Archos, a French PMP manufacturer, has decided to up the media game against Apple by releasing the Archos 5, 5g and 7 Internet Media Tablets.

Each of those portable devices comes packed with a 4.8inch screen (or 7inch in the case of the Archos 7), and up to a 320GB hard drive. Moreover, these are also among the thinnest stuffs Archos has ever made, and a recent hands-on by DoubleDT.com confirmed these are wonderful little creatures, with a veritable plethora of file reading and functionality.

There have been many chances compared with the previous series, these next-generation are more than tangible; the touch-screen interface is much improved and the Internet browser now able to connect over both WiFi and 3.5G HSDPA (though a docking station with dongle is needed for the 5 and 7 versions). In addition, each has built in speakers and a leg stand for easy watching of our devices (though we cannot see the problem with holding it in our hands).

The three can also handle HD content up to 720p; though this is through a paid-for add on. The docking station too is also an expense, rolling in at £80 that would be more than a tad pricey for recording things via line-in. Yet, the Internet option comes with an email reader too via POP. Therefore, BlackBerry users may be confused and upset by this recent unveiled announcement.

Archos also has a Media Club coming out for the gadgets, where we can buy over the air, with documentaries, movies, music albums and games available. However, as we can guess, these are a bit costly. We are talking about £279 for the 60GB version, £320 for the 120GB, and £360 for 250GB with the Archos 5, and £360 for the 160GB and £440 for the 320GB in the case of the 7. For information, the 30GB ARCHOS 5g device is priced at £359.99.

Well, if you want to catch up with these devices, just wait and see. The Archos 5 will be coming first in September, followed by the 7 in October. Moreover, the 3.5G connected brother, the Archos 5g, will be coming in Q4 this year. Therefore, bunch of time to stop eating in order to save up.

Thank you for visiting DoubleDT.com