Archos 70 (256MB + 8GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The Archos 70 (HDD version) is a unique 7-inch Android 2.2 tablet offering a massive 250GB spinning hard disk drive, delivering unprecedented storage capacity for its time. Powered by a 1GHz processor, it offers responsive performance for gaming and media consumption, though it is limited to a 5-hour battery life during video playback. The inclusion of a mechanical hard drive makes the device thicker, heavier, and prone to heat generation and slight vibrations compared to the slimmer 8GB flash model. Specific cons include the lack of a microSD slot, a lower-resolution screen than some competitors, and slower boot times. Key pros include the enormous storage, strong multimedia playback capabilities, and a built-in kickstand.

The Register's review highlights the Archos 70 Internet Tablet as a more refined, portable alternative to the Archos 101, featuring a responsive 7-inch capacitive screen that, despite lower resolution, offers solid performance. Key advantages include the balanced, compact form factor, a useful built-in kickstand, and strong media capabilities, such as HD video handling and HDMI output. However, the device is limited by 256MB of RAM, leading to potential multitasking lag, alongside concerns regarding cheap build quality, poor viewing angles, and the lack of a native Google Marketplace.

The Trusted Reviews analysis identifies the Archos 70 as a capable, budget-friendly 7-inch tablet under £200, boasting a responsive capacitive touchscreen and a convenient built-in kickstand. Its portable form factor is lauded for a comfortable, book-like feel, making it well-suited for web browsing and media consumption. However, the review highlights significant drawbacks, including a relatively dim screen with poor viewing angles and sluggish overall performance compared to high-end alternatives. Furthermore, the lack of an official Google Play Store, relying instead on the less-populated AppsLib, is noted as a limitation. Battery testing yielded 5 hours and 21 minutes of video playback with high brightness and Wi-Fi, falling short of the 7-hour claim but remaining functional for a budget device. Despite the performance and display limitations, it is recommended as a solid, affordable secondary media device.

The CNET review of the Archos 70 Internet Tablet identifies it as a high-value, feature-rich device under $300, boasting a 1GHz processor, responsive capacitive screen, and built-in kickstand. Despite these strong specs, the tablet is described as having a flimsy, cheap plastic construction and experiencing noticeable, general performance sluggishness. While offering unique features like a 250GB hard drive option and mini-HDMI output, it is limited by poor screen viewing angles and a thinly stocked Appslib app store rather than the official Google Android Market.

The Archos 70 Internet Tablet is highlighted as a remarkably thin, 10mm-thick, 300-gram device featuring a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, a built-in kickstand, and a front-facing camera for multimedia use. Running Android 2.2 on a 1GHz processor, the tablet provides a snappy user interface with capable high-definition video playback and, in some models, substantial 250GB storage capacity. However, the review notes drawbacks including the lack of an official Android Market, limited screen viewing angles, and the absence of integrated 3G or GPS connectivity. Copy

The Archos 70 and 101 Android tablets are highlighted as high-performance, budget-friendly devices priced under $300, featuring 1GHz processors, 3D graphics acceleration, and extensive multimedia support with built-in HDMI ports. While offering strong media capabilities, the devices suffer from poor display quality, specifically limited viewing angles and high reflectivity, alongside a lack of official Google Android Market access, relying instead on the limited AppsLib store. The 7-inch Archos 70 provides better portability with storage options up to a 250GB hard drive, while the 10.1-inch Archos 101 boasts a 1024x600 resolution display and additional USB host functionality. For more details, visit Liliputing.

The UMPC Portal hands-on review highlights the Archos 70 as a competitive, budget-friendly 7-inch tablet, praising its sleek design and high-end hardware specifications like a 1GHz processor and capacitive screen. While it excels as a portable media player with HDMI output, USB host support, and a built-in kickstand, the device lacks official Google certification, resulting in no native Android Market or pre-installed Google apps. Notable drawbacks include poor screen viewing angles, a reflective display, and reliance on the limited AppsLib store, although technical users can sideload apps to overcome these limitations.

The Geekanoids review of the 7-inch Archos 70 Internet Tablet highlights its lightweight, portable design and responsive capacitive touchscreen as key pros. The device, featuring a 1 GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor, is praised for media versatility, including 720p video playback, a Mini-HDMI output, and a built-in kickstand. However, the tablet ships with older Android 2.1 software and lacks the official Google Android Market, limiting app access to the pre-installed AppsLib. Further, the 256MB of RAM causes occasional performance lags during heavy multitasking, representing a significant drawback, along with a somewhat flimsy plastic casing. Ultimately, the review finds the Archos 70 a strong, budget-friendly media player and e-reader that is thinner and lighter than an iPad. Despite the software limitations, it offers good value for users seeking an accessible Android tablet experience.

The CNX Software review highlights the Archos 70 as a competitive 2010 7-inch Android tablet, featuring a 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor, 256MB RAM, and a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, priced around $275. Key hardware strengths include a built-in kickstand, HDMI output for 720p output, and a responsive screen that supports smooth video playback, Flash 10.1 via Android 2.2, and basic 3D gaming. Despite these, limitations include a lack of a rear camera, inconsistent video chat performance, and a somewhat flimsy, plastic build.

The Archos 70 Internet Tablet is described by Ben's *nix blog as a flexible, sub-$400 device running Android 2.2 with solid performance despite limited RAM. Key pros include a responsive browser, good app performance, and unique support for a custom Linux distribution. However, the 250GB version is noted for noise, weight, and operational delays compared to the 8GB flash model. Physical drawbacks across the line include a less cohesive build quality with visible seams, alongside a flimsy integrated kickstand. While the 8GB version is lighter, overall hardware compromises include the lack of a pre-installed Android Market and a lower 800x480 resolution. Ultimately, the Archos 70 is positioned as a strong, budget-friendly alternative to premium tablets, particularly for users interested in its open nature and community support.