Jul 25, 2010 - 
Android 
7 Comments
Android 7 Comments Archos 5 160GB Internet Tablet Android
- Runs on the Android operating system
- Supports for a huge variety of Apps
- Music video photo and Internet ready
- GPS technology for on the move navigation
Archos 5 t Tablet 160Go (501322)
Rating: 
(out of 11 reviews)
List Price: £299.99
Price: £222.50
Review by Mrs. Victoria McNeile for Archos 5 160GB Internet Tablet Android
Rating:
I’ve only just received this today but let me list the initial gripes:-
1. Doesn’t come with a power cable
2. When bought as a package from a.n.other supplier, they include the dvd snap on but no scart adaptor so you need to purchase one unless your TV has a video input/output socket (yellow socket).
3. Serial number on my satnav software is apparently ‘invalid’ yet I’ve put it in three times very carefully.
4. Sound is not brilliant.
Positives, so far (and there aren’t many!):-
1. Aesthetics – looks and feels very well made and running the Android OS on top of the Archos software is, I guess, going to mean it’s stable – at least more so than the Archos OS on it’s own.
2. Screen is OK (OK, so this isn’t necessarily a positive!) but the colours are a bit washed out compared to the previous Archos 5 (non-Android version).
3. The GUI (graphical user interface for those that don’t know – I didn’t for a while so don’t jump down my throat!) is far ‘prettier’ than the previous version and the tablet is infinitely more customisable.
I’ve not had a chance to record any TV yet because of the missing scart adaptor so I will update my review shortly if I am able. I am not prepared to buy the Archos docking station at this point because if I return it to the supplier, then this means another thing to return! I will put some music and photos on it tomorrow and update my review when I update it about TV recording.
I would be a little reluctant to recommend this to a friend if I’m honest which is a real shame as on paper and in the hand, it is a great piece of kit but I’m afraid to say, I think, like previous models, it just doesn’t stand up to the demand and as ever, Archos Customer Service, or rather complete lack of it, just puts me off. One sentence responses to email queries simply aren’t good enough, especially when you are asking a very specific question. I have to say though that the Customer Support from a.n.other company is fantastic – they have set up a team specifically to deal with Archos technical support and they are very helpful and patient and know how dreadful Archos CS is!!
Review by Ms. G. Smith for Archos 5 160GB Internet Tablet Android
Rating:
I previously had the 705 wifi so i was fine with the tec side. Best advice to those that struggle make sure you register the product and link up to a forum. Also if your doing the research the forums r great.
As for the review the archos 5 is sleek and looks stylish and with its 500 gb of store (eat your heart out apple!!) The andriod market is forever growing and has lots to offer. I bought a dvr station and use it to put films and tv programs on (sky or cable), the screen size is bigger than the i pod touch and the sound quality is good. I have over 100gb of music so it holds that no probs and syncs with windows media player or you can drag and drop. Its easy to put ur pics and any other info on. Its so easy to glide around the programs and widgets.
Im yet to link it as a sat nav as my phone is pretty good for that.
