Let’s go down the list here, in order of size. All of these devices will ship with Android 2.2, and they’ve also all got microphones and accelerometers. However, perhaps fatally, these tablets (like some others) do not have access to the App Marketplace. You’ll get your “custom-sized” apps through Archos’ AppsLib, which doesn’t sound like fun. The number of apps is limited and doesn’t update often, although you can usually find most of the most popular available. Google apps will also not be present, which means you’ll have Archos’ replacements for maps, music, and so on. Now, this can be resolved by rooting the devices, and then side-loading the Google apps, but it is a pain and these devices are chronically under-powered. Nevertheless, if you you want is a decent large-screen media player or ebook reader, at the price, any of these might do nicely.
Archos 28 Internet Tablet ($100 – Available in September)
The ARCHOS 28 Internet Tablet is the first WiFi connected Android™ device below the psychological $100 price point. It offers a compact form factor with a 2.8 inch touch-screen, and yet a wide range of features such as video, Internet browsing and tons of applications downloadable from AppsLib, as well as a sharp music application every player of this form factor deserves.
The ARCHOS 28 internet tablet has Samba and UPnP protocols: this means that you play your movies, videos, and photos on your ARCHOS, but these files are really located on your computer in another room. You don’t need to store everything on your ARCHOS to enjoy viewing it on your ARCHOS!
Archos 32 Internet Tablet ($150 – Available in September)
The ARCHOS 32 Internet Tablet is a 3.2” touch screen connected Android™ player able to play the widest range of video and music formats that you could imagine, including 720p HD. You can download plenty of applications to extend its fun factor (from AppsLib), connect to the Internet via a WiFi network, and even shoot videos with its built-in camera. And all of this, inside a pocket-sized device. Want to be connected anywhere? Just plug your mobile phone equipped with 3.5 G & Bluetooth™ technology, simply pair it up to your ARCHOS 32 internet tablet via Bluetooth™ or even via USB cable. This will give you easy access to Internet directly on your device anytime and anywhere. It comes standard with 8 GB of Flash Memory and a 400 x 240 screen resolution.
Archos 43 Internet Tablet ($200)
A simple tap. Just a simple tap on the home screen of the ARCHOS 43 Internet Tablet and you’ll be accessing all the major functions you need throughout the day wherever you are: HD video playback, HD camcorder, apps, emails and full Internet browsing. It’s as simple as a tap. The large 4.3” touchscreen with g-sensor lets you experience a never-seen-before viewing quality. The 854 x 480 pixels high-resolution display is so sharp that you can fully enjoy your pictures’ smallest details. In addition to the HD resolution, the 16:9 format is just perfect for rendering all your videos in the best quality.
Like the Dell Streak, this is too small for some things and too large for others. It’s got a resistive display, too, which I’m not too excited about. It does have a 1GHz A8 processor, though, and a camera on the back. 854 × 480 on a screen that size should be nice and sharp.
Archos 70 Internet Tablet ($275)
At home and on the go. The slim and light design of the ARCHOS 70 internet tablet (7” screen) makes it both portable and generous for sharing your best moments with your family and friends. All the functions of a computer: your apps, the Internet, your photos, music and videos, eBooks and 3D games. With both Flash and Hard drive (up to 250GB), the models’ designs are extra light and flat thanks to its patented technology with over-molded stainless steel structure: 10 mm (0.43 inch) and only 300 g (11 oz) for the Flash model, making it so easy to fit in your handbag or your briefcase. You can also comfortably enjoy your movies or TV shows using the leg stand to prop it up on your lap or table. Features a 1 GHz A8 processor with 854×480 screen. However, like all these, it is a resistive screen, so no multi-touch and probably better operation with a stylus. Also features removable storage (mini-SDHC).
The wide 7” touchscreen combined with a g-sensor lets you experience a never-seen-before viewing quality. The 854 x 480 pixels high-resolution display is so sharp that you can fully enjoy your pictures’ smallest details. In addition to the HD resolution, the 16:9 format is just perfect for rendering all your videos in the best quality.
Archos 101 Internet Tablet ($300 – Available in October)
The ARCHOS 101 Internet Tablet is a tablet who’s choice you’ll be proud of. You’ll have in your hands the best of the highly desirable Android™ technology with a large, high-resolution 10.1’’ screen, a weight of 480 g, and a thinness of just 12 mm. Beyond containing your window into the Internet and your HD multimedia, your device is completely customizable with a world of apps to make it your personal tablet. Whether you’re looking at your ARCHOS in landscape or portrait mode, your pictures will look bright and crystal clear on the high-resolution 1024 x 600 pixel screen. It doesn’t matter if you have it in your hands or if it’s standing on a table with the built-in leg stand, You will always be impressed by the quality of the screen. Want to be connected anywhere? Just plug your mobile phone equipped with 3.5 G & Bluetooth™ technology, simply pair it up to your ARCHOS 101 internet tablet via Bluetooth™ or even via USB cable. This will give you easy access to Internet directly on your device anytime and anywhere. There’s no need to pay an extra fee when you already have a data service plan.
You’ll benefit from a full width and superfast display of the web pages with the high resolution screen (1024 x 600 pixels) and the high-speed processor running at 1GHz. The browsing experience is made even more intuitive with the Android™ browser. Tap a part of the text that you’re interested in and the display will be automatically resized to the paragraph you want to read. You can also easily check your emails at any moment with the Android™ email client which gives you the possibility to manage all your email accounts (Gmail, Yahoo!, etc).
With a built-in webcam (to stay in touch with your friends and family thanks to live video chat), an ultra-powerful processor, WiFi connectivity, and multiple connections (USB Host/Slave, Micro SDHC, HDMI output…), the ARCHOS 101 internet tablet has everything your PC has. It’s very easy to connect an external keyboard or a mouse (ARCHOS external wireless keyboard with touch pad sold separately). For Email, you be delighted to finally have the choice between a full-sized on-screen keyboard and an external one.
The ARCHOS 101 internet tablet features a graphical accelerator (3D OpenGL ES 2.0) to exploit Android™ 3D capabilities such as 3D games, animated interface with live wallpapers and transitions effects. You will be also able to enjoy the Android™ interface on your TV screen via the HDMI output. Discover a new way to play games on TV, your device becomes your gamepad.
Summary
While these can’t compete with the iPad on terms of versatility, they certainly beat it in terms of media playback. If you’re someone who watches a lot of video these could be a much more practical solution. The lack of apps sucks, though. However, that can be solved by rooting the device, if you care to. To be honest I think buying an Android tablet right now is a sucker’s bet. If you really need a tablet right now, get an iPad. But if you wait a few months you’re going to have ChromeOS, webOS, and Android 3.0 tugging at your wallet. I can wait, personally, but I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to nab one of these right now. I tried it with the previous Archos 7 Home Tablet. More on that in a later right-up. However, at $275 for the 70, it seems like a pretty decent deal.