Archos 101 Internet Tablet Review

Apple has done an excellent job of cutting an “elitist” niche for themselves in the portable audio and video player market, something that was confirmed most recently with the success of the iPad. Because the products are often under criticism from some quarters for the omission of important functions, establishing a “closed” model and that is expensive, it is surprising not to see rival companies trumping the kings of aesthetics often. Archos is one of those competitors, and Apple has recently placed straight iPad its sights with the release of the Archos 101 Internet Tablet. This is a 10.1-inch capacitive Widescreen (1024 x 600) Android-based Internet Tablet 2.2 for all purposes an important alternative to Apple’s device represents.

Finished in glossy black plastic with brushed metal back plates, it is extremely light at only 480 grams and is one of the thinnest of its kind at only 12mm thick. The adoption of a widescreen design will appeal to those who the media about the device and offers a front-facing webcam video chat, although we are disappointed that this is very bad and only offers VGA (0.3 megapixel) resolution. Around the back is a kick-stand, which is extremely useful for propping up the tablet watching video or something to elevate a more comfortable viewing angle to offer.

The range of connectivity on offer includes a USB host for connecting to a computer to drag and drop the contents of a standard USB port for connecting drives, microSD port for upping the 8GB or 16GB capacity, and HDMI-out (with an optional cable) can send content to a TV. It can also multi-task by switching between open applications, provides full Flash support, and can stream media via wireless using SAMBA or UPnP protocols. In case you’re not aware, none of these features are available on the current version of the Apple iPad, which is pretty damning evidence is the versatile, open nature of this treatment.

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Of course it is not all good news for Archos in the contest and an area where Apple really trumps the device is the screen. This does not mean that the Archos 101′s screen is not very suitable because it is, but it is not a patch on the beautiful screen Apple IPS, which is sharper, livelier, more responsive and has better viewing angle. The latter property is really our biggest problem with the Archos, such photos may be in clear decline dramatically in a relatively shallow angle of the square-on. Besides the Archos just feels a bit cheaper, and certainly not the build quality on offer from Apple.

In terms of core functionality though, it does very well. We will not talk about the benefits of the Android OS 2.2 here, but suffice to say that it offers a highly flexible and adaptable with ability to add useful widgets on a desktop view of the five, a keyboard capable is about on par with most touch screen devices in the area and quickly browse through the wireless. Archos is not offering a 3G version of its tablet at the moment, but it is still possible to chain a phone via Bluetooth for use away from hot spots (which is also handy for adding a wireless keyboard and mouse ). Media support is excellent, although users who possess a wide range of video content may need to add the optional Cinema plug-in for full support, which brings us to our next observation.

Two of the reasons why ARCHOS devices sometimes criticize release that users often have to pay extra than the basic model price for plug-ins to the full potential of the product and (more recently) that restricts users to its own Android applications library. This seems a little unfair, because Archos can often offer much cheaper prices for the “base unit” than like-for-like rivals, which allows users to initially save money and upgrade if necessary. Acceptable many consumers do not want to buy with the intention of the modding out of the way, so this will always be a controversial topic.

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Moreover, while the 101 is indeed limited to selection Archos’ apps, Android-savvy users will be aware of ways to unlock the full Android applications to be completed by installing a simple MOT, which on this occasion we done.

Regardless, we found the selection of applications available from Archos reasonable (about 18,000 or so available), and in most cases the main apps and games are processed. It should also be recognized that although Android 2.2 serves very well on tablets, is not designed for aircraft of this size and with a new set of tablets over the next Android 3.0 in 2011, owners may find themselves with outdated software sale fairly quickly.

If you’re in the market for a tablet and is considering alternatives for the iPad, Archos makes it very easy. The 101 is much cheaper, more flexible and more “open” than its main competitor, and although the screen is not as impressive, we see a significant market advantage to the willing to a long list of benefits to see – especially if modding on your list.

Conclusion

Archos has a reasonably priced, well-performing and versatile Internet tablet to offer the 101, which despite its flaws is ultimately a much more flexible device than the iPad. Apple fans will undoubtedly continue to increase its weaknesses, and they will be a point for display performance and build quality is a priority, but for those seeking the benefits of a lap-based tablet that is one of the more compelling devices currently available experience.

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