ARCHOS 101 Internet Tablet 16GB

by Archos

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00422TXZA
• Item model number: 501594
• Batteries: 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (103 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,497 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 15, 2010

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Offering a unique tablet design with the latest Android operating system, the ARCHOS 101 Internet tablet features a 10.1-inch multi-touch display with pinch-and-zoom capabilities, a fast 1. GHz processor for fast web browsing, HD multimedia playback, and multitasking across applications.

The Android-powered ARCHOS 101 with 10.1-inch multi-touch display and 16 GB internal memory (see larger image).

 

An integrated kickstand makes it easy to type using the virtual keyboard (see larger image).

The ARCHOS 101 features a patented construction process that uses an over-molded PVD stainless steel structure, enabling the tablet to be smaller, thinner and lighter--and thus even more portable. It measures just 0.47 inches thin and weighs just over 1 pound.

An integrated multi-position kick stand allows for hands-free use, enabling you to set the ARCHOS 101 in a stand-up position (approximately 60 degrees) to use the display as a PC monitor with an external keyboard or in a low position (approximately 30 degrees) for using the virtual keyboard.

With ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, you'll be able to connect to your home or business wireless network as well as hotspots while on the go. A built-in webcam means you can make video calls to family and friends. Additionally, a new feature in the Android settings menu allows the device to be tethered to a 3G phone via Bluetooth or USB for Internet connectivity when on the move.

This version of the ARCHOS 101 offers an internal 16 GB memory, which can be expanded using microSD memory cards up to 32 GB in size. It includes an HDMI port for connecting to a compatible HDTV or monitor and a full-sized USB port for transferring files from your PC as well as connecting an external keyboard. Other features include a variety of pre-loaded app (from the OfficeSuite productivity app to the Raging Thunderlite 3D car game), e-mail client that can handle multiple e-mail accounts, multi-format media player for music and video, and up to 10 hours of battery life when browsing the web.

Key Features

Unique Android Multimedia Applications

On top of Android's latest version, the ARCHOS 101 features several exclusive music, video and photo applications that offer smooth browsing through the album covers and home screen widgets that give instant access and control to your media. One of these functions--the 3D album cover application--allows you to glide through your music by album covers. You can also make your own music playlists or browse your songs and music by favorites, recently played or recently added.

The innovative photo browser.

Because you want to enjoy your videos and TV shows without re-encoding them with complicated software, ARCHOS makes your life easier by supporting audio and video formats beyond the standard ones of Android. It can even display subtitles and alternate audio tracks--all you have to do is drag, drop, and play.

Browse through your photos with a simple flick of your finger or play a slideshow of your last vacation with music and transition effects. You can even display the pictures that your friends uploaded to Facebook or other photo sharing websites. The high-resolution screen perfectly reproduces each picture in such detail that you can easily zoom in to see the tiniest of details, there's no limit.

Other multimedia functions include an internet connected Photo frame application with 3D transitions, and the ability to sync your pictures with your Facebook, Picasa or Flickr account.

Connectivity to TV and PC

With its TV output, the ARCHOS 101 internet tablet displays every Android screen on your compatible widescreen HDTV or monitor. You can then browse your files or the Internet from your couch.

Connect to a compatible HDTV using the HDMI port.

The ARCHOS 101 internet tablet also features Samba and UPnP protocols. This means that you play your movies, videos, and photos on your ARCHOS 101, 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 as your files reach your tablet via a Wi-Fi connection.

Read or Edit Your Office Documents

The ARCHOS 101 internet tablet combined with the pre-loaded OfficeSuite application allows you to easily create, revise or edit all of your Office documents. This office suite, compatible with Microsoft Office, gives you the ability to manage all of your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents. This application also serves a central location for managing both online and offline documents. It offers a multitude of improved features that include extraction of ZIP files, zoom mode, downloading files, text encoding options, and more. The ARCHOS 101 is also compatible with other formats such as pdf, rtf, and e-books.

What's in the Box

ARCHOS 101 internet tablet, power charger, USB cable, Quick Start Guide (QSG)

The ARCHOS 101 measures just 0.47 inches thin. Click here for a larger image.

