File support has previously been an issue with Archos devices, with users finding they have to pay for additional plug-ins to gain certain codecs. This approach hasn't been eliminated entirely but is less of a problem. Out of the box, the Archos 5 can play HD 720p video in H.264, MPEG 4 or MKV format and WMV standard definition.
Better format support than before - but some codecs still cost extra
But if you want to play VOB files, or 720p WMV or MPEG2 files, then you'll need to purchase the HD Cinema plug-in which will set you back a further £12.22 but also adds in AC3 audio.
On the audio front, you'll find support for MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, Ogg and Flac. You can also view images in JPEG, BMP, PNG or GIF format.
Video playback is extremely good, and the 5 handles 720p material without a problem. While there's little advantage to watching that high a resolution on such a tiny screen, the ability to transfer files without transcoding them first is a big time saver.
Switching over to the audio side of things and the playback quality was again impressive. The unit was equally happy with bass-heavy tracks like Dare by Gorillaz or something a bit more laid back like Beethoven. The bundled headphones try hard, but they can't really handle the full output without distorting, so you're better off replacing them with something more up to the job.
Review your recordings... if you have the optional DVR add-on
There's GPS built in, but before you get too excited and chuck your TomTom in the bin, the maps included in the box are only there for you to try before you buy. You only get seven days to make you mind up - which is pretty short - and after that you'll need to shell out an extra £35 for a UK map and £45 for Western Europe.
COMMENTS
Beware Nicolas Charbonnier aka Charbax
Nicolas Charbonnier is better known as Charbax, the #1 Archos fanboy who will go on every Archos review and try to tell the world that they will be fixing all of the problems some time soon. His forum is just him cheer leading for Archos. So take his comments with a grain of salt. He's rather like the Microsoft dude in the Apple commercials, promising that the new version of Windows will not have the problems of the last version.
Nicolas Charbonnier=charbax owner of archosfans
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/Design/graphics/icons/comment/unhappy_32.png
Don't listen to charbax. He's such a archos fanboi.
He has a site dedicated to being a archos fanboi.
He gets a boner from hearing the word archos.
This guy is a tard and a tool.
He literary responds to each and every archos type review to defend why archos makes such
crap products.
This Tool went so far as to buy stock in the failing company.
So take charbax comments on archos be reliable with a grain of salt.
He said all the previous models which now has no support were great also.
Charbax =http://www.reghardware.co.uk/Design/graphics/icons/comment/fail_32.png
all negative comments from the same troll
I'm using the Archos 5 Internet Tablet with Android using the iGo stowaway bluetooth foldable keyboard to write this comment, it works absolutely awesomely and replaces my laptop when output on my 42" HDTV using the HDMI output.
Media playback and Internet Browsing is close to perfect even now with just Android 1.5 firmware, which was only supposed to work for A couple HTC phones. With the updates with Android 1.6 and 2.0, Archos will get all the wvga apps, Google Marketplace and all that so it will rteach closer to perfection.
Screw Archos
I have an AV500, really nice unit, never seen any other device (even PC software) that can ffwd/rew through video files as well+quick as this unit can, external recording is nice - but the kicker is the HD in my unit now has a few errors on it and Archos have implimented software locking so I can't replace the drive myself. Physically it's possible to swapt the drive out, which I tried but it just refuses to use the new drive. I tried contacting them through support email wanting to pay them to do the replacement - no answer.
Utter utter bastards.
Never gonna buy Archos stuff again, especially as it seems you have to buy codecs to play back standard video formats and if you want to record from cameras etc. you need to buy a plethora of docks for the damn things.
