If you are in the market for a high quality MP4 player with excellent video playback and internet connection, then the Archos 5 may be the one for you. Archos call it the Internet Media Tablet but I think the name sounds a bit technical for such a cool device. The design of this portable media player is clean, clear and very elegant; In fact quite a beautiful bit of kit. It has a 4.8 inch touch screen that is quite large for a player of this type, but it is a great size for video playback and for surfing the web. The screen is also viewable from all angles which make it an ideal device to use while you are on the move. However, one slight drawback in the design is that there is no place to rest your fingers without touching the screen when you are holding it. This often results in the screen getting smudged from time to time.
Video playback is absolutely brilliant on this device. The screen is sharp and bright with very good definition. The Archos 5 utilise Adobe Flash 9 which makes for very smooth video streaming, ideal for watching your favourite videos from the web. You could also subscribe to the Archos Media Club where you have access to a vast library of films, music and games. The Archos 5 can also be used to record moves and television programs using the optional DVR Station which is very easy to use.
Although I am not a fan of the name ‘Internet Media Tablet’ for this device, I can see why those clever people at Archos would opt for such a term because this is undoubtedly one of the best handheld devices for surfing the web and mailing. You are able to brows the web just as if you were using your PC thanks to the Archos 800 pixels resolution and 5 inch screen. There is no need to zoom in and out like other handled, because the pages are displayed in full. Mailing is pretty good too once you have connected to a WiFi network. One handy mailing feature that I like is the display of the number of awaiting mail on the home screen. When you are on the move this could be quite useful.
The Archos 5 is a flagship PMP product, and as such you would expect all round good quality features whether it is music playback, photo display, video viewing and more. On these, Archos have certainly delivered. Where I think it could improve however, is on the battery life for video playback. Archos say you will get 7 hours for this which is not bad when compare to other handheld devices. However, for a high-end product you might expect a bit more juice than that. It does impress on the music playback time; 22 hours which is not that bad at all.
All in all this is an excellent device packed with impressive features. If your budget can meet the price tag, then it is well worth having.