The downfalls at this time are
- the tethering of my mobile not compatible, but software is always updating so i’ll have to wait but it links up to wi fi with no hassle
- The boot up time is longer that the 705 (but then it is 500gb and such a small device)
- No powercable (just a usb lead, but i guess thats what all manufactures are doing)
My best advice it get down to currys/ pc world and have a try. There are not mant stores that offer the 500gb (your more likely to get a 250gb at the same price as you would pay online for a 500gb)
Review by C. Thomas- for Archos 5 160GB Internet Tablet Android
Rating:
archos customer service is very poor ,you wont get help ,you either get diverted to holland or look at the web site
Its a a loverly looking archos , but has to many niggly problems the GPS is a nightmare to download – you have to put the dvd disc in the computer; it loads then stops at 85% ..load failed …comes up …. it just goes from there uhhhhhh
the music and video section much the same as all archos
Why dont Archos put all the accessories you have to buy seperate, in with the package -they have cheapened a good product because of this
I am sending mine back ,till Archos gets it right
Review by Dr. L. B. Clayton for Archos 5 160GB Internet Tablet Android
Rating:
I’ve been a fan of archos for a long time – ever since I had an Archos 20 GB MP3 player, I’ve followed their products religiously, from the Archos MP4 player, Archos 500, 605, 5, and now this. The only reason I bought this was because I broke my SECOND Archos 5 by accidentally dropping it. They do not survive the slightest drop, which is a shame, but good for them because they make more money. Anyways, this device is a fair bit larger in comparison with the older Archos 5 (which, is worth buying as long as you don’t drop it), which in itself isn’t too much of an issue. What I am finding very frustrating and disappointing is that it regularly “hangs” on me, requiring a reboot. Also, very occasionally, the volume goes full blast for a few milliseconds, and then goes back to original volume – unfortunately this still makes me jump out of my seat. The “Home” button doesn’t actually go home, it goes to the home of the current media category. You then have to go back one to go home. The automatic switching between landscape and portrait does not work well. Often times while I’m holding it horizontal, it switches to vertical, forcing me to flick my wrist so that it goes horizontal again. Their instructions say that you HAVE to use Media Player 11 to transfer files and music. I don’t like Media Player 11, luckily I figured out I can reformat the device to be Windows compatible so it appears as a drive letter for me. The device takes longer to boot than it’s predecessor, because it’s using a new operating system – Android. Is this a good thing? In my opinion – no. It was fine before, they’ve just gone and make something that was really good – much worse. Oh, and yes I did upgrade the firmware to the latest version – still problematic.
I would highly encourage you to NOT “upgrade” to this device, because it will put you off Archos forever. Their older non Internet Tablet Archos 5 is still available to purchase, please buy one of them. Sure, it has less hard drive space than this one and it will break if you drop it, but you’ll enjoy the product much more. I’m hoping this one breaks (or I’ll throw it against the wall in frustration one day when it cuts out on me), and I’ll buy the older, more reliable Archos 5.
Review by Andreas Iacovou for Archos 5 160GB Internet Tablet Android
Rating:
I would like to start of by recognising some of the negative reviews this has had. Although I am not excusing Archos for effectivly releasing an unfinished product (resulting in poor initial reviews) it should be noted that after several firmware releases the product is now very stable and a joy to use.
What a great device this is with 500GB. The best you can get from an ipod touch is 64gb with is pathetic when you have a large video collection to want to take with you.
A few very minor tweaks will open up the Android Market which is a fast growing central depot of both free and paid for apps. For example I have been able to download an app called ‘Andronos’ which lets you use the Archos as a controller if you use a Sonos system in your home.
The Android OS (now at 1.6 firmware) is fantastic and quick and allows for great customisation. The screen on this thing is wonderful and fantasic for watching videos. Nothing else I have used comes close this the quality here.
I also purchased the DVR Station which allows you to record direct from a source such as Sky, Cable etc. This is just brilliant especially if you want to record the latest episode of ’24′ and watch it on the train the next day!!
I have to say my ipod Touch is now totally reduntant and soon to be sold as this is a more than adequate replacement with added features.
Finally codec support on this this is immense and you should not have any problems throwing anything at this. Highly recommended now as a finished product!!
Review by Renato R. Souza for NEW SciPhone G2 Google Android, WiFi Mobile Cell Phone + FREE Micro 2GB Card
Rating:
Well, i wish there were someone to advise me not to buy the item when i did it… that’s what i do to you. It’s a cumbersome, hard-to-operate and very low quality product. You can only type with a pen, the wifi does not save the password and no action is straightforward. Avoid!
Review by John Smith for NEW SciPhone G2 Google Android, WiFi Mobile Cell Phone + FREE Micro 2GB Card
Rating:
This claims to be a Google Android phone. When you switch it on, the startup screen says it’s an Android phone. But it clearly isn’t – it can’t run Android applications (in fact it failed to run the Java applications from it’s own company website, but at least it was willing to attempt those – the Android ones it doesn’t even have the option to run). Given that it doesn’t have many basic features (there isn’t even a notepad feature built in to the OS), the lack of ability to run applications is crippling.