Part 1: Introduction Part 2: Tablet design Part 3: Tablet Performance Part 4: Software & Gaming Part 5: Conclusion GamePad games compatibility and joystick mapping

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, 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

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

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.