Only half a year ago, Archos released the 7″ ChildPad – an android tablet for kids. Just a few weeks ago, the 13.3″ FamilyPad was announced and for older kids and people who love to play games, there is now also the GamePad. This new type of tablet, the GamePad, combines gaming controls with Android for a full tablet and gaming experience in one. The GamePad features a 7-inch, capacitive screen, physical control buttons and analogue sticks, runs a dual-core RK3066 processor @ 1.6 GHz combined with a Mali 400mp quad-core GPU. In addition, the GamePad includes automatic game recognition and mapping tools – patented technology to ensure control compatibility with every advanced Android game. Archos GamePad should be available December this year starting at 149 € / £124.99 / ~$199.99, just in time for the big Christmas sales.
| The tablet sample we used for review is a pre-production tablet with a beta firmware. Though some minor things may change, it should give a good idea of the final retail model… |
Our review will follow our usual methodology, first presenting the product packaging, the tablet design, performance, game mapping and other features; followed up by our conclusion. Enjoy ! 
Archos GamePad Specifications
| Operating System | Android 4.1.1 (Jelly Bean) |
| CPU | Dual Core Rockchip RK3066 running at 1.6 GHz (ARM Cortex A9) Integrated GPU: Mali 400 (quad core) |
| Flash Storage Memory | Capacity: 8 GB Speed: Class 6 range (tested Read: 27224 Kb/s Write: 7351 Kb/s) |
| System Memory | 1024 Mb |
| Additional storage | Micro SD slot (SDXC compatible, up to 64 Gb) |
| Display | 1024×600 7.0 inches LCD screen using TN technology capacitive 5 points multitouch, 170 DPI density |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Wi-FI | 802.11 b/g/n |
| Gravity Sensor | Yes |
| Camera | 0.3 Mpx (front facing) Pictures resolution: 640×480 |
| GPS | No |
| HDMI | Yes(mini HDMI, aka HDMI type c connector) |
| Interfaces | micro USB Slave micro USB Host, Mass Storage Class (MSC) MicroSD slot |
| Battery life | Video playing: 4 hours 36 minutes tested More information on video playing test in part 3 of this review. |
| Google Play Store / Android Market | Yes |
| Kickstand | No |
| Dimensions | As announced by Archos: 229.8 x 118.7mm x 15.4mm (9’’x 4.6’’x 0.6’’)
(10mm thin at its thinnest) |
| Weight | 330g |
| Official Product page | on archos.com |
Archos GamePad tablet packaging
The tablet box contains:
- the Archos GamePad tablet
- a micro USB cable to connect the tablet to a computer
- a power charger with a micro USB connector to the tablet, it outputs 5V, 2A, with a plug for EU socket
- booklets: a “need help ?” paper, a warranty/legal and safety notice and a user guide
Continue to Part 2: Tablet design.
| Don't forget to check our GamePad mapping page for details on games compatible with the tablet. Please use our GamePad forum if you have any question on the device. Visit us soon for more GamePad information. |
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I’m really disappointed by the battery life.
Do you think it can reach 4 hours while gaming, with wifi off and brightness set at 50%?
It depends on the game, some non CPU/GPU intensive games should be able to reach 4 hours…
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