ARCHOS 101 Internet Tablet 16GB For Sale

I have been using Archos 101 for a month and I thought my experience might be useful for the other Amazon visitors. Before Archos 101 product, I had a chance of using iPad and Samsung Galaxy tab – which are our test tablets for the applications we developed. All tablet devices have their own pros and cons, I think as a buyer you are the one who know your needs best and you can decide which one fits your requirements.

I would like to evaluate the product from different aspects:

SCREEN SIZE:
It has 10.1 excellent high resolution capacitive multitouch screens – be careful it is rectangular, not square type like iPad and the rest of the other 10inches (if you are looking for a case – this might be good to know) in the market. You can use it comfortably at both vertical and horizontal levels. The only problem with the screen is the angle limitation – if you do not have the correct angle, you might have some difficulties in looking at the screen. Practically it means it is for only one person use (good for privacy bad for sharing) – if want to watch a romantic HD movie with a loved one, you need to put it to a long distance (such a win-win: you can both watch the movie and there is nothing between you & the loved one!).

SPEED:
It has 1GB ARM Cortex A8 processer (same with Samsung Galaxy Tab) but 256mb RAM (512mb at Samsung). It is neither fast, nor slow. Firmware upgrades can help to increase the performance and at normal system use around 100 mb is free. If you use android it is always a good idea to limit the use of widgets, as they are consuming so much power of the device. I know they are nice and using them is the nature of android but try to limit yourself with only the “must haves”. In return, you are going to get a better performance.

BATTERY and WEIGHT:
One word: Excellent. None of the other tables can compete with Archos 101 in its category. Superb battery performance and very light table. Also, it is a handsome device. I have been using it with a leather case (bought from eBay) and to my surprise, since the case on it – it has been started to be noticed by the people around. (Moral of the story for attention gathering purpose – a leather case alone without tablet would be fine and cheaper solution!). It is 480 gr (10 inch), Samsung Tab is 380 gr (7inch) and iPad is 730 gr (9.8 inch)

MULTIMEDIA PERFORMANCE:
This is the specialty of Archos, as they are very famous with their MP3 and multimedia devices. While you are listening moonlight sonata, you can answer your mails or surf on the net. Plus, it is possible to watch almost any video format in this device. I was a little disappointed to see that Archos is selling plug-ins to support some video formats – this is a cheap way to make money in my opinion. Don’t worry; android market is at your service! You can find lots of excellent video players (and more) in the market as free. One more tip: if you install Skype – you got a phone on it!

MARKET and Other Apps:
One of the main advantage of buying a tablet from a well-know brand is after sale support. In some forums I observed some users complained about installing market and some other problems with the applications (including flash, YouTube etc.). Thanks God, Archos fans created some groups on the net and very decent to share their experiences (a personal note: android users in general loves to share and expand the platform). If the instructions explained there followed carefully this is not an issue. Of course there is always a possibility that sometimes a defective product may hit you. In this case, it might be good idea to send the product back for refund or change.

HDMI, WI-FI, Bluetooth and USB:
Working all fine. Even so I have never managed to use Tethering function of the product. I wonder if it is a defect on the Archos 101 or in my understanding how to use it. Having a 3G tablet has tremendous advantages – for sure. However, you need to pay quite extra for it during the purchase, plus the monthly data package charges is very costly. In my opinion – unless you are always on the move – 3G tablet investment’s return does not justify itself. Even if you are always on the move if you set up the connection between your phone and Archos 101 (either in the form of Bluetooth, usb or wifi hotspot) – there would be no problem on your side.

HOW TO INSTALL ANDROID MARKET to ARCHOS 101:
You need to follow easy 2 steps to install the apps to Archos 101.

Step 1: The tablet comes with pre-installed Archos market app. First You need to use it and download Archtools application from the Archos market (you can do this without sign up to Archos Market). Then by using Archtools app, you can download application packages (in total 2) provided by Archos that includes flash player, google maps, gmail, android market and other useful programs.

Step 2: After android market app is installed to your device – you can use android market (you probably know that you need a gmail account to use it) to have an access to unlimited number of application available to you. Please note that there are different android markets exist and availability of an app may change from one to another.

CONCLUSION:
I think it is a good product with a reasonable price tag. Compare to other tablets in the market (as of today) – it has the best price-feature match. It can be an excellent company at home and office (in the recent firmware upgrade proxy feature was added). After trying many others, I preferred to buy Archos 101 and very happy with my decision by now. Many people after seeing it in my hand – bought one for themselves; either my hand shows it good or it is good

Different people have different tastes, this makes the world a wonderful place for sure. My suggestions to you – whichever the table you choose – don’t buy something with a small screen, which in means less than 9.8 inches. As Steve Jobs mentioned in his speech, Apple usability tests proved that users have so much difficulty at small screens. Our usability tests showed the same thing. Even so many new tabs on the way comes with 7 inch screens including new models from LG, Motorola (XOOM is an exception), HTC etc. If you have any chance that would be great to see the product in the shop and take it in your hand. So that you see how you feel.

