Archos Internet Tablet 70 250GB, Wi-Fi, 7in - Black
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I would first classify tablets by screen size. I also have an aging 3.7" screen sized Nokia N810, which although easily fits in my pocket, it was a little too small for me to use without difficulty. So I stepped up to this 7" tablet I bought from someone who wanted to step up to a 10" tablet. For me, the 7" is confortable to use even though I'd prefer a 5-6" one that would fit easier in my pocket if one was made that I liked. In summary: First to pick the size that is best for you.
Now on to the Archos 70S: Because it is NOT a phone, it isn't saddled with all the usage restrictions and expensive contracts that devices which ARE phones have. For example, if you want to "root" the device, simply install the SDE "Developer Edition" firmware downloaded from Archos itself. Granted they void warranty on OS related problems if you install it, but I think this is reaonable for them giving you enough rope to hang yourself. They are on record for still covering hardware failures such as USB port problems.
The Archos also has other nice abilities that other tablets either have to be seriously hacked to achive or just dreamed about such as unlimited Wifi usage, tethering to internet connected devices, tethering to bluetooth GPS devices, and USB host mode (so you can use keyboards, mice, usb drives, etc.) but most devices WILL require a powered USB hub to provide enough power and not all USB powered hubs seem to work on this unit for some reason.
Although wireless provider enforced software restrictions are non-existent (no problem installing Skype, Fring, Tango, etc), there is a problem that this unit not officially registered with Google. Therefore it requires some special attention to get even the official Android Market Place to work on it. Then some apps will get confused by the fact this unit is not a phone, doesn't have a built in GPS or just not on its approved list of devices the app will run on. Sometimes there are work-arounds for this.
So hardware-wise this thing has a reasonably fast (but not the fastest) processor, it is a little skimpy on RAM, so you have to watch how many apps you get running at once, minimal system storage, but you can offload many apps easily to the built in 2GB "SD" storage. It has micro-SD slot for up to another 32GB of storage. It does have a fairly bright screen (usable outdoors), good battery life, built-in stereo speakers, and both video and audio can be sent out the HDMI port to a television, but this device can just barely do (or not do) 720P video playback. Oh and don't forget the nice multi-touch capacitive touch screen which is rare for tablets in this price range.
OS-wise, Archos is on record for providing one major OS upgrade (Android 2.1 > 2.2) for this device. Who knows if they will continue to support it, but that would be on-par with other Android device manufacturers. I also like many of the low-level Linux utilities they included. Some people complain that it doesn't have Android 2.3 (meant for tablets) but I actually like the fact it has 2.2 as in apps, buttons, and widgets are nicely scaled up so they are easier for my fat fingers to operate and failing eyesite to see.
Best of all this unit is low cost without being as crippled as the lowest cost competing devices, and Archos, although not considered to be the highest quality manufacturer, at least is a mature company that has existed successfully for many years making cool low-cost personal electronic devices.
Now on to the Archos 70S: Because it is NOT a phone, it isn't saddled with all the usage restrictions and expensive contracts that devices which ARE phones have. For example, if you want to "root" the device, simply install the SDE "Developer Edition" firmware downloaded from Archos itself. Granted they void warranty on OS related problems if you install it, but I think this is reaonable for them giving you enough rope to hang yourself. They are on record for still covering hardware failures such as USB port problems.
The Archos also has other nice abilities that other tablets either have to be seriously hacked to achive or just dreamed about such as unlimited Wifi usage, tethering to internet connected devices, tethering to bluetooth GPS devices, and USB host mode (so you can use keyboards, mice, usb drives, etc.) but most devices WILL require a powered USB hub to provide enough power and not all USB powered hubs seem to work on this unit for some reason.
Although wireless provider enforced software restrictions are non-existent (no problem installing Skype, Fring, Tango, etc), there is a problem that this unit not officially registered with Google. Therefore it requires some special attention to get even the official Android Market Place to work on it. Then some apps will get confused by the fact this unit is not a phone, doesn't have a built in GPS or just not on its approved list of devices the app will run on. Sometimes there are work-arounds for this.
So hardware-wise this thing has a reasonably fast (but not the fastest) processor, it is a little skimpy on RAM, so you have to watch how many apps you get running at once, minimal system storage, but you can offload many apps easily to the built in 2GB "SD" storage. It has micro-SD slot for up to another 32GB of storage. It does have a fairly bright screen (usable outdoors), good battery life, built-in stereo speakers, and both video and audio can be sent out the HDMI port to a television, but this device can just barely do (or not do) 720P video playback. Oh and don't forget the nice multi-touch capacitive touch screen which is rare for tablets in this price range.
OS-wise, Archos is on record for providing one major OS upgrade (Android 2.1 > 2.2) for this device. Who knows if they will continue to support it, but that would be on-par with other Android device manufacturers. I also like many of the low-level Linux utilities they included. Some people complain that it doesn't have Android 2.3 (meant for tablets) but I actually like the fact it has 2.2 as in apps, buttons, and widgets are nicely scaled up so they are easier for my fat fingers to operate and failing eyesite to see.
Best of all this unit is low cost without being as crippled as the lowest cost competing devices, and Archos, although not considered to be the highest quality manufacturer, at least is a mature company that has existed successfully for many years making cool low-cost personal electronic devices.
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ArchosInternetTablet70250GBWiFi7inBlack
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