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I bought this tablet three months ago because I wanted something for ebooks, internet and sharing images of my products. To give you a fair review of this product I have broken it down into several sections that I feel are important for others to take into consideration before making a purchase. Apps Store: In order to access the Archos Appslib (pre-installed) you must create an account and tether your Paypal account to it. Not bad but they require you to allow $200 worth of purchases and you can not reduce this amount. It isn't an issue if you 1) only 'purchase' free apps or 2) keep very close tabs on how much you're spending on apps. However if you already have a Gmail account you should be able to access the Android Apps Market. There are several other places to directly download apps from, (Amazon is my favourite) and some allow you to sideload the apps from your pc or laptop. Connectivity: Once you update the OS (software) connecting isn't an issue. I ended up downloading the current OS to my laptop then sideloading it to the tablet because it couldn't connect to wireless networks with out the update. It pairs easily with other bluetooth devices and setting up WiFi connections is easy. Unfortunately responsiveness can be a little slow when connected to WiFi. Browsing: The default browser is quick and responsive but lacks tabs that I prefer to use so I downloaded Dolphin HD. Responsiveness: It isn't as quick as an ipad but it responds very quickly under normal use. Battery Life: Everyday use for me includes reading, Angry Birds, recipes and lite internet usage and I only need to charge it every 2-3 days. Photos: Crisp and clear with very little distortion when zooming in. I love the 'pinch/zoom' feature of the capacitive screen. Video: Very clear, HD quality video playback with easy to use controls. The (mini) HDMI makes viewing on HD TVs easy. Sound: Is a lacking unless you use earbuds or external speakers. Storage: It is expandable to 32GB via micro SD and I highly recommend a card that has high speed data transfer for smooth operation. I also recommend downloading an 'App to SD' app to move apps to your SD card and free up memory on the tablet. Texting: You can use this to text via 'Text +' or other free text apps. However the keyboard does leave a little to be desired. Camera: I don't use mine so I can't give a review on it. Portability: Once I purchased a folio case, (highly recommended), I was able to safely transport it where ever I needed. It is an odd size (10.5" w x 6" h) but is comfortable to use and tucks safely into a glove box or laptop case. Durability: I've had it for 3mo so I can't give a review on long term durability. I'm very pleased with it and only gave it 4 out of 5 stars because of how it can occasionally lag a little when connected to WiFi. While it won't replace your PC, this is a great tablet for people that want a reliable product but don't want to spend the money for an ipad.Read full review
Great tablet. Nice format, especially embedded crutch on the back which allow the tablet to be placed on the table in front of you. Comprehensive connecting ports, versus the i-pad: very good for elder people ( my parents for instance) who do not hold a desktop and can use this tablet on their own( direct photo transfer....) , without any need for permanent compter connection. Protective pouch of the same brand is nicely designed, ie opened on both sides which allow all cables to be placed with tablet left in its pouch. Yet, on one side, a protective strap prevents tablet from sliding away. With a micro SD card of 32 GB ( ~ $55), you get a 48 GB system for a fairly affordable price compared to the "one with the fruit". For me, it is a good compromise I purchased an iconia tab at the same time, and I must admit that the former is a little bit slower to react( some people find it even unacceptable, but it is a matter of personnal judgment!) , but the 2 are OK. Android market is not as rich as App store, but the difference should shrink in the next months.Read full review
Overall, I'm very happy with it and would buy it again. But, after having played with it for about a couple weeks, there are some pros and cons I've discovered. Pros: Great resolution, music and video player, great dimensions for internet viewing, and the best compatibility with output devices (usb, tv, storage, headphones, etc.) out there. The home streaming of media through uPnP is great, once you figure out how to set it up. The selection of apps is usually good (more to follow in cons). Cons: The speakers are usually loud enough, but not always and they are unfortunately, not nearly as crisp or rich/full as larger speakers. However, other speakers from other tablets/ipods have the same downside. The worst downside is the limited compatibility with some of Google's apps and many calling apps. The calling apps don't recognize the device as a cell phone, so if they can download, they are a bit buggy. The Google apps are a mystery since it runs Android and Google makes Android. For some reason, Google denies many of its coolest apps for use on this device and the only way to get them is downloading patched together apk's. This makes the experience a bit fragmented and sometimes frustrating. That said, there are going to be unique pros and cons for any tablet out there, so for the price, this is a great tablet and well worth it.Read full review
This is quite simply the best value and size tablet for the money. The Archos 101 has a 10" capacitive screen, 720dpi video resolution and is super fast with a 1 ghz processor (and of course the Android Marketplace). I just installed Documents to Go, which is an app for MS Office with keyboard compatibility. I purchased a mid-sized keyboard that matches the Archos tablet perfectly, and now I'm good to go and can leave the laptop at home. Lightweight with solid construction, not too buggy and is a bonafide flash player that can out perform the Ipad in every way I can think of for less money. Simply excellent.
PLEASE LOOK at all the reviews before you decide!! I have had my Archos 101 for a while now and I think its great for the money!! Yes I could spend $400 to $600 and get a better one; But this guy works great for all the apps and games I have tried. And yes at times it can be a little laggey, but again look at its price. The battery life is GREAT!!!!!!!!! (like 8 to 10 hours of use) Can use all day and will still have 50% charge at night.
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