Why hello there, Archos. My, what nice Android you have there. Tucked away in a little booth at CeBIT, the PMP maker was showcasing its latest 7-inch Home Tablet. Unfortunately, it was pretty barebones as far as content goes, but the vanilla Android 1.6 was running smooth, and if company precedence indicates anything, the video playback is still fairly solid. The selling point here, really, is a decent screen and that $200 or so price tag. No dice on espying Archos 8, though; we've passed by the company's booth twice now, and both times it had yet to be sent to the show floor. Instead, on hand were the A14VG and AV15VS, but there isn't a lot to say about music players with the same feature set you'd find in PMPs sold at grocery stores -- there's definitely a market, but it's targeted at your wallet more than your desire for cutting edge goods. Video of Archos 7 after the break.
@Nitesh The Archos 7 is rumored to be available on March for 150 euro ($242). It'll have 8GB of onboard storage, a webcam, and 7-inch LCD screen with 800 x 480 pixels. That's 2.2-inches more than the Archos 5, with the storage being the same. New: http://bit.ly/archos7-new-info
@badjohny http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ4f2CrAezM Talk about some enthusiasm. This guy lets it all hang out, and plugs Engadget as well. It does seem like android is a little "sticky". Not at all like the nexus1.
My coworker just purchased the 5inch version at Bestbuy and its really really nice. screen is bright and clear and Android is snappy. i couldn't believe how thin it was and battery life is pretty decent. Once i see a 10inch tablet thats also reasonably priced ill jump in.
@neeko18 I recently played with an Archos 5 at bestbuy and was really disappointed at the screen response. I believe it was a resistive touchscreen which required quite a bit more pressure to get a response than I felt comfortable with. Maybe it was the display device since it did look like it was abused quite a bit.
Agreed. I'm a little disappointed with most of the Android powered tablets, confused by Nokia's plans for Maemo/MeeGoo, and just annoyed by the iPad. I really wanted to see at least one Ubuntu MID edition-powered tablet move into the mainstream, but I guess the manufacturers don't want to stray too far from the mainstream Google marketing engine.
Darn it Archos. Get it right! Do whatever it takes to have Google allow you to use the Android Market. I'm rooting for you, but you have to meet me halfway here. My wallet and I will be waiting.
Judging by the matte screen, I'm guessing this is resistive? I'd (really) like capacitive, but after playing with the 5, I could make do with just a resistive screen.
Generally speaking, capacitive screens on portable devices use glass screens that don't have an anti-reflection filter.
So being that this lacks most if not all of those characteristics, while its still possible it's capacitive, my logic tells me that its far more likely its a resistive screen.
Of course it will. It will definitely be a tablet Xmas. Why? Because we own everything else. What's left to buy for a gadget nerd?
I'd need to examine the build quality of this thing, but it seems priced right for the feature set. Not too bad of a sting to the wallet, and you seem to get what you're paying for.
Also, there doesn't seem to be anything in the pipeline for refreshes of other products. There won't be new gaming systems this year. I don't expect much from the new iPod, given the iPad, and Zune HD is hot off the shelves, so nothing really in the PMP market. Nothing AMAZING is happening in the netbook market (but I'm looking hard at the Eee 1201PN). There's not much around to compete with the gadget dollar this year outside of tablets.
And when are manufactures going to stop making gadgets that are meant to be handled by live people in shiny piano black? It only looks nice in the damn package.
Surprisingly the resistive screens on Archos devices are pretty nice. Typing is a little odd, but they are actually a ton better than you would expect.
I would pay $200 for a decent 7" media player/wifi browser. If I had to pay an extra $60 for plugins (as you had to do with previous archos products) without which the device was worthless to me since you could not surf the internet or watch avi movies, then forget it.
@joelaf unfortunately it still is. I have the archos 5 android and they "highly suggest" purchasing the additional plug-ins. Even some of the default programs that came with it require them to be purchases for any usefullness.
I've had my Archos 5 Android/32gb since the day it came out, and the only 'plug-in' that cost anything is the one to decode full-HD content (but it's free with the purchase of the DVR dock), ALL others are part of the OS, and the only application that requires a fee is the GPS software, which is made somewhat moot if you just install Google Maps.
I give an advice to you folks who would be tempted in buying an Archos' device, don't! I owned two (404 and 605) of them creations, and had only problems and bad experiences... Their devices are cheaper and attractive, but they're badly thought, badly made and have terrible software integrations.
@Tchiort I still have my 404. It has served me well for three years now. I had to replace the battery recently, but it's easy to do by yourself and cost me $15 total including shipping. Archos may have a frakked up system of abandoning older devices and charging for plugins, but I think their efforts have pushed others to innovate. I firmly believe there wouldn't have been a n iPod Touch without Archos 604 Wifi etc.
Again - Yes It Does Have Access to the Android Market.
Simply download the file named market4archos.zip, expand it, drop it into the root directory and install with any file manager, and you'll essentially have a full Google Experience device including contact sync, Google Maps, etc.
