Hands-on with the Archos 5 internet media tablet

Click to view the Archos 5 photo gallery.

(Credit: CNET Networks/Corinne Schulze)

The Archos 5 internet media tablet has arrived on my desk with uncanny timing. I've had only a few minutes to fool with the new touch screen beauty, but I do have photos to share.

So far, I feel comfortable saying that the Archos 5 looks, feels, and behaves like a luxury product. I have a few criticisms too, which you can read in the notes of our Archos 5 photo gallery.

[miguelotron]

I was just about ready to buy the 2nd gen iPod touch until i heard about the Archos 5. The biggest selling points to me are the flash compatible web browsing, as well as the GPS functionality. I know you guys just got it today, but I can't wait for the review to hit! Can you get into details about the GPS capabilities of this device? I'm sure you will anyway but it doesn't hurt to ask :)

[LunaticSX]

Interesting features, but it looks like a brick. One of the photos' descriptions reads "without becoming too large to fit in your pocket," but I don't know whose pockets they're talking about. Maybe "*If you shop at Big & Tall"? Even so, imagine the bulge... (Cue "Is that an Archos in your pocket..." jokes.)

Note that GPS is only available when you add the optional $129 GPS cradle, which is a big car mount thing with a suction cup that will NOT also fit in one of your pockets, regardless of how big they are. (See http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-player-accessories/archos-gps-in-car/4505-6519_7-33196947.html?tag=mncol;txt)

Prices and capacities: $350/60GB, $400/120GB, and $450/250GB.

Clearly in a different category from the iPod Touch, so comparisons are unwarranted.

[bigusiak]

who care brick or not - its solid compare to new iPhone made from cheap plastic.
The new units with GPS (the attachment for older version in case you want GPS) are build in in same case - no need attachments. also there is 320Gb version for $450 - possible iPhone and iTouch will get same size in 4 years? Then we will have Archos with 1Tb:-)
Cue "Is that an Archos in your pocket..." jokes - cute joke!
By the way all Archos owner are proud to own that compare to those who own iProducts:-) You just never know is that real "I" or fake made in China?

[reznorfan0]

Looks like a brick....how does the touch not also look like a brick? They should change the archos desktop image in these promo pics to something a little more compelling, but it appears to have a very clean interface. Size yes I agree, but since I do shop at big and tall, i'll take the screen size over pocketability.

I for one like the fact that all of those modules are optional. I have GPS on my phone, why would I want to pay extra for a redundant function on another device. Give me the bare-bones at a decent price, I'll decide what I need from that point. Having potentially 250gigs to work with and not being teathered to itunes.....I'll take a pass on apple products.