Update on 31/01/2010
I own the unit since November 05, 2010. The last update of this recession from 31.01.2011 - After three months of using the device I'm still fully satisfied and not regret the purchase.
Unpack the proceeds relatively quickly, much more than the device itself, which is incredibly light and portable, the power supply and a MicroUSB cable is not included, in addition a couple of documents that I have, however, looked at in more detail.
The installed battery was already charged to half - way I could test the device thus equal. The launch comes relatively quickly by equipping, the Power button until you fully charge the "home screens" about 40 seconds. Since I already use Android on my phone, I had not micht long used to it and could start immediately. However, I am beginning had some problems with the capacitive touch screen, this can be solved quickly furious over a display calibration in the settings, however. Immediately after calibration, the display responded perfectly to my entries.
The Archos 101, as well as the other devices of the 8th generation of Archos, has no SIM card slot and can be connected only via WiFi, Bluetooth or USB to the Internet. But as I previously knew, and no reason for me was not zuzulegen the device I have no problem with that. When I'm out and about had the device, I can either "offline" work or connect to my phone (Bluetooth or wirless tethering) with the Internet.
Here is a brief overview of the connection options:
- Power connection for the supplied power adapter
- MicroSD slot to expand the memory
- MicroUSB slave to connect the device to a PC
- USB Host * 1
- MicroHDMI for connection to a monitor / TV * 2
- 3.5mm headphone output
* 1 USB Host
You can connect eg a USB memory stick The USB host that works now (for Archos software update) with all common formatting -> NTFS, FAT (32) which is from the "Windows world" knows as well as ext from the " Unix world "
To what extent can be used the USB connection for various hardware (DVB-T sticks, UMTS stick etc.) is probably dependent on the Android version and configuration of the system to which the "average Joe" user has no influence. There are already some modifications / applications available on the Internet (xda-developers.com) with which it is possible for example to look at the Archos via a DVB-T Stick TV. Also function mouse + keyboard through the USB Host. However, with English keyboard layout.
* 2 MicroHDMI
you can connect a monitor or TV to the Archos through the micro HDMI port. I have a MicroHDMI risen to HDMI adapter from Amazon to me at the moment.
Adapter: Mini HDMI C male> HDMI 1.3b connector 1080p
That works super easy. The unusual thing is that the tablet then shuts down and acts only as a touchpad. On TV, you watch a mouse. Wemm it's too complicated, a Bluetooth od. USB mouse provides a remedy (both successfully tried). Thus, it is possible the Archos similar to a PC mouse / keyboard to a monitor to operate.
For software - there is no sorfortigen access to Google's Android Market. That is in addition to the preinstalled software, you can only install software from Archos his own market and not on the official Goolge Market !! The software offer there is, of course, compared to the offer in the market rather mau. Good news but I have still - if you like, the paragraph may I have just written an app install and forget the one can also install the Google Market and therefore can access the extensive range of software.
The battery life of course depends on the use to surf 10 hours, listening to music etc. is quite possible. However, 10h video do not look at full screen brightness certainly.
Another plus gets the Archos for its integration of network drives or UPnP servers. Meanwhile so many your movies, music and images have outsourced example on a NAS and access over your home network to it. Even with this tablet you can easily access these network drives and stream its data on the Archos.
Be purchased for certain video / audio formats must, however, a plugin on the website of Archos (15). An alternative is for example the RockPlayer - this plays such films from even in software mode.
The capacitive display reacts class, even games like Angry Birds (See unbending - for free!) Make super fun.
A few downer but there are also in this device, in my opinion, are the following:
- Bad display -> reflects strong and is very dependent on the viewing angle
- Poorly processed "kick-stand", stand. After only a few weeks ausgeleiert (can be remedied by expanding and re-adjust)
The low RAM (256MB) I still had criticized in my first version of this recession. After the 3rd software update by Archos falls no longer significant. Now I do not need a "Task Killer" more. The tablet runs super smooth, the memory management was well adjusted here.
What I also want to say, there are repeatedly drawn comparisons here btw. The "low-cost" devices like the Archos and as the iPad or the Galaxy Tab. One thing is clear, the display of IPad for instance plays in a completely different League - that is worlds better than the Archos. However, this is reflected in the price again. I think you really have to include everything in the comparison and then can form his own opinion.
As I said, it must decide how much money is one the unit value and what you want to do with it and on what features you value each self. There are indeed among other things, these recessions and I hope I can use it to help someone. Otherwise, I can only guess just to go to the nearest electronics store and easy to compare yourself ...
I find this is a great "starter" unit for this price and a herrvoragende replacement for my 2 year old netbook. But I also think that I will look at the next generation of Internet Tablets exactly and upgrade if necessary.
Adapter: Mini HDMI C male> HDMI 1.3b connector 1080p