| Archos GamePad | |
| Developer: | Archos |
| Type: | Tablet |
| Price: | €150, £130, US$170[1] |
| Cpu: | Dual-core Rockchip RK3066 @ 1.6 GHz |
| Gpu: | Mali-400 quad-core |
| Ram: | 1024 MB |
| Os: | Android 4.1 Jelly Bean |
| Storage: | 8 GB internal, with expandable microSD up to 64GB |
| Display: | 7" capacitive touchscreen @ 1024x600 px |
| Connectivity: | Wi-Fi, Mini-HDMI, USB 2.0 |
| Controllers: | Built-in |
| Onlineservice: | Google Play |
| Successor: | Archos GamePad 2 |
| Dimensions: | 229.8mm x 118.7mm x 15.4mm |
The Archos GamePad is a video gaming tablet developed and marketed by Archos.[2] It runs on the Android operating system. It was announced on August 29, 2012 and was first released on 6 December 2012 in Europe, with a US release projected for February 2013.[3] [4] The tablet is aimed at gaming, and features dedicated dual analog sticks along with regular gaming keys and shoulder buttons - a similar design as the PlayStation Vita.[5] Archos have designed a technology which 'converts' the touch controls (of Android games) into physical controls from the buttons.[6] It is able to get over a thousand games from the Google Play library.
Archos GamePad features a 7-inch screen, 8GB of internal storage, 16 physical buttons, a 0.3 MP front camera, and stereo speakers.[7] It is 10mm thick and weights 300 grams. Archos have developed a special mapping software for developers to officially make their game(s) compatible with the GamePad's physical buttons.
Archos retailed GamePad in the UK for £130, although Archos originally had said that the tablet will sell for "under £130"[6] The GamePad has a 7" screen.[8]
The Archos GamePad received largely negative reviews. Poor battery life, low screen quality and uncomfortable controls were among the most frequently mentioned complaints.[9] [10] [11] [12]
In August 2013, it was revealed that Archos is working on a successor, called Archos GamePad 2.