Final words: if you buy Archos 101 – do not forget to register the product and regularly update the firmware. If you have look to the change log in their official web site – you can see that how much progress Archos had by now in itself and tablets are still in their infancy level.

I hope this review will help you in your decision.

My conclusion, the Archos 101 is a great tablet, but :

(1) Out-of-the-box the Archos 101 comes without Google synchronization. This is a big issue, when you want to use Gmail and Google Calendar. It also means that you don’t have the Android Market Place, which is also a big limitation. There seem to be all kinds of reason why this tablet does not come with Google, but buyers are not sufficiently advised by Archos of this crucial limitation. However, the problem can be resolved by downloading the gApps4Archos2.apk file from [...]. BTW gApps4Archos2.apk is for Android 2.2 . Now my 101 synchronizes with my Google applications (including Picasa and contacts) and market place works perfectly.
(2) Out-of-the-box the Archos 101 comes with Android 2.1 . It is easy to update the tablet to Android 2.2 once you are connected to the internet.
(3) While Android 2.2 improves the system, in the short term the upgrade creates problems for a number of applications. In my case, I am very disappointed that I can not install the Slingbox Player on my tablet, because it is not (yet) compatible with Android 2.2. The same applies to other applications. Slingmedia blames Android (Google) for this, but whatever the reason, it’s a shame. I tried to access [...]and access my Slingbox through the web, but that is not possible either. I also have not yet been able to make use of the supposed video chatting advantage of the Archos 101 over the Ipad and this may also be related to Android 2.2 .
(4) It is not easy to print from the tablet.
(5) I have some problems with watching videos (that I transferred from Tivo desktop on my pc) but I hope to resolve this soon by tweaking some settings.
(6) A number of app have problems. I blame it on Froyo but am not sure.

I now have had the Archos 101 for 4 days, and I love it (aside from the issues mentioned above) but it is not perfect. Several times a day I must reboot the tablet because one app problem or another but I hope that these will be resolved by updates from Froyo, Archos and/or the app makers. Nevertheless I carry it around almost all day long. Though the weight is less than an Ipad, it remains a bit heavy when you use it to read a book or newspaper on the tablet. Nevertheless reading the newspapers and books (with the Kindle software) is a real pleasure.
The tablet has a usefulness, between the smartphone and the computer, that I did not understand until I got my Archos 101.
In brief, you NEED the gApps4Archos2.apk upgrade, but you need a bit of computer skills for the installation. Any experienced computer can do it for you if can not do it yourself.

Jan 16, 2011

I now have had the Archos 101 (16) for more than a month. I still like it very much but these are my pros and cons :

pros : cheap (-er than Ipad); nice feel and look; Google synch is great when you use Gmail, Google Calendar and other Google software on your phone and/or computer (but you must first install the unofficial Google ‘hack’);

cons :
out-of-the-box does not have Google apps (such as Market and Google apps). The unofficial ‘hack’ is easy for anyone with a bit of experience, but without this the Archos tablet is much less fun.
sometimes very slow
re-boot required quite often
lousy speakers
the auto-rotating works fine, but it would be nice to be able to quickly disable the auto-rotating when you read a book or newspaper

I definitely hope that the next generation will be faster and better, and Archos has an enormous challenge to keep up with the now many competitors. I am not (yet) an Apple user myself and have an Android phone and now this Android tablet. For me the big advantage of Android (over Apple) is the Google synch with your phone and computer, but Android has a big challenge with the phone/tablet landscape over the next few years.

