscreen can be sluggish and frustrating

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The Archos has a decently big screen, at 4.8 inches. At its heart lies an 800mHz processor plus Google's Android operating system, and its graphics look superb.

However, Android doesn't work as smoothly as we'd like: you're often left waiting for the player to switch menus or open the relevant files. Still, wi-fi internet browsing is straightforward enough.

The Archos's media-player capabilities can be further enhanced, but only at extra cost.

The DVR station add-on (£102) allows you to watch and record digital TV, while £12.50 spent on Archos's Cinema HiDef plug-in lets you output WMV (Windows Media Video) HD files in 720p at 24fps.

Nice – but they'd be even nicer if they came as part of the package.

Detailed and vibrant sound
Sonically, the Archos produces a detailed and vibrant sound. You don't quite get all the subtleties contained in a track, but it's a good effort all the same.

However, despite its 800x400 screen, colours look unnatural and there's no real vibrancy to them. Blacks also appear slightly washed out.

The Archos 5 Internet Tablet is glitzy, glamorous and well-featured. However, it isn't without issues, so it misses out on five stars.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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