Specifications

• Internal memory: 16 GB
• External memory: microSD/SDHC card slot (up to 32 GB)
• Display: 10.1-inch TFT LCD screen, 1024 x 600 pixels
• Operating system: Android 2.2 (Froyo)
• Pre-installed applications: Aldiko, Ebuddy, Wikipedia, Avecomics, HubKap, Deezer, Mewbox, Raging Thunderlite (a 3D car demo game), WordNewspaper, Touiteur, Fring
• Processor: 1 GHz ARM Cortex A8; 3D OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics accelerator
• Wi-Fi: Wireless-N (802.11b/g/n)
• Bluetooth: Version 2.1+EDR
• Video output: HDMI
• HD video: Up to 720p resolution with compatible format
• Subtitles: Supports files with .srt, .ssa, .smi, .sub extensions
• Video format compatibility: MPEG-4 and MPEG-4 HD; H.264 HD; WMV9/VC1
• Music format compatibility: MP3; WMA; WMA-Pro 5.1; WAV; AAC; AAC+ 5.1; OGG Vorbis; FLAC
• Photo format compatibility: JPEG; BMP; PNG;GIF
• Battery life: Up to 36 hours of music playback; up to 7 hours of video playback; up to 10 hours of web surfing
• Dimensions: 10.65 x 5.91 x 0.47 inches
• Weight: 16.95 ounces

Product Description

The ARCHOS 101 internet tablet is a tablet that you’ll be proud to own. You’ll have the best of the highly desirable AndroidTM technology with a large, high-resolution 10.1’’ screen, a weight of 15 oz (480g) and a thinness of just 0.5” (12 mm). Beyond providing the best Internet and HD multimedia experience, your device is completely customizable with a world of apps to make it your personal tablet. Unique design to serve the latest technology With a slim and light design, you will have the jewel that everybody wants. Thanks to its patented technology with over-molded stainless steel structure the ARCHOS 101 internet tablet weighs only 15.8 oz (450g) and is only .47” (12mm) thin. Connected Android™ device This “must have” connected device has a smooth user interface, 3D graphics accelerator and Wi-Fi connectivity. With Android™ multi-tasking has become a reality. The perfect size for full and intuitive web surfing Enjoy the real Internet. Pages in full width,  accelerometer and high-speed Wi-Fi n connection. Everything you want for an uncompromised web experience. Everything to replace your PC Features include ultra-powerful processor, webcam, email & chat applications, and comfortable keyboard. Once you start using it, you will no longer think about powering on your PC. Video chat with friends and family using the forward facing webcam. Your world of applications Match your ARCHOS to your personality and style by downloading the apps that matter to you (instant messaging, 3D games, newspapers, video chatting…). Hi-definition multimedia at your fingertips All your multimedia in HD quality either on your ARCHOS or on your TV thanks to the HDMI video output.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

405 of 408 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 360 degree Archos 101 review, February 17, 2011

By 

T. Tavlas "t_tavlas" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: ARCHOS 101 Internet Tablet 16GB (Personal Computers)

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!

MARKET and Other Apps:

One of the main advantage of buying a tablet from a well-know brand is after sale support. In some forums I observed some users complained about installing market and some other problems with the applications (including flash, YouTube etc.). Thanks God, Archos fans created some groups on the net and very decent to share their experiences (a personal note: android users in general loves to share and expand the platform). If the instructions explained there followed carefully this is not an issue. Of course there is always a possibility that sometimes a defective product may hit you. In this case, it might be good idea to send the product back for refund or change.

HDMI, WI-FI, Bluetooth and USB:

Working all fine. Even so I have never managed to use Tethering function of the product. I wonder if it is a defect on the Archos 101 or in my understanding how to use it. Having a 3G tablet has tremendous advantages - for sure. However, you need to pay quite extra for it during the purchase, plus the monthly data package charges is very costly. In my opinion - unless you are always on the move - 3G tablet investment's return does not justify itself. Even if you are always on the move if you set up the connection between your phone and Archos 101 (either in the form of Bluetooth, usb or wifi hotspot) - there would be no problem on your side.

HOW TO INSTALL ANDROID MARKET to ARCHOS 101:

You need to follow easy 2 steps to install the apps to Archos 101.

Step 1: The tablet comes with pre-installed Archos market app. First You need to use it and download Archtools application from the Archos market (you can do this without sign up to Archos Market). Then by using Archtools app, you can download application packages (in total 2) provided by Archos that includes flash player, google maps, gmail, android market and other useful programs.

Step 2: After android market app is installed to your device - you can use android market (you probably know that you need a gmail account to use it) to have an access to unlimited number of application available to you. Please note that there are different android markets exist and availability of an app may change from one to another.