Well I am going to keep this review as short as possible because a lot of the previous reviewers have nailed most of the accurate commentary on this device.
First I will just say this….I did a LOT of research and considered several “sub $400″ Android tablets before deciding on the ARCHOS 101. My personal preference (from the start) was that I did NOT want an Ipad because I did not want to be constrained by some of the limitations the Ipad has (No USB, no SD cards, price point, difficulty downloading DVD’s etc….). That being said (as others have stated on several web sites/blogs) the ARCHOS 101 is NOT an Ipad. The best way to describe it is this….if you want something that will just work without you having to think about it then go with an Ipad….if you’re willing to spend some time getting to know and “tweaking” your device then I think the Archos 101 is a great buy. Especially for the price. Also please keep this in mind…this WILL NOT REPLACE YOUR LAPTOP so please don’t go in thinking this (or the Ipad) will. I think that’s where a lot of the negative commentary comes from people assuming this.
Here are some random comments to go along with most pros/cons others have spoken about.
1 – I had the firmware update and Marketplace installed within 2 hours of opening the Archos 101. Not difficult at all if you are even a little tech savy (i.e.- if you can install print drivers from a website to a new computer because you don’t have the old printer software disc then you can instal the Marketplace and update the firmware.) Also downloaded Flash 10.1 with ease.
2 – WIFI – has worked flawlessly on my home WIFI, my parents home WIFI, and the “Mobile Hotspot” WiFi on my Palm Pre (yes I actually bought a Palm Pre – stop laughing – I’ll be going to Android phone soon enough after owning the Archos 101).
3 – Fingerprints…..uh yeah of course…its a touch screen and we all “shed” oil so obvoiusly it’s gotta go someplace. I just orderded the screen protector from Amazon so hoefully that will help some. Prints came right off when I used solution and micro fiber cloth bought at Target. But in no way should the fingerprint “con” be a deal breaker on this device.
4 – E-reader. This was the reason I started tablet shopping in first place, I wanted color screen and wanted one device to eread mostly but also be able to check email, lite web surf, and watch video and listen to music. I have installed Kindle App already and downloaded a couple of classics (Dracula, Moby Dick, Invisible Man). I have also downloaded the Over Drive Media Console App from my local library which now works on Android. You can “borrow” ebooks for 3 weeks then they drop off – just like going to the library.
5 – Viewing angles….OK yes this a “con” but again not a deal breaker in my book. I use the Archos on a crowded train every day or in bed for reading. I don’t need it nor want it to be highly visible from multiple angles. So in a way poor viewing angle actually is like a “built in” privacy screen protector. I haven’t had serious issues with the view angles but can see where others might have concerns over it.

Well so much for this being a short review. And while I’ve only had this a short time I will try to remember to update it periodically (on durability, other good apps etc…) as I learn and use it more.

One other issue I’ve discovered is listening to music on it – my headphones don’t seem to be working correctly so I partially think it’s a headphone issue not Archos issue. The sounded very poor on vocals, sounding like it was in a cave or something…I adjusted the sound settings and moved the “balance” bar just slightly to the L or R and this seemed to correct the issue. Again I think this is a headphone issue but I am looking for the right pair to replace my current earbuds with so I will update this soon enough. If anyone else has experienced this issue please leave a comment. And feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Lastly – if you decide to buy the Archos there is a wealth of web sites, blogs, forums etc… to assist you in the ownership experience and working with your new device.

FYI, There was a recent firmware update from Archos on 12/16/2010 which can be found here:

[...]

I have done this update and increased the processor speed to 1GHZ and now it is a speed demon!

Basically, I LOVE my tablet. It plays flash very well and youtube AFTER you install the apps from the market. I also have a ton of movies that are in different formats such as avi and divx– plays all of those also with no problem and no need to convert them. (The only video that needs to get converted is those that are in IPOD format.–double twist app helps with that)

The games also work very well. I have played angry birds and other games with no freezing issues.

The battery life on this thing is very good. I am a heavy user and it stays charged.

The coolest feature for me is the ability to tether my tablet to my phone’s 3G signal (through bluetooth) to access the internet when I am not near a wifi spot. I don’t want to have to buy a data plan just to use a tablet.

Bottom line: Some people may not want this tablet, others will. If you are looking for an I-Pad like experience, you probably will not get it from this tablet. If you want a really good Android tablet that runs on FROYO, that is not tied to a cellular plan, that can play almost any type of video, then this is a really good option.

And before anyone says it: No, I do not work for Archos…lol.

Let me start by saying I am not gadget savvy and do have some trouble getting things set up initially. My only complaint so far about my Archos 101 16GB Tablet is that the instruction booklet is pretty much non-existant. Since I have never owned a touch screen phone or tablet, it did take me a while to figure out some features and techniques. However, I was quickly able to get onto the Archos Forum site and get any information I needed. The support for these is phenomenal! Although their customer service gives you the standard answer that Froyo 2.2 is not available yet and therefore Flash is a little further down the road, I was quickly able to find the downloads I needed on Archos Fan. I upgraded my system to 2.1.04, the most recent version from Archos. Then I went to the forum and found a link to download the google market place. There was even a YouTube video that shows how to do it. From there I installed Flash and was up and running. If I can figure it out, anyone can. I love my Archos and would highly recommend it.

This is quite obviously a middle tier tablet. It would not stand up to _higher end_ products now being release into the market post CES 2011. (Note that middle tier tablets just now being released are no better.)

However there is little doubt that there are no other products in the same price range that are better than this wonderful gem of a tablet. We now have two 101s in our house because the first one we bought proved to be so awesome. If you’re keen on saving money but still want to explore the wonderful world of Android, then get this tablet and you won’t be disappointed.

