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Whether they’re trying to beat Apple to the punch, create a new rage, or just explore their creative genius, Archos is doing a great job. They proved that with the release of the Archos 5 Internet Tablet, what they call “the best of multimedia combined with the best of Android.”

So maybe Internet tablets aren’t as popular as smartphones, or netbooks. The truth is, Internet tablets are neither smartphones nor netbooks. And there aren’t very many Internet tablets with which to compare the Archos 5. It’s in a class all its own, and brings to the smartphone fad an element of sophistication and innovation that it desperately needed.

The Archos 5 claims to operate off of the Android operating system, which it does. However, it also includes Archos’s own operating system, enabling the device to be a powerful media playback device in addition to being Internet-savvy. No Android-based device has the screen size that the Archos 5 has. Since it’s a ‘tablet,’ and not a phone, Archos doesn’t mind stretching the seams to a generous 4.8 inches, giving plenty of reak estate, which makes for some great video playback.

In fact, it is just that point of video playback that Archos touts as one of its most notable features. Run by the Archos operating system, the Archos 5 not only supports nearly every media format available, but it also supports HD video. To support the media lust exemplified by some of their users, Archos 5 has a 500GB version of the device, just in case you want to put your entire DVD collection on your mobile device. The HDMI connection port (separate) allows playback to TVs.

One element of the device’s usefulness comes with its GPS application. The Archos GPS application has 3D rendering of maps, available for Europe (with maps of the U.S. coming out early next year). Although the Archos 5 has the program, TeleAtlas, pre-loaded, you are only entitled to a 7-day trial before you must pay the unlock fee of $50, plus $5 per city you choose to purchase a map for.

Web browsing is a breeze on the Archos. Because of its width (rather than length, which is customary with many smartphones), web pages display much better. The processer speed is amped up enough to avoid the frustration of high delays. To access the Internet, WiFi is the choice method of access, but cell phone access (on the 3G network) is available, as well as separate data plans specifically for the Archos.

Obviously, with the Android platform, Apps abound for the Archos 5. The device uses a proprietary app called AppsLib, managed and maintained by Archos.

You can order the Archos 5 from Amazon or from the Archos website beginning today.