CONCLUSION:

I think it is a good product with a reasonable price tag. Compare to other tablets in the market (as of today) - it has the best price-feature match. It can be an excellent company at home and office (in the recent firmware upgrade proxy feature was added). After trying many others, I preferred to buy Archos 101 and very happy with my decision by now. Many people after seeing it in my hand - bought one for themselves; either my hand shows it good or it is good :)

Different people have different tastes, this makes the world a wonderful place for sure. My suggestions to you - whichever the table you choose - don't buy something with a small screen, which in means less than 9.8 inches. As Steve Jobs mentioned in his speech, Apple usability tests proved that users have so much difficulty at small screens. Our usability tests showed the same thing. Even so many new tabs on the way comes with 7 inch screens including new models from LG, Motorola (XOOM is an exception), HTC etc. If you have any chance that would be great to see the product in the shop and take it in your hand. So that you see how you feel.

Final words: if you buy Archos 101 - do not forget to register the product and regularly update the firmware. If you have look to the change log in their official web site - you can see that how much progress Archos had by now in itself and tablets are still in their infancy level.

I hope this review will help you in your decision.

209 of 225 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Archos 101 is a value for the pricetag, November 24, 2010

By 

Ryne (Reno, NV USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: ARCHOS 101 Internet Tablet 16GB (Personal Computers)

I ordered the Archos 101 Internet Tablet from Archos' own website about a week ago with the first release and received it a few days ago. I was excited to get my first tablet, and the price tag didn't make me fear starvation as a college student, a fear which the Galaxy Tab is all too enthusiastic to give. I had expected a little more from the device, and my own possibly defective unit may have hindered my experience somewhat. It's being replaced soon, and if my problems are not present in the next unit I'll probably keep it.

We all know that Android isn't really ready for tablets, or so Google has told us, but we're all a little anxious to see what the experience would be like. Us early adopters know no bounds, and our research has led us here, to the Archos 101 Internet Tablet. It's price tag makes it a prime choice in comparison to most of the major-brand tablets being released as you read, but that price comes with certain drawbacks that any informed consumer should be aware of.

To begin with, the problems:

The digitizer on the touchscreen is not particularly sensitive, and operates at a very low operating resolution. It also loses its calibration quite often (about every 20-40 minutes) and I was unaware that a capacitive touchscreen even could lose its calibration. Unfortunately this loss of calibration isn't always slight, and sometimes it will seriously take hours of fiddling with different points on the screen to navigate through the menus to recalibrate. I called Archos about this and my unit is being RMAed, so this could just be a feature exclusive to my dud.

The build-quality is unbelievably poor. Seriously, you don't want to take this tablet out of the house. The metal plates covering the two small areas on the back are incredibly flimsy, and even changing your grip on the tablet causes a cascade of ripples through the LCD. The LCD also sports pretty narrow viewing angles, severe enough to cause saturation and brightness distortion between your eyes' different perspectives when held in portrait mode.

The Wifi isn't particularly good. Signal strength is poor and intermittent, and I can't actually even use a wireless connection unless I am in the same room as my router without it dropping out. Unfortunately the speed of the connection during those fleeting moments of connectivity also leaves much to be desired. I haven't run any benchmarks on it's networking speed, but you definitely don't need to worry about breaking any records.

Worst camera man has ever made. This wasn't really a big deal for me, since I don't really see using videochat on a Wifi-only tablet being much of a selling point here, but this camera is horrible. Poor color reproduction, a ridiculous level of noise being picked up by the sensor, and poor contrast makes for a washed out lifeless grainy facsimile of your face. Not good for self-esteem.

And now, the good:

It's pretty fast. I don't have to worry about running programs eating too many resources, and the browser is quick and snappy.

It's ridiculously easy to put Google Marketplace on. Seriously, I did it using just the tablet. Download gapps4archos, enable sideloading apps from the settings menu, and you're good to go. It takes about 3 minutes from Google to complete, and you can do the whole operation without touching your computer.

The screen is huge. I was back and forth between the Archos 70 and 101 for quite a while, and I finally decided that the 101 would be fun to try, being essentially a netbook sized tablet. The added space, both in terms of the increase in resolution and the increase in actual size, is fantastic. I always fall for high-resolution devices, and while I wish I could get something with a resolution higher than this in a 7 inch package this definitely serves both its purpose and my desires.

HDMI output. Need say no more.

Good playback of both video and audio, with a pretty wide selection of formats supported right off the bat.

Good 3D acceleration. I don't know who the manufacturer of the "Open GL acceleration" feature is, but it seems to work pretty reasonably. The game comes pre-loaded with some half-baked racing game. While the free game is bad, the visuals in it are pretty decent.

