PREVIEW
Archos has long been king of the PMP, and while Apple drags its feet over an internet tablet, Archos has jumped straight in with a sleek, Android-toting device putting web, media and TV in the palm of your hand.

Full-width web browsing
The extra real-estate afforded by the 4.8in 800×480-pixel screen means you can surf the web via Wi-Fi using the Android browser at full width, so there’s no annoying zooming in and out. If Wi-Fi is a no-go, you can tether the Tablet to a compatible 3.5G mobile to keep you connected.Unlike the iPhone there’s also support for Flash, and the Android OS comes with the usual email application for supported POP3 and IMAP addresses. Existing contacts can be imported in the form of vCards from your mobile phone, PC or Mac. The onscreen keyboard is sizable, so tapping out missives should be comfortable enough.

Convergent thinking
Convergence is the name of the game for Archos, and as you’d expect, AV is well-catered for. With storage capacities available up to a humungous 500GB, there’s plenty of room to keep it well-stocked with music, photos and video.

Video is where the Archos 5 expects to do big business, and it’s capable of handling pretty much any format you chuck at it. Better still, it can play 720p high-def footage, too – streamed from your PC if you so desire.

To make the most of the HD capabilities you’ll have to invest in the optional HDMI docking station, remote control and Bluetooth keyboard. This transforms your little Archos into a powerful media PC, outputting its contents to your telly at up to 720p so you can give your eyes a rest and enjoy the big screen for a change.

For a little fella the Archos 5 packs in all the convergence you could ask for, and with a host of storage capacities available in both solid-state and hard drive there should be something to fit every need and pocket.

Pros HD video support. Android OS. Customisable homescreen and app store

Cons HDMI dock not included