Archos unveils 3G/Wi-Fi Internet media tablets

Don't call it the Archos 606. The Archos 5 internet media tablet aims to hit the sweet spot between PVP, MID, and smartphone.

(Credit: Archos)

A year after releasing the 605 WiFi portable video player (a CNET Editors' Choice), Archos is announcing plans to release three new devices in the following months: the Archos 5, Archos 7, and Archos 5G.

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.

Archos is also updating its DVR Station accessory to include HDMI output, composite video input, and a more luxurious design.

(Credit: Archos)

Despite covering some familiar territory, there are major distinctions between the new Archos Internet media tablets and last year's line of portable video players. The Archos 5 includes a revamped, thinner design with fewer buttons, a larger screen (4.8 inches), higher capacity, a considerably faster processor (ARM Cortex), and support for 3G and 3.5G (HSDPA) cellular data connections.

You heard right: the new portable media players out of Archos can browse the Web over both Wi-Fi and 3G cellular connections, provided that you have existing 3G cellular service established. To get the Archos 5 and Archos 7 up and running over 3G, you'll need to acquire a 3G USB modem from your carrier, however, the Archos 5G model includes a built-in slot for your existing SIM card. If you prefer your Internet tablets dongle-free, the Archos 5G is the way to go.

A side view of the Archos 5 sitting in the new DVR Station. Using the $99 DVR Station accessory allows you to make scheduled recordings of your favorite shows, or use your TV as a giant screen for your Archos media player.

(Credit: Archos)

Bear in mind that Archos doesn't include a built-in microphone on any of the new media tablets, so the possibility of leveraging the 3G capabilities to place VoIP calls seems unlikely (but not impossible). No texting apps come bundled with the Archos 5, 5G, or 7, but with a full Web browser and large touch-screen keyboard at your disposal, it should be easy enough to maintain your presence on social networks such as Twitter and Facebook.

Because of a redesigned dock connection, many of the accessories currently made for the Archos 605 WiFi will need to be be revised to work with the new Archos 5/5G and Archos 7 tablets, including the helmet cam, extended battery dock, and a DVR station which now offers HDMI output and composite video input. The recently reviewed GPS cradle is one of the only accessories made by Archos compatible with both the 605 WiFi and the new line of tablets.

On the software side, a new HiDef video software plug-in is now available ($20) that lets you playback 720p video resolution at 24 fps MPEG4 and WMV formats, which is ideal if you ever plan on connecting your player to a high-definition TV. After registering your Archos media tablet, two plug-ins will activate free of charge, including the Flash 9-enabled Opera Web browser, and a Web TV/Radio plug-in. Just like the iPhone and iPod Touch, Archos plug-ins can be downloaded and installed directly over Wi-Fi or 3G, without requiring a computer as an intermediary.

Archos will release the Archos 5 in September in 60GB, 120GB, and 250GB capacities, priced at $350, $400, and $450, respectively. The supersize Archos 7 will make its debut in October, priced at $450 (160GB) and $550 (320GB). Finally, the Archos 5G, with its built-in SIM card slot, will become available in December with a premium price tag of $550 (30GB).

[bigmc6000]

Working with 3G is a good deal but man - that's a hefty monthly fee on top of what you're already paying for a cell phone. I just can't see myself getting a 3G enabled hand held computer that's too big to function as a phone. It is a good idea tho - I'd think the functionality and bugs probably need a couple of software revisions before they are really 100% ready to go but a good product none the less - especially considering the price points!

[CitizenJag]

I've got to admit, this may have just foiled any plans i had to get the ipod touch after the fall update. 3G internet from any provider (NOT JUST AT&T), 60/120/250GB Sizes, unlimited media types supported... I pray this isnt crap. It even looks 10 times sleeker than the previous archos models. Color me impressed.

[bigmc6000]

Don't forget that to use that 3G internet you're going to be forking over at least $30 a month... Personally I wouldn't even use the service if I had it - that's just too much to pay for a non-phone

[murdock808]

I have the Archos 605 WiFi, and think it is a great piece of equipment. I don?t know if I will upgrade to the new unit, but 3G and all the bells and whistles would be nice. HD also would be a plus, but I don?t use mine for DVR, as I have a 500 GB DVR. Great products these France make. I hope to see more form them in the future.

[Renegade Knight]

I did try to make DVR work. Nope. The base isn't compatiable with basic cable. Heck it appearst to not work for playing to a TV either (after having it work once, I've never had another success. The 605 is great as a stand alone but it doesn't play nice with other equipment. I now have an expesnive charger that was supposed to be a dock.

[cortez008]

Ok so im really bad at the whole technology thing, but wait so if u have a phone service and you get the archos five, does that mean ur basically adding another phone to your plan? Also i thought it used WIFI so doesnt it just connect to any area that has WIFI too?

[fhqwgads]

December for the 5g! Aw man gotta wait so long. :(

[JonTitor]

pretty nice look, GUI isn't perfect but its an improvement, definitely a look they can call unique while everyone else makes iPhone look a likes, but archos seriously needs something a little smaller even if it means turning down the high resolution screens they usually use cause a lot of people want something small

[AppleSuxLeo]

The bigger screen , higher rez , and larger capacity are just a few of the things that make it better than Apple devices...as well as NOT looking like the Apple "flat-slab".

[AppleSuxLeo]

I must hand it to the French...Archos devices are head and shoulders above anything Apple makes.
I must get one...and keep dreaming of Sophie Marceau in "The World Is Not Enough"

[AppleSuxLeo]

I`m on board too ! This is one very nice and sexy device.

[Ordonator]

What would be even smarter than 3G would be a device that works with any "mobile broadband" usb device. My service is through a smaller carrier. I'm very happy with it, but I fear the future is dim for any sort of usability with stuff like this.

[atomicbomb156]

I really like the design of the Archos 5. I checked out the site and took the look at the specs and they really impressed me. But what got me hooked is the built in support for avi files. All the video files i have on my computer are avi and it is a pain to convert them all so it would be easier to drag and drop. Plus the options all have a huge amount of memory. Enough to store my growing music and video collection. I'm not really a big fan of 3G in an internet tablet. Phones that are specifically designed for 3G are much better. I do like having wifi though. The touchscreen is beautiful as well. But what disappointed me is the battery life. I hate having to charge my mp3 players (my phone and mp3 player are both sony walkmans so the battery life goes on for days) and with all that video I would hate for the battery to run out on me. That is the only gripe though. I really cannot wait for CNET to review this product.

Beautiful, I must get this. Check out my top 5 at starbanks.blogspot.com!