Archos with its fifth Android Internet Tablets has considerably improved its brand image. Each device has moved a step further with improved features.
The new Archos Android Tablet (Archos 32) features 3.2 inches resistive touchscreen, 8GB of storage and media player software with support for loads of audio and video formats, and a VGA camera, accelerometer for playing games. Above all, it runs on Android 2.2 OS (which will soon have firmware upgrade). Priced at unmatchable $150, it’s an excellent deal, especially when considering iPod Touch and Zune HD.
So how Archos 32 looks? When powered off, it resembles a typical music player, crafted in black plastic and brushed metal. It weighs only 2.5 ounces with the impressive 0.3- inch thick tablet. Easily insert it in your pocket and carry it around, without the device protruding out. However, we suggest you to carry it in a pouch to protect it against any kind of bumps and bruises in a bag.
The screen and the front surface is glossy, with six touch-sensitive buttons below the screen that are more responsive to finger taps than expected. However, they’re not backlit so operating the keypad in the dark is a struggle. The left edge holds the 32′s power button and volume rocker, while the bottom holds micro-USB and 3.5mm headphone jacks. A small mic on the bottom, but the device is missing a speaker. The VGA offers basic yet good quality video, however the inappropriate camera placement leads to some awkward images like the fingertips in the background.
Archos 32 is preloaded with useful apps like eBuddy for the heavy chatter, Touiteur for the Twitter addict, and Racing Thunder Lite for the game addicts. Archos’ AppsLib store is an alternative for getting few apps over the air, since Google has restricted the Android Market on 3G devices. The expected update of Android 2.2 in October will certainly add a wider functionality to the device. With the update, YouTube and other Flash videos will be easily accessible through the browser. However, sound quality is smooth.
The performance and battery life is decent. With 800MHz ARM Cortex A8 processor, the Archos 32 provides enough room for playing back music while surfing the web and periodically checking the Touiteur feed. Thanks to the Archos system monitor application that easily kills background processes and apps to allow smooth operation of current applications.
Verdict – Despite few disturbing misses like glossy screen, poor camera placement, lack of a speaker, and the missing Android Market, yet the overall experience of using the Archos 32 Android PMP is rather enjoyable. If seeking a gadget with a small screen for playing music, watching videos and sporadically surfing the web, Archos 32 is an excellent choice. Go dig in and find for yourself!
[via Engadget]
