Only half a year ago, Archos released the ChildPad – an android tablet for kids. Now, the company introduced a new family member in Arnova G3 line-up – the FamilyPad. Just like Toshiba Excite 13, this new device packs a massive 13.3″ screen. Featuring lots of connectivity options and the quick stand, it is made for sharing and consuming media. Furthermore, the FamilyPad features an Allwinner A10 CPU running at 1 GHz with 1 Gb of RAM, dual cameras, 1080p HD video output via HDMI, all this combined in a stylish designed case with aluminum finish. Arnova FamilyPad should be available December this year starting at 299 € / £274.99 / ~$349.99, 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 and the quick stand design, performance, multimedia and other features; followed up by our conclusion. Enjoy ! 
Arnova FamilyPad Specifications
| Operating System | Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| CPU | Single core Allwinner A10 running at 1 GHz (ARM Cortex A8) Integrated GPU: Mali 400 (single core) |
| Flash Storage Memory | Capacity: 8 GB Speed: Class 4 range (tested Read: 18633 Kb/s Write: 4883 Kb/s) |
| System Memory | 1024 Mb |
| Additional storage | Micro SD slot (SDHC compatible, up to 32 Gb) |
| Display | 1280×800 13.3 inches(34cm) LCD screen using TN technology 16/10 aspect ratio capacitive 10 points multitouch, 113 DPI density |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Wi-FI | 802.11 b/g/n |
| Gravity Sensor | Yes |
| Camera | 2.0 MPx (back facing) Pictures resolution: 1600×1200 2.0 Mpx (front facing) Pictures resolution: 1600×1200 |
| 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: 7 hours 50 minutes tested More information on video playing test in part 3 of this review. |
| Google Play Store / Android Market | Yes |
| Kickstand | No (The quick stand acts as a kickstand) |
| Dimensions | As announced by Arnova: 262 x 171 x 12.5 mm |
| Weight | tablet alone: 1286g quick stand: 78g  |
| Official Product page | on arnovatech.com |
Arnova FamilyPad tablet packaging
The tablet box contains:
- the Arnova FamilyPad tablet
- the quick stand (=kickstand)
- a micro USB cable to connect the tablet to a computer
- a power charger with a DC connector to the tablet, it outputs 5V, 2.5A, with plugs for EU/UK sockets
- a micro USB to USB OTG cable to connect stuff to the tablet
- booklets: a “need help ?” paper, a warranty/legal and safety notice, a user guide which covers basic topics to get started
Continue to Part 2: Tablet design.
[…] has published one of the first reviews of the FamilyPad that I’ve seen, and while it’s clearly not a speed demon, it seems to handle basic tasks and […]
[…] has published one of the first reviews of the FamilyPad that I’ve seen, and while it’s clearly not a speed demon, it seems to handle basic […]
[…] Pour le HDMI, je vous conseille de lire les articles d’ArchosLounge ou d’Arctablet. […]