Archos 5 and 7 launch new Internet Media Tablet range

19 August 2008 17:31 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Archos has announced that it plans to change the way we consume media on the go with a new product launch on Tuesday.

Shrouded in secrecy, the new range of devices will be branded under the category of Internet Media Tablet.

There will be three devices in the new range: the ARCHOS 5, ARCHOS 5g and ARCHOS 7.

As rumoured for some time the new models will come with Wi-Fi connectivity and promise the "power of a laptop" from a 5-inch or 7-inch touchscreen (800 x 480) ARM Cortex-powered superscalar microprocessor.

The ARCHOS 5, which Pocket-lint saw last month, has a thin bezel surrounding the screen, moving away from the dominant buttons of previous incarnations. They have also slimmed it down, so it is only 12.5mm thick (depending on the model), so slips easily into a pocket or bag.

Building on the failings of its Archos TV device, the new models will support HD content and come with an HDMI output and a 320GB drive to store HD and SD recordings, however you will have to opt for an optional plug-in to get HD playback.

The Internet Media Tablets will also allow users to surf the web on the go - via an optional HSDPA-sporting Mini Dock - and will come with email support and other features such as Flash 9 video capabilities so users can access YouTube videos, using Opera as the browser of choice.

When connected, via the Mini Dock, to a 3.5G/HSDPA USB dongle, the ARCHOS 5 and 7 can be connected to a 3.5G network. However the plug-in won't be available until later in the year.

Archos say that the optional Mini Dock also lets you transfer photos directly from a digital camera, USB key or USB hard drive to the ARCHOS to enjoy photos on the go.

For those looking for 3.5G on-board, the ARCHOS 5g will come fitted with the necessary hardware without the need for an additional dongle.

Furthermore, like previous devices from the French company, there will be optional plug-ins to play more audio and video formats including the ability to play movies in HD quality, up to 720p resolution, and DVDs.

The ARCHOS 5, 5g and 7 tablets will be available from August onwards. ARCHOS 5 is available from September. ARCHOS 7 from October, and ARCHOS 5G from Q4 2008.

The ARCHOS 5 has a recommended retail price of £279.99 for the 60GB version, £319.99 for the 120GB, and £359.99 for 250GB.

The 30 GB ARCHOS 5G device is priced at £359.99.

The ARCHOS 7 is available with a recommended starting at £359.99 for the 160GB and £439.99 for the 320GB.

We will bring you more details on the ARCHOS 5g when we have them.

Additional reporting by Chris Hall.