Archos 101 Android Tablet
The basics
The Archos 101 Android tablet is an Apple iPad rival from one of the most established tablet makers around. It features Android as an operating system, and boasts a 10-inch screen that's perfect for watching films or browsing the net.
The good
The Archos 101 Android tablet features a later version of Android than most of its rivals, running Android 2.2. Because of this, you'll be able to surf the internet on the go using your phone's 3G connection and Bluetooth.
This tablet also impresses when it comes to codec support, running a host of different MP4 and AVI files without issues. As such, it's a great multimedia player for a life on the road.
Backing up its travel credentials, the Archos 101 Android tablet also features a better than average battery life, running for days on standby, and for lots of hours with Wi-Fi turned on, without needing a recharge. That said, it can't quite match the Apple iPad for running time.
The bad
Although it's easy to use and offers good value for money, the Archos 101 Android tablet can't match the Apple iPad for quality. It's thicker than its rival, and also a lot uglier. It also lacks the ability to run Google apps and flash.
Letting it down more than this, however, is the screen, which suffers from very poor viewing angles. It's fine if you're sat directly in front of the tablet, but if several people are trying to view at once the image quality deteriorates.
The bottom line
Although it's an affordable device, the Archos 101 Android tablet struggles to compete in this market. There are much better options out there – such as the Apple iPad at the high-end, or even the Advent Vega as a cheaper option.
User comments (11)
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Sid Greenfield21 February 2011
Nice balanced review although I must take issue with the final comment about being able to get the Advent Vega at a cheaper price, I can find the Archos 101 about £15 cheaper online than the Vega
Report as inappropriateOliver21 February 2011
Am using mine now. You forgot mention the usb port and support for mass storage drives, widescreen aspect ratio, micro SD support, camera, HDMI output and of course, integrated stand! The google apps can be easily installed by downloading google marketplace from a third party and installing from there I have never noticed the viewing angle thing, but I guess you are right. As a user, my main problem is the speed - it is slow and generally less slick than an iPad or Galaxy tab. Also camera is terrible. I don't miss GPS but I guess some would, and some would like the 3G built in.
Report as inappropriatejeff22 February 2011
Boulderdash. The archos 101 has a bigger screen than the ipad. 10.1v 9.7, it is also thinner and lighter. http://www.differencebetween.net/object/gadgets-object/difference-between-ipad-and-archos/ Makes me think you've never touched one. I'm running all the google apps from market with no root involved on an actively developed froyo. You can buy 2 for the price of an ipad and almost 3 for the expected cost of your unreleased xoom.
Report as inappropriateIan G22 February 2011
I agree the Archos 101 is not a perfect device but a few corrections: - Not sure about the statement "There are much better options out there" - the Advent Vega and a load of "clone" Android devices from China? Without spending signifcantly more I don't see the alternatives. - Flash does work and the eagerly awaited Adobe certification is due imminently - I heard this from Archos themselves. - It's £150 cheaper than the entry iPad so don't expect the quality of materials that Apple use but its by no means ugly - have you got one there or are you looking at the pictures? - Unlike an Apple you are not forced to use iTunes and you can use standard microSD cards or USB devices. - Your very own Jason seems pretty impressed on the review he did on expansys... did he read your review before you published it? - I think you'll find theregister quite liked it too! As I started off - I agree this is not a perfect device but at least you get change out of £300 for a very useful gadget while we wait for the promised Honeycomb devices to arrive. Regards Ian
Report as inappropriateNick O23 February 2011
I bought one of these before Christmas and am delighted with it. I agree it’s not perfect in every way but it’s perfect for me. If you are considering one don’t let this review put you off – the review writes like he actually hasn’t even seen it let alone used it. It’s thinner than the iPad and you can use Google App store. I don’t think it’s ugly but that’s subjective. The screen angle can be restrictive though – I agree with that. It’s also significantly cheaper but the best thing is that it isn’t made by Apple and you get a real sense of feeling that you actually own it after you have paid for it.
Report as inappropriateOliver26 February 2011
Agreeing with commenters above, I don't see how this is uglier than the iPad, for a start it doesn't have a inch wide border around the screen. On an unrelated note, my Archos 101 has never burnt my legs....
Report as inappropriatejon06 June 2011
Better than ipad, half the price! Flash running, full market....... very happy!
Report as inappropriateDennis Gavin08 July 2011
No the 101 is not an ipad but this is one of the best reasons for buying it. The connectivity, battery life and build quality are also good reasons. It does connect to android market and the archos is a dream to use with folders and files. Having the option to expand the memory via micro sd and transferring data with the usb slots mean that the archos never struggles for space. The screen is responsive but is viewing angle sensitive. With the update to android froyo the archos does play flash. The lack of gps is ny only quibble but given its price at just over £200 it's a small one.
Report as inappropriateedward barletta16 November 2011
about the fact that it hasnt got flash and cant play google apps, it now has flash and to get the android market, all you have to do is download an apk file.
Report as inappropriateDAVID INSLEY28 November 2011
The Archos 101 internet tablet is a great device @ £150 from Carphone warehouse, OK the screen is not as good as the iPad but it"s still good. You get HDMI output, memory expansion from the usb socket or the micro SD card slot (no memory expansion on the iPad, you get what you get). The lack of GPS is not an issue as there are plenty of good Bluetooth GPS units on the market for about £40. I was so impressed with the Archos101 that I have bought the wife for christmas I got one for myself. There are Lots of Android apps around, just Google it.
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