Android tablet

[jalandar]

Originally Posted by Bob Russell

FYI, here's a thread on the Archos 7 Home Tablet as as e-book reader that's getting started over at ArchosFans... http://forum.archosfans.com/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=33126

I'm intrigued with the $199 price, and am considering it as an interim device until the "good" Android devices come out over the next year or so. Maybe even with some of them starting to appear this summer.

Three concerns, though...
1) Is decent book reader software available for both ePub and PDF?
2) Can one control screen orientation simply (even without an accelerometer)?
3) Is the device fast enough to handle snappy page turns and large PDFs?

It uses Aldiko for epub reading, and yes, it is one of the better eReaders.

You can also install other Android Ebook reader software, however.

The Aldiko is installed with its orientation set to Portrait by default, you can easily switch it using the menus however, if you prefer landscape. The device itself defaults to landscape for most things.

Page turns in Aldiko are very responsive on the Archos 7 HT.

I have not yet tested large PDFs, but I will before I write up my full hands on review of it next week.

[pphilipp]

As a previous owner of the Eken m001, here's some good advice...
upgrade the firmware.
I repeat, upgrade the firmware.
You won't have the wifi problem anymore and everything is much more responsive.

[thinkpad]

This one looks promising.
Viliv X10 tablet takes on iPad with 1080p, HDMI
http://www.slashgear.com/viliv-x10-t...-more-0287907/

It's interesting since Viliv already have MID products out on the market so there products are definitely not vaporware.

[nonanon]

Dynamism has the Viliv S10 for sale now, starting at $699 for a Win XP version with a 60 gb hard drive. The Win 7 models have solid-state drives and start at $100 more. For $850 you can get a Win 7 with a 64 gb SSD and an extra battery. That's too rich for my blood right now but it looks like a great device with a lot more utility than an iPad. It's bigger and heavier but you'd expect that with a convertible netbook. The iPad can do Netflix instant streaming but I suspect the Viliv could do the same, albeit thru a browser instead of an app. Video at http://jkontherun.com/2010/03/23/vil...lade-on-video/

Personally I'm waiting to see what they can do to the Archos 7 HT re Android Marketplace, but if the Notion Ink Adam comes out before Thanksgiving at a decent price I may get that instead. The X10 deserves a look too, once I know more about it. More X10 info at http://blog.laptopmag.com/viliv-x10-...phics-hp-video

[EowynCarter]

Originally Posted by Bob Russell

FYI, here's a thread on the Archos 7 Home Tablet as as e-book reader that's getting started over at ArchosFans... http://forum.archosfans.com/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=33126

I'm intrigued with the $199 price, and am considering it as an interim device until the "good" Android devices come out over the next year or so. Maybe even with some of them starting to appear this summer.

Three concerns, though...
1) Is decent book reader software available for both ePub and PDF?
2) Can one control screen orientation simply (even without an accelerometer)?
3) Is the device fast enough to handle snappy page turns and large PDFs?

I bought an archos 5, the day before yesterday, i was impressed at think free's capability for pdf reading. (because it can reflow)

For ePub, aldiko woks fine. My only grudge with it is having to put ePubs in a specific folder. And the no folder support. Same for FBreader.

I think the specs for archos 7 are lower than the archos 5's though.

I have not yet tested large PDFs, but I will before I write up my full hands on review of it next week.

What apps do you use to read pdf ?

[Patricia1066]

Specs from Slatedroid
• Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, ARM cortex A8 768MHZ
• RAM 256MB
• Storage upgradeable to 32GB with a microSD card
• 7“ WVGA 800x480 touch screen
• Sim card slot, supporting HSPA/UMTS
• WiFi 11b/g/n
• Bluetooth 2.1
• Hi-Fi speaker
• MIC
• MINI USB OTG 2.0
• 3.5mm stereo audio jack
• Micro SD slot
• Gravity sensor
• Light sensor
• 2 Megapixel camera
• Li-ION 3.7V 2200mAh

Slashgear compare it to the Dell Streak.
As a tablet/phone the Streak is available on contract, but to purchase between £329 and £400 O2 locked or unlocked. Source

[Patricia1066]

Chippy saw a model in CES Jan 2010 which had a capacitative screen - why isnt that in the specs?
Chippy has a hands on video and the webcam looks ideal for video skyping.
That would make the difference for me, if I can get beyond my belief tthat 800 by 480 on a 7 inch screen just does not make a good reader.

[nonanon]

I use my Witstech A81 for reading all the time and it's got a 7 inch screen with 800 x 480 resolution. With the right font and font size and a good color for the font and background that resolution is very readable and not hard on the eyes. Not on mine at least as I usually read on my A81 instead of my Sony Touch.

[murraypaul]

<cough>Knock-off</cough>

I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

[Grimm]

<cough>Apple fanboy</cough>

I guess locking you down to Apple (iTunes, no flash support) is seen by some people as a good thing.

[boswd]

Originally Posted by murraypaul

<cough>Knock-off</cough>

I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

You are well aware that Apple did not come out with the tablet first, right?

Nor did they invent the mp3 Player
nor did they invent the smartphone
nor did they invent the computer.