Thread: Archos 5 Internet Tablet w/ Android

Following my mother's decision to buy a Sony Walkman player yesterday, I did some research online in PMPs (Portable Media Players). One of the prerequisites I was after was h264 + MKV support, and I found the Archos 5 IT. Initial impression is good, I like the specs on the site although price is a bit on the high side.

After reading reviews on Amazon, my feelings are really mixed. Some guy says it screws up completely, another guy says it is perfect. Are they sure they're reviewing the same product?



Anyways, I was wondering if anyone here has an Archos 5 IT and would recommend/not recommend it?

And hopefully this is in the right section. While the Archos 5 is a PMP, it is essentially a mini-computer...

edit:
If it's not clear already, I'm looking for detailed answers (just to make sure I'm not violating that rule)

I would love to hear this same review. I've been looking to get a new PMP, and I'm really torn between just getting another iPod and getting an Archos 5.

As far as I can tell from their advertising the Archos 5 supports 720p AVC and MKV, which would easily make it the best PMP out there, though I think it requires the dock and an HDMI TV.

I don't know what this means for playback of HD content on the device itself though--will it downscale?

Like Core, I'd love to see some reviews from Archos 5 owners. Can you tell us your impressions of the device, and what it can and can't do?

As far as I can tell, dock and HDMI TV aren't necessary but beneficial.

To be honest, reviews are really mixed. I read some on Amazon, and apparently it hasn't worked very well (very unstable, crashing) for some users yet at the same time, very stable for others, which is confusing, misleading and gives me mixed feelings.

However, one thing that is pushing me in the direction of buying one is the fact that I've run across an offer in a forum for a 2nd-hand but near-new 160GB HDD version of Archos 5A (the android version) for only $280. The new one retails for $400, so I save $120! I don't really want to finalize my decision without some other people who own the device weighing in, but I might end up having to.

A few reviews I found online, and they all seem pretty positive in terms of features. They don't mention any of the stability issues that a few amazon users seem to go nuts about.
Archos 5 Internet Tablet Review - Archos 5 Internet Tablet Review
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