Archos GamePad Android portable console review | Part 1: Introduction

By
exelletor
– 2012/12/06Posted in: Archos GamePad Products
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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.


Archos GamePad

 AMAZON USAUsually ships in 1-2 business days$ 149.5
AMAZON UKUsually dispatched within 24 hours£ 102.94
AMAZON DEGewöhnlich versandfertig in 24 Stunden137.58 EUR
AMAZON FRHabituellement expédié sous 24 h119.9 EUR
AMAZON ITGeneralmente spedito in 24 ore98.99 EUR

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About exelletor

Exelletor is one of the new contributors to arctablet blog. He has a passion for Archos/Arnova, Creative and Cowon products and loves to rumour about them. He is also very fund of  Android itself, but doesn't eat apples. For arctablet blog he will provide the new rumours and information about the coming products and will sometimes also review them.