8GB Archos 5 Internet Tablet now available at Radio Shack, selling for $249.99. But is this a good deal?

December 10, 2009 | by Robert Nelson

I must admit that I was excited when I first saw the posts mentioning that a version of the Archos 5 was available in an 8GB (and less expensive) model. Personally, I have been itching to get a small tablet and being an Android fan I would like it to be running Android. I have been considering the Camangi WebStation but also something by Archos. I like the Archos options, but honestly the nearly $400 price tag was scaring me off a little bit. That is when I saw that an 8GB model for $249.99 was available. Initially I though that sounds good, but then I read this tweeted message from fellow Androinica blogger Andrew.

Archos’ prices confuses me. Why would I pay $250 for an 8GB MP3 player when I can get a 32 GB iPod for just $20 more?

Anyway, spec wise this model is the same as what we have seen with the previously available Archos tablets. Except for the drop in storage and price, which is now 8GB and $249.99 respectively.

Coming back to Andrew’s point, for $50 more you can get a 32GB iPod touch, or for the same price you can get the 8GB iPod touch. Honestly, I love Android and want to support Android, but have to admit that there is so much more available for the iPod that it seems silly to get an Archos. That is unless you have something against Apple or the iPod.

Now, I am looking for some comments, thoughts and advice here. Can anyone convince me why this Archos 5 is a good deal.

[The Shack via Pocketables]

8gb, archos, archos 5, mid, mobile internet device, pmp, portable media player, radio shack, the shack

8 Comments

Mike DePaulo said: On December 10, 2009

The Archos 5 Internet Tablet has an 800×480 4.8" touch screen (although resistive) rather than the 320×480 3.5" capacitive screen in the iPod Touch. It can output 720P video over an HDMI connection. It can function as a USB 2.0 host for keyboards, USB keys, etc. It has a microSD slot. It plays more video and audio formats, including MKV. It has a built-in microphone, useful for VOIP.
Simply put, the Archos 5 is more like a computer.

xChurch said: On December 10, 2009

The only reason not to get this, is the resistive touchscreen. A resistive touchscreen on a tablet is never good. Ever.

What the Frack?! said: On December 10, 2009

iPod Touch kind of sucked when it came out with it's silly web apps. Once the real stuff started coming in, it made a great difference. Looking at the specs Mike provided for the Archos 5, I would say you'd be silly not to chose that over an iPod Touch.

JustMe said: On December 11, 2009

Tigerdirect is currently selling the Archos 5 (60GB version) for $200. I don't know if this is a 24 hour deal, though, so if you're interested you'd better hurry!

JustMe said: On December 11, 2009

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchToo…

Lynn Gillming said: On February 4, 2010

:]

Auto CD Mp3 Player said: On April 14, 2010

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Luigi Fulk said: On June 4, 2010

Like the article.

I’ve often thought this was the case but never looked too far in to it.

Also, liking your blog layout. Is the design custom made or a free design I can get my hands on?

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