Archos - 16GB* Internet Tablet - Black

I got this tablet reacently, and returned in less than a week. Now bear in mind, my review of this particular tablet is somewhat subjective, I am not basing my review on any defects in the hardware of the unit, what I am basing my review on is the unit's limitations which compells me to regard it as not worth the money the unit costs. First of all, I will list what is good about the tablet: 1. It's plays videos nicely, I was surprised to when I played a video on it how well it showed the video, I was expecting to have to squint my eyes to see the program, not the case at all, it's no different than watching a program on a portorable television device. 2. It's got decent audio output though the decibel output is low, the quality of the audio output is good. 3. It has an HDMI outpud, and a USB port which you will need an adapter for, it's USB micro, however, you can get an adapter online for a few dollars. 4. It's a very good size, 4.3 inches which makes it great for portability. Now onto what's bad about it: 1. If you are like me, and you're looking for a tablet for mobile communications, to use your Skype line or service from some other Voice Over IP when away from home, this is where the unit fails miserably. I'll explain This is an Android tablet. Skype just started very reacently started making a version of their software for Android, and that's only for the current version of the operating system, 3.0, and up. So if you have a version of Android that's anything under 3.0 you will not be able to access Skype on it. The version of Android that is on this tablet is 2.2 which is a year, and a half old version of the operating, besides not being able to acces Skype on it, that is in general some serious audacity of this manufacturer putting an outdated version of the operating system on a unit that's selling at the retail level for what it costs. I am very surprised that any manufacturer of tablets is able to get away with that because no manufacturer would away with that with computers. If a computer manufacturer put an outdated version of Windows on one of their model computers, everybody who bought it would return it, and that would probably make the news. I am an independent journalist, and I am actually considering writing an article about this myself. Again my review is not entirely objective because I was in the market for a tablet for an entirely different reason than most folks are in the market for these devices for. My reason for getting this device was for mobile communication away from home. I have a Skype account, and it is a PAID subscription, (Yes Skype does have a paid service). The difference their paid, and free accounts, is the free account is only good for communicating within their network, the paid account works just like a regular landline phone except by computer, you get a number, and you can dial any landline, or cell number, and you can send text messages to any cell phone with a paid account. Anayway, my purpose for investing in a tablet was to be able to use my paid Skype account away from home rather than just at home so when I realized I could not access Skype on this unit, at that point it was of absolutely no use to me at all, I mentioned the good aspect of the unit however, for me those are secondary, primary is my Skype Account. 2. which relates to 1. With tablets in general including this one, you're stuck with what you get, in other words unlike a computer, if you get a computer with Windows on it for example, and you're like me someone who has nothing but contempt for Windows, you can always take Windows off, and put Linux on it, with tablets, you have to live with whatever version of Android is on the tablet good, or inferior because there is NO WAY TO REPLACE THE OPERATING like you can on a computer, so keep that in mind before investing in this or any tablet on the market. 3. If you're getting a tablet for playing videos, you won't like this one, as I said the videos it will play show nice on the screen however, there is a catch, IT WON'T PLAY ALL VIDEOS! There are some videos where when you press play, it will just show it like a still picture, it won't play the video file. 4. I don't know if every version of Android is dysfunctional, however, the version that's on this tablet is very agrivating, it's nearly as bad as Windows, and you know when you get as bad as Windows, you've gotten as screwed up as you can possibly get. The operating system freezes easily, and often, and the only thing you can do is reboot, in some cases you will find yourself having to reset the operating system, I have never had that kind of problem with Apple, or Linux and I use both of those operating systems on a regular basis. 5. It has to be connected to a computer to charge the unit because it does not come with a wall outlet charger which for a unit that costs as much as it does does not make any sense, and the public should not have to tolerate that sort of thing. To wrap up this review: The bad; 1. You will not be able to access Skype as well as possibly a lot of other applications you might need because it has an outdated version of the operating system on it, and the variety of apps available for this version of Android is VERY LIMITED. 2. No way to replace the operating system so you're stuck with an inferior operating system. 3. Some video files it will not play 4. The version of the operating system that is on this unit is nearly as bad as Windows, it freezes easily and the onlly way to fix it is to reboot the operating system, and at times you'll even find yourself having to reset the operating system. 5. It does not have a wall charger, you will need to connect it to a computer to charge the battery. The good; 1. It plays videos nicely, (the ones it will actually play that is) 2. While the decibel output is lacking on this unit, the quality of audio output compensates for that. 3. It has hdmi, and a usb port which will require an adapter, however you can get one of those inexpensively, so no need to freak over that. 4. The screen size is a very good size for a unit for carrying with you, very portable at 4.3 inches. My conclusion, the unit has it's good points as I have pointed out, however the question you have to answer for yourself whether considering this or any unit like it for you do the good points outweigh the bad points.

