The last time we talked about the slick Android-powered Archos GamePad gaming tablet was back in October. If you liked what you saw when the tablet was first announced, you’ll be glad to hear that it is now shipping in Europe. Europeans can get the tablet for €149.99.
Availability and Pricing
People in North America who want to get their hands on the Android gaming tablet will have to wait until early Q1 of 2013. This delay might be a bit disappointing for eager gamers, but it ensures that the device will be fully optimized for the North American market. The tablet is priced at €149.99 in Europe, which is quite competitive considering the features it offers. This pricing strategy could make it an attractive option for gamers looking for an affordable yet powerful gaming tablet.
Features and Specifications
The Archos GamePad is designed with gamers in mind, featuring 14 physical buttons including dual analog thumb sticks. These physical controls are a significant advantage for gamers who prefer tactile feedback over touchscreen controls. The tablet also includes the Archos game mapping tool, which allows users to map physical controls to touchscreen games, enhancing the gaming experience.
The tablet boasts a seven-inch screen with a resolution of 1024 x 600, supporting five points of touch. This multi-touch capability is essential for modern games that require multiple simultaneous inputs. The screen’s resolution ensures that games and media are displayed with clarity and vibrant colors.
In terms of design, the tablet is 10 mm thick and weighs 0.7 pounds, making it portable and easy to handle during extended gaming sessions. The device runs on Android 4.1, also known as Jelly Bean, which provides a smooth and responsive user experience. Android 4.1 includes features like Google Now, improved notifications, and better overall performance, making it a solid choice for a gaming tablet.
The Archos GamePad supports 16 million colors, ensuring that games and videos look vivid and lifelike. This color support is particularly important for games with detailed graphics and complex color schemes.
Performance and Usability
Under the hood, the Archos GamePad is powered by a dual-core processor, which provides the necessary horsepower for running modern games smoothly. The tablet also includes a Mali 400 MP quad-core GPU, which handles graphics rendering efficiently. This combination of CPU and GPU ensures that the tablet can handle demanding games without lag or stuttering.
The tablet comes with 8GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card slot. This expandable storage option is crucial for gamers who need space for large game files and media. Additionally, the tablet includes 1GB of RAM, which helps with multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing users to connect to the internet and pair with other devices easily. The tablet also features a mini-HDMI port, enabling users to connect the device to a larger screen for an enhanced gaming experience.
Overall, the Archos GamePad is a compelling option for gamers looking for an affordable, feature-rich gaming tablet. Its combination of physical controls, powerful hardware, and Android 4.1 makes it a versatile device for both gaming and general use. While North American gamers will have to wait a bit longer to get their hands on the device, its imminent arrival is sure to generate excitement in the gaming community. With its competitive pricing and robust feature set, the Archos GamePad is poised to make a significant impact in the gaming tablet market.
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