I have been using Archos 101 for a month and I thought my experience might be useful for the other Amazon visitors.
Before Archos 101 product, I had a chance of using iPad and Samsung Galaxy tab - which are our test tablets for the applications we developed.
All tablet devices have their own pros and cons, I think as a buyer you are the one who know your needs best and you can decide which one fits your requirements.I would like to evaluate the product from different aspects:
SCREEN SIZE:
It has 10.1 excellent high resolution capacitive multitouch screens - be careful it is rectangular, not square type like iPad and the rest of the other 10inches ( if you are looking for a case - this might be good to know) in the market. You can use it comfortably at both vertical and horizontal levels. The only problem with the screen is the angle limitation - if you do not have the correct angle, you might have some difficulties in looking at the screen.
Practically it means it is for only one person use ( good for privacy bad for sharing) - if want to watch a romantic HD movie with a loved one, you need to put it to a long distance ( such a win-win: you can both watch the movie and there is nothing between you & the loved one! ).
SPEED:
It has 1GB ARM Cortex A8 processer ( same with Samsung Galaxy Tab) but 256mb RAM ( 512mb at Samsung) . It is neither fast, nor slow. Firmware upgrades can help to increase the performance and at normal system use around 100 mb is free. If you use android it is always a good idea to limit the use of widgets, as they are consuming so much power of the device. I know they are nice and using them is the nature of android but try to limit yourself with only the must haves. In return, you are going to get a better performance.
BATTERY and WEIGHT:
One word: Excellent. None of the other tables can compete with Archos 101 in its category. Superb battery performance and very light table. Also, it is a handsome device. I have been using it with a leather case ( bought from eBay) and to my surprise, since the case on it - it has been started to be noticed by the people around. ( Moral of the story for attention gathering purpose - a leather case alone without tablet would be fine and cheaper solution! ). It is 480 gr ( 10 inch) , Samsung Tab is 380 gr ( 7inch) and iPad is 730 gr ( 9.8 inch)
MULTIMEDIA PERFORMANCE:
This is the specialty of Archos, as they are very famous with their MP3 and multimedia devices. While you are listening moonlight sonata, you can answer your mails or surf on the net. Plus, it is possible to watch almost any video format in this device. I was a little disappointed to see that Archos is selling plug-ins to support some video formats - this is a cheap way to make money in my opinion. Don't worry; android market is at your service! You can find lots of excellent video players ( and more) in the market as free. One more tip: if you install Skype - you got a phone on it!
- Thank You! We appreciate your effort.