Even with "jailbreaking" on the iPod touch it is way to much work and you have to worry about getting viruses on your computer and bricking your iPod. This is where android rules, allowing you to do whatever you want with it! I bought this a while back at the beginning of you year for $30 more then what it is now.Its a great device and has survived drops from about 5ft(not from me but from friends). It has scratched from people using their nails on the screen to, but since it it a resistive screen it hasn't cracked or broken, which is nearly impossible on this device. I do admit that sometimes the screen is a little bit difficult to use, but you do get use to it. I love the Google Market and how many apps I can choose from! Also using the Amazon (R) appstore and get one paid app free every day forever. Its battery life is remarkable with normal use it can last a day no problem, and charges quickly! The camera is OK but not something to write home about, it looks like something you would see in a 2010 cell phone, its not gonna replace your digital camera but can do good outdoors in good light. The speaker does its job well and is a little better then the ipod in performance and is a little louder. The screen size is the right size for browsing and movies! HD (720p) movies look amazing on it! It is a long device laid out to the 16:9 aspect ratio. The music app is good, and it works just like it's supposed to. This is a great device that I highly recomend, the company that is behind it Archos(R) also has some new tablets coming out hopefully through Best Buy that are sure to sell.

Have been waiting for Archos new line to come available and purchased this 43. Its a great product that Best Buy delivered very fast after purchase. Great portable media player that handles all of the various codex's that I have played with it so far. Mp3 functions work great and after you install the android market this devise really shines. Video recorder works great in HD. Note: Make sure you take off the plastic film anti scratch cover that is over the camera on the back of this devise or you will think the camera is messed up and fuzzy.

Ordered this Archos 43 Internet Tablet as soon as it went on the Best Buy site ... a little over two weeks ago. Had it shipped to my best Best Buy store and got it today. So far all good, as described in the specs. I was going to get an itchyTouch 4, when I looked around at the reviews and saw this Android based unit. I was not real eager to go over to iTunes and I had not bought an Apple product since 1980 (Apple II). Even though the itchyTouch is also a nice unit in this category. I actually like products with more hardware variety, so having the Archos 43 as a choice came along just in time ... Choice Features: - Nice Screen with great HD res and good touch screen - WiFi and Blue Tooth - Android for Apps (My first Android unit) - Came with 2.1 update1 - HD Camera and playback of HD material with HDMI Out! - Can hook up USB 2.0 devices, Mouse, KB, Thumbdrive, - Micro SDHC Card slot - Thoughtful design - Even has a stand for table top use - Quality mechanical package - Feels good. Going to be a great Travel companion to replace my 80GB Zune. Have fun when you get yours!

I am in love with this little gadget, that I got to replace palm 515, a little disappointed there is so little space dedicated for programs on it while the 16gb is separated for media mainly. I use mine mainly for gaming and media, but also for contact info, a note pad, and a reminder.

This product is terrible,I have had to send it in for 5 going on 6 RMAs. DO NOT BUY!!!! Worst waist of money ever!!!..........touch screen laggy..WIFI is horrible...graphics Ok...product overall HORRIBLE!!! DO NOT BUY!!!!!!!!!