@DaHarder Thats something, but people really mean all the Google apps. This won't have Gmail, Google Maps, etc. It's a shame. The Dell Mini 5 looks all the more interesting because it will be fully Google certified.
Yes... As previously explained, Archos Android devices do support GMail, Google Maps, Googel Contacts, et al (aka The Full Google Experience), and all it takes is a 10 second install of the aforementioned file.
I've been using it for quite some time, and it's perfectly stable.
For 200$ I'd probably opt for a netbook at that point with a full OS and hardware keyboard for at least some productivity. If they price this super aggressively they'd definately be pushing the MID market, make it like 125$ it would sell like hotcakes maybe.
total waste of $$... ipad will own this too. I bought th Archos 5 and returned it in 35 min. The touch was so NON sensitive I found myself pushing hard to get it to do anything.
I currently own/use an Archos 5 Android IT (F/W 1.7.77 - 1.6) that's been successfully hacked to run the Android Market, Google Maps, etc. and it's a very enjoyable device that (when tethered to my DROID) serves as a fantastic pocket computer/web surfer.
I'll definitely be picking up this 7 inch version when it hits the market, and hopefully it'll feature Android 2.x
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posted March 3rd 2010 8:42AM
I'm curious to see if its better or worse than the similarly priced iLet Mini Hal thingy.
@Nitesh The Archos 7 is rumored to be available on March for 150 euro ($242). It'll have 8GB of onboard storage, a webcam, and 7-inch LCD screen with 800 x 480 pixels. That's 2.2-inches more than the Archos 5, with the storage being the same. New: http://bit.ly/archos7-new-info
where is the archos phone tablet????...for now i'll stick to my 704 wifi
@stormrider
I'd find a 7 inch device a bit large/cumbersome for a phone, but to each their own.
If the concern is tethering, these Archos Android devices tether very well to almost any smartphone (or at least mine do).
that touch response didn't look all too good. Hopefully it was the guy messing up or a early version.
@badjohny http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ4f2CrAezM
Talk about some enthusiasm. This guy lets it all hang out, and plugs Engadget as well.
It does seem like android is a little "sticky". Not at all like the nexus1.
My coworker just purchased the 5inch version at Bestbuy and its really really nice. screen is bright and clear and Android is snappy. i couldn't believe how thin it was and battery life is pretty decent. Once i see a 10inch tablet thats also reasonably priced ill jump in.
@neeko18
I think we all feel the same...
@neeko18 I recently played with an Archos 5 at bestbuy and was really disappointed at the screen response. I believe it was a resistive touchscreen which required quite a bit more pressure to get a response than I felt comfortable with. Maybe it was the display device since it did look like it was abused quite a bit.
Man, hopefully they fix the touch screen sensitivity by launch cause it looks horrid.
@Atkins
Agreed. I'm a little disappointed with most of the Android powered tablets, confused by Nokia's plans for Maemo/MeeGoo, and just annoyed by the iPad. I really wanted to see at least one Ubuntu MID edition-powered tablet move into the mainstream, but I guess the manufacturers don't want to stray too far from the mainstream Google marketing engine.
Darn it Archos. Get it right! Do whatever it takes to have Google allow you to use the Android Market. I'm rooting for you, but you have to meet me halfway here. My wallet and I will be waiting.
@BigJayDogg3
Judging by the matte screen, I'm guessing this is resistive? I'd (really) like capacitive, but after playing with the 5, I could make do with just a resistive screen.
@BigJayDogg3 Being matte has nothing to do with it being either capacitive or resistive. But yes, this is a resistive screen.
@Luxury Guy
Actually, it being matte has some relevance.
Generally speaking, capacitive screens on portable devices use glass screens that don't have an anti-reflection filter.
So being that this lacks most if not all of those characteristics, while its still possible it's capacitive, my logic tells me that its far more likely its a resistive screen.
@BigJayDogg3
Installing ALL Google-centric apps (The Google Experience) is a snap on Archos Android devices as long as they're running Android 1.6 or higher.
Simply search the old interwebs for a file named market4archos.zip, expand it, drop it into the root directory and install with any file manager.
It completely transforms the device into one of the finest google/media devices currently available.
Oh at $200 I am sooo getting one! Where do I sign up?
@SeveringGecko It's actually $179 in the USA. Euro prices include euro taxes.
@Charbax Do you know how much for a 8GB version? I know the 2GB one is $179...
@Atkins
Of course it will. It will definitely be a tablet Xmas. Why? Because we own everything else. What's left to buy for a gadget nerd?
I'd need to examine the build quality of this thing, but it seems priced right for the feature set. Not too bad of a sting to the wallet, and you seem to get what you're paying for.
@Luke
Also, there doesn't seem to be anything in the pipeline for refreshes of other products. There won't be new gaming systems this year. I don't expect much from the new iPod, given the iPad, and Zune HD is hot off the shelves, so nothing really in the PMP market. Nothing AMAZING is happening in the netbook market (but I'm looking hard at the Eee 1201PN). There's not much around to compete with the gadget dollar this year outside of tablets.
