Archos 70 Internet Tablet

[vja4Him]

I've been looking at the Archos 43, which will do what I want, but then I found the Archos 70!

Looks like I just might get the Archos 70 Internet Tablet .... Anyone have this gadget yet? They are out in Europe, and should be available in the United States soon ...

[LakeLoon]

Apparently now shipping! See here (Engadget) and here (Archos).

Actually, the "purchase" option is not yet live at Archos' website, but it does give the pricing as $274.99 for 8GB, $349.99 for 250GB.

Overall looks very appealing! More features than the Nook Color for only a touch more cash, and way cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Now if only the performance is there . . . something that has been a downfall for Archos in the past . . .

[jbcohen]

I know this is probably not very helpful but, I know archos from what others have told me about their MP3 players and they seem to be very good products. I have a lot of respect for Archos and their abilities. If they are willing to get me an ereader for the price I want to pay for it, $100 i would definetly line up to buy one.

[DuncanWatson]

Originally Posted by LakeLoon

Overall looks very appealing! More features than the Nook Color for only a touch more cash, and way cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Now if only the performance is there . . . something that has been a downfall for Archos in the past . . .

The other issue is that the screen is lower quality than the nook color. It is about 25% less pixel per inch than the color nook.

I would be tempted if the apps where there but none of the reader apps I have seen are not the quality of the native ereader apps today.

[LakeLoon]

Originally Posted by DuncanWatson

The other issue is that the screen is lower quality than the nook color. It is about 25% less pixel per inch than the color nook.

Right you are. But I will note that even a lower-resolution screen can look good (to my eyes) for video. For other applications, including reading ebooks, the resolution might be more of an issue. I definitely want to spend hands-on time with the various devices before buying anything.

The point about reading apps is also fair, although reading is a secondary consideration for me (I will stick with my Kindle for b&w content). But apps can be improved, unlike hardware.

What makes the Archos (potentially) stand out for me is:

* spec'd for 720p playback (maybe the Nook will be able to handle this too)
* HDMI out with non-proprietary cable
* built-in kickstand
* front-facing camera
* FLAC and AC3 5.1 support
* bluetooth 2.1 EDR - I can tether to my phone and, hopefully, my GPSr
* decent claimed battery life (36h music, 7h video, 10h web)
* USB host capability

. . . but I admit, none of these are directly relevant to performance as an ereader! Except maybe battery life, and I don't know what the Nook will do.

[ypocaramel]

In general, IPS screens have better color gamut and viewing angles (at least that's the way it is on the desktop, there are measurements to back this up), so if you want a device for reading or sharing photos using the device's screen, and use B&N services, Nook color has the advantage. Otherwise, the Archos has some appeal, yes.