Good battery life. I've only charged it twice over the last 3 days. Considering the amount of poking, prodding, and fondling I've done - and as I'm sure any good nerd does to their new toy - it has held up pretty well. I'd estimate somewhere around 4 hours with wifi on and about 6 with it off. I had the back light at about 50%

Decent little speakers. The speakers on the back are pretty loud and only mildly tinny, about the same quality or a little better than most net book speakers.

MicroSDHC slot and usb host connectivity. Those familiar with Android wouldn't really make a huge deal about this, but those looking at iOS devices should consider the benefits of the alternatives, singe going beyond your default storage capacity is always useful when you need it.

And that's about it. I'm returning the unit for a replacement over the next few days, and I'll see how that pans out and update this review as needed. If the problem with the capacitive touchscreen digitizer isn't present in the next one I might consider keeping it, but the Wifi issues might just be too much. What use is a tablet that can't go online? Hopefully both problems will be addressed by the replacement.

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars On balance : a nice tablet, December 8, 2010

By 

Abraham Seno Bri "Mazal" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: ARCHOS 101 Internet Tablet 16GB (Personal Computers)

My conclusion, the Archos 101 is a great tablet, but :

(1) Out-of-the-box the Archos 101 comes without Google synchronization. This is a big issue, when you want to use Gmail and Google Calendar. It also means that you don't have the Android Market Place, which is also a big limitation. There seem to be all kinds of reason why this tablet does not come with Google, but buyers are not sufficiently advised by Archos of this crucial limitation. However, the problem can be resolved by downloading the gApps4Archos2.apk file from [...]. BTW gApps4Archos2.apk is for Android 2.2 . Now my 101 synchronizes with my Google applications (including Picasa and contacts) and market place works perfectly.

(2) Out-of-the-box the Archos 101 comes with Android 2.1 . It is easy to update the tablet to Android 2.2 once you are connected to the internet.

(3) While Android 2.2 improves the system, in the short term the upgrade creates problems for a number of applications. In my case, I am very disappointed that I can not install the Slingbox Player on my tablet, because it is not (yet) compatible with Android 2.2. The same applies to other applications. Slingmedia blames Android (Google) for this, but whatever the reason, it's a shame. I tried to access [...]and access my Slingbox through the web, but that is not possible either. I also have not yet been able to make use of the supposed video chatting advantage of the Archos 101 over the Ipad and this may also be related to Android 2.2 .

(4) It is not easy to print from the tablet.

(5) I have some problems with watching videos (that I transferred from Tivo desktop on my pc) but I hope to resolve this soon by tweaking some settings.

(6) A number of app have problems. I blame it on Froyo but am not sure.

I now have had the Archos 101 for 4 days, and I love it (aside from the issues mentioned above) but it is not perfect. Several times a day I must reboot the tablet because one app problem or another but I hope that these will be resolved by updates from Froyo, Archos and/or the app makers. Nevertheless I carry it around almost all day long. Though the weight is less than an Ipad, it remains a bit heavy when you use it to read a book or newspaper on the tablet. Nevertheless reading the newspapers and books (with the Kindle software) is a real pleasure.

The tablet has a usefulness, between the smartphone and the computer, that I did not understand until I got my Archos 101.

In brief, you NEED the gApps4Archos2.apk upgrade, but you need a bit of computer skills for the installation. Any experienced computer can do it for you if can not do it yourself.

Jan 16, 2011

I now have had the Archos 101 (16) for more than a month. I still like it very much but these are my pros and cons :

pros : cheap (-er than Ipad); nice feel and look; Google synch is great when you use Gmail, Google Calendar and other Google software on your phone and/or computer (but you must first install the unofficial Google 'hack');

cons :

out-of-the-box does not have Google apps (such as Market and Google apps). The unofficial 'hack' is easy for anyone with a bit of experience, but without this the Archos tablet is much less fun.

sometimes very slow

re-boot required quite often

lousy speakers

the auto-rotating works fine, but it would be nice to be able to quickly disable the auto-rotating when you read a book or newspaper

I definitely hope that the next generation will be faster and better, and Archos has an enormous challenge to keep up with the now many competitors. I am not (yet) an Apple user myself and have an Android phone and now this Android tablet. For me the big advantage of Android (over Apple) is the Google synch with your phone and computer, but Android has a big challenge with the phone/tablet landscape over the next few years.