Couple cons first:
- don’t buy it for the screen quality (it won’t compare to ipad)
- don’t compare the camera with a high end mobile phone (it’s pretty bad)
- no real GPS (expected since there is no cell support either obviously)

Some pros:
- microSD slot
- full USB slot
- second micro USB slot
- bluetooth
- HDMI out
- 16 GB internal storage (plus I have 16GB microSD = 32GB storage)
- pretty good sound with internal speakers
- DLNA streaming built in (awesome for streaming movies off your media server or laptop, while lying in bed)
- Android market (not out of the box, but check the web for easy way to install it)

There are far more pluses than cons as you can see, and for the price this thing far outranks the competition.

I have been interested in a tablet since the iPad was first introduced. Only problem is my gadgets at home are all PC and my phone is HTC EVO android phone. I have been looking for a device that is inter changeable with all my gadgets and the iPad will not do the job. I almost bought the Samsung Galaxy Tab but the 7″ isn’t that much bigger than my Evo’s 4.3″ I was then looking at the Motorola Zoom WiFi and although that seemed like a match, the higher price point as well as the weight and battery life was a consideration. There are others I’ve looked at and then I came across the Archos 101 and I’ve read all the review and decided this is probably the one. So now that I’ve had this device for 2 weeks I decided to write a review. I will keep it simple as I possibly could.

Pros:
1. It’s wide screen. It doesn’t try to look like an iPad like some of the other tablets out there.
2. The available ports are a PLUS. HDMI, USB micro and mini. Bottom line is I can plug in my flash card on the USB port and it plays my movies. The mini HDMI can plug in to my HDTV and I have HD viewing.
3. It’s a PC, so I can locate my movies stored in the computer in the other room and play it on my Archos Tablet. The other day I was streaming via WiFI, a movie on my tablet as it’s connected to my TV and watching it on my big screen; from 2 bedrooms away. The iPad can’t do that. No ports.
4. The battery life. No exaggeration here when I say that when the monitor on the Archos is off, you don’t have to charge it at night as it doesnt use the battery. I haven’t charged my Archos in 2 days and I still have 50% battery life. That’s with watching a 2 hour movie yesterday (using my TV) playing games on my tablet today and reading email and browsing the web. You won’t need to take the charger with you if you take it to work as the battery will last you all day and all night. I’ve done this so I know
5. It’s an Android so you can download apps from the Android market as well as AppsLib market from Archos.
6. It has a built in uninstaller like a PC, so it’s each to uninstall programs without having to uses settings and downloads.
7 The optional 32gb micro SD expansion. The Archos comes with 16gb internal and with the extra 32gb you have 48gb total. And you don’t have to pay $599 for a 32gb Ipad 2.
8. The price. I got mine for under $350 at Amazon and with free shipping and not tax, it’s a bagain. I also got my 32gb micro sd card from Amazon and that too was a bargain.

The Cons:
1. Every reviewer said this and I agree. The monitor on this is made for 1 maybe 2 people viewing. It blurs if you try to look at it from the side. I supposed thats good if you don’t want nosy people looking over your shoulder at what your viewing. However, it has a kick stand in the back so if you stand it back and you watch it from a distance it’s fine. It’s a 10.1″ widescreen after all so it works for me.
2. It’s a little slippery and I wish there was a rubber case/protector that I can put around it. I did however, purchased the Archos 101 leather glove for it and it’s nice when I carry it around. It’s when I slip off the Archos that I wish it wasn’t so slippery.
3. The screen isn’t as responsive as I’d like it to be. It’s not a deal breaker, you just need to use your finger lightly as you slide it for the Archos to recognize what your trying to do.
4. It’s a little sluggish after exiting the application and getting back to the home screen. You can actually feel it doing something in the background. I supposed that can be a good thing. It’s not bad if you’re not impatient. It’s just a slow lag if you don’t treat it like your PC and remind yourself that it’s a tablet with only 1ghz of power. In other words it’s an oversized phone.

To sum this long review up. If and when you get your Archos 101, you must upgrade the firmware. Restart your Archos and check for Archos updates again. Next, you need to go to your computer and check out ArchosFans.com to check on other upgrades you need to get for your Archos. In particular, they will tell you how you can download Android Market on your tablet as it doesn’t come pre-installed. Also, if your Archos isn’t moving as fast as you’d like it to, you can change the settings on your Archos to “Overdrive” instead of “Optimal.” You can find this by going to Power Management on your Archos. Lastly, register your Archos and buy the optional plug in for your Video Player to play additional movies. Although it still seems limited. I downloaded VPlayer from Android Market and the paid version of $4.99 plays everything. Think VLC player that plays everything on your PC except the VPlayer is for your Tablet. I hope this is of some help. Play with your Archos, have fun with it and remember that just like everything else, there will be some glitches, but Android is always updating. And it’s all just a restart and you’re back in business. Good luck.