14 DAY TRIAL // Some may have expected Apple to be the first company to roll out a tablet computer, but Archos seems to be more eager at staking a claim at the Internet Media Tablet category. The Archos 5 boasts insane specs, including up to 500GB storage (HDD-based version), Flash support, built-in GPS and 3G.
9to5Mac has picked up the subject noting that, “A lot has been made of the ZuneHD vs. iPod touch competition,” while, “A third competitor [...] may make a better choice than the ZuneHD to compete with the iPod.” Citing “just few reasons” why this may be the case, the Mac-focused site posts the following benefits brought by the new Archos 5:
“- It runs Android which has a working apps store and Google behind it. Included apps: Webbrowser, Email, Contacts, DroidIn™, Ebuddy™IM, Twidroid™, Deezer™, Dailymotion™, QuickPedia, ThinkFree Mobile, Moov, CraigsPhone, Pages jaunes™ (only for France), High Paying Jobs (only for US & Canada), Alarm clock, Calculator. - Built-in GPS, built-in DVR, 802.11N, FM receiver AND transmitter (to broadcast music into car stereo). - 800x480 screen 3X compared to Zune's 480x272, over an inch larger. - Up to 500GB Hard drive version, MicroSD card slot for an additional 32GB of Flash storage - Bluetooth keyboard support. - Flash 10 support in 2010. - The Archos 5G has 3G wireless built-in.”
It goes without saying, but some of the elements making up the Archos 5 are on Apple’s blacklist, including Flash support and card slots – which Apple has shown over the years not to be very fond of. However, this doesn’t mean Apple doesn’t have its own vision of a tablet. In fact, chances are it’s even better than the Archos 5.
And, while Apple is widely believed to unveil such a device during the course of 2010, it will surely be worthy of the Apple logo, featuring a streamlined design, a highly-intuitive operating system (even if just an enhanced iPhone OS), powerful wireless capabilities and a seamless integration with everything that falls into the “entertainment” category. We’d say Archos may be in for a big surprise next year.