I guess it would make a pretty nice MID, and with some movie capabilities. If that comes in at €150 like they say, I might buy one.
"but the vanilla Android 1.6 was running smooth"
Not in the video I saw...
And when are manufactures going to stop making gadgets that are meant to be handled by live people in shiny piano black? It only looks nice in the damn package.
ewwww resistive
@Wikimon
Surprisingly the resistive screens on Archos devices are pretty nice. Typing is a little odd, but they are actually a ton better than you would expect.
Wow.... another piece of 'shart' from this Lemon of a company. When will this company just finally go away and take it's garbage with them?
Even more importantly, how long till that imbecile Charbax shows up, to tell us how this is the greatest thing on the planet?
I would pay $200 for a decent 7" media player/wifi browser. If I had to pay an extra $60 for plugins (as you had to do with previous archos products) without which the device was worthless to me since you could not surf the internet or watch avi movies, then forget it.
@turf
I've heard the plug in approach isn't being applied to the Android Archos models.
@joelaf unfortunately it still is. I have the archos 5 android and they "highly suggest" purchasing the additional plug-ins. Even some of the default programs that came with it require them to be purchases for any usefullness.
@slccsoccer28
That sucks. I have the 5 IMT and a 605 wifi. I thought I could use the same plugins on both, no such luck.
@slccsoccer28
Absolutely FALSE!
I've had my Archos 5 Android/32gb since the day it came out, and the only 'plug-in' that cost anything is the one to decode full-HD content (but it's free with the purchase of the DVR dock), ALL others are part of the OS, and the only application that requires a fee is the GPS software, which is made somewhat moot if you just install Google Maps.
I give an advice to you folks who would be tempted in buying an Archos' device, don't!
I owned two (404 and 605) of them creations, and had only problems and bad experiences... Their devices are cheaper and attractive, but they're badly thought, badly made and have terrible software integrations.
@Tchiort I still have my 404. It has served me well for three years now. I had to replace the battery recently, but it's easy to do by yourself and cost me $15 total including shipping. Archos may have a frakked up system of abandoning older devices and charging for plugins, but I think their efforts have pushed others to innovate. I firmly believe there wouldn't have been a n iPod Touch without Archos 604 Wifi etc.
@RoyFokker I think I speak for all iphone, WPS7, Android, Pre/Pixi, joojoo, etc. fanboys when I say Archos IS NOT responsible for the ipod touch.
Why does Android have to be so fuck ugly?
@2401 Penitent Tangent
There-in lies the beauty of Android, if you don't like the look/GUI - Change it with any number of skins available on the Android Market.
Choice is Good!
The fact that it won't have access to the Android marketplace is enough to say no.
@Plazmic Flame Yeah, whats the point of having Android w/o Android Market? Pretty useless IMO.
@Plazmic Flame
Again - Yes It Does Have Access to the Android Market.
Simply download the file named market4archos.zip, expand it, drop it into the root directory and install with any file manager, and you'll essentially have a full Google Experience device including contact sync, Google Maps, etc.
@DaHarder Thats something, but people really mean all the Google apps. This won't have Gmail, Google Maps, etc. It's a shame. The Dell Mini 5 looks all the more interesting because it will be fully Google certified.
@McPOW
Yes... As previously explained, Archos Android devices do support GMail, Google Maps, Googel Contacts, et al (aka The Full Google Experience), and all it takes is a 10 second install of the aforementioned file.
I've been using it for quite some time, and it's perfectly stable.
For 200$ I'd probably opt for a netbook at that point with a full OS and hardware keyboard for at least some productivity. If they price this super aggressively they'd definately be pushing the MID market, make it like 125$ it would sell like hotcakes maybe.
@SDreamer yeah but for that price you'd need physical keys instead of a touch screen
Meh, it's another let down. Resistive touchscreen and Android 1.6 without a marketplace. No marketplace = useless in my opinion.
I wish the Dell Mini 5 was a MIni 7 instead. 7" seems to be about the perfect size for my uses.Oh well...
I'm holding out for the JooJoo. (maybe)
total waste of $$... ipad will own this too. I bought th Archos 5 and returned it in 35 min. The touch was so NON sensitive I found myself pushing hard to get it to do anything.
Archos sux in general..
Archos have been screwing up their tablets and mids for years. Doesn't look like this one is a change in direection
I currently own/use an Archos 5 Android IT (F/W 1.7.77 - 1.6) that's been successfully hacked to run the Android Market, Google Maps, etc. and it's a very enjoyable device that (when tethered to my DROID) serves as a fantastic pocket computer/web surfer.
I'll definitely be picking up this 7 inch version when it hits the market, and hopefully it'll feature Android 2.x
@DaHarder
You don't say, Charbax....
@missionsparta
Sure Whatever... Troll Much?