I can't really see who this device is for. Those who are tech-phobic aren't going to like it and gadget freaks already have smart phones that have all of that functionality.
The resistive screen is very responsive for a resistive screen, you just have to remember your finger tips or nails unlike a capacitive screen that works differently. This device is good also to use as a portable battery powered party speaker device in the park or anywhere else where portable speakers can be used. For the price and size, these speakers are unbeatable in quality and volume. This device may be $99 already at some resellers, the best value for what it can do.
I will agree about it's quality, it is a decent resistive screen. The issue is that resistive screens just don't work well with Android's swiping gestures. I will agree that the volume of the speakers is great, though I think a cheap pair of BT speakers can probably produce more quality, though. I haven't price shopped the device, but at $99 it's definitely a great choice.
I think this is a great device, especially when you compare it to the sony dash, or similar devices. It's main function isn't to be a smartphone, that's what your smartphone is for. But Archos "gives you the option" if for some reason you want to do more on it; the device will do it. Hell this seems like a cool bedside alarmclock/radio. Something where you can be streaming music and recipes up while cooking in the kitchen. Throw your own music on the mico-sd card (something you can't do with any apple devices) and use it like a boombox. I don't know how much extra putting a capacative screen on this would cost, but 100 dollars seems like the right price for a device like this. Given that price I think Archos has done a great job. Also, remember some people can't use capacative screens so resistive has it's appeal there.
Glad you like it, we think these sorts of devices have a lot of appeal and are trying to find the space on the site to cover them. Let us know how we did.
Thanks for the review on this product. I think this is a niche product in a niche that although small, is terribly under-served at the moment. I bought a Sony Dash a while back and could not have been more disappointed. It is really a terrible product and I'm actually completely surprised that Sony is not embarrassed to have it's name on it.
My personal opinion is that is someone could really refine this concept and perfect the device, they could tap into the tech savvy gadget geek market and do pretty well. The catch here is that the gadget geeks will be discerning and want t product that is feature rich and works well.
Archos seems to have tackled some of the major issues that were frustrating on the Dash. Using the Android OS seems like a no-brainer for a product of this type. I like the internal battery. All I am really looking for is a device that will work as a sophistacted alarm clock allowing me to wake to whatever media I want. It should stream music through apps such as Pandora, Tune-In Radio, Slacker, etc. or from external storage. It should display weather apps, traffic, have output for external speakers. Electronic picture frame functionality is a plus. I don't really care about video streaming - who wants to watch movies on a 3.5 inch bedside device? Personally I think a larger screen would help a product like this gain more traction - something more like 5 inches, maybe.
My question to you is, what other devices are there out there that compete with this one as a bedside alarm clock / music streaming as the main purpose? My Sony Dash is now completely dead and i need to invest in something new.
I got round the problem by sending off to Amazon for a stylus, it was only 99p and works perfectly with the touch screen My question is: I have downloaded a number of my favourite albums onto a micro card (which won't pop out again btw) If I took my Archos radio on holiday with me in February, Would I be able to play these albums on the storage card without being wi-fi connected? thanks in advance
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OmniWrench - Friday, March 16, 2012 - link
A bedside radio with a camera in it... No chance the wife will object to that.tech6 - Friday, March 16, 2012 - link
I can't really see who this device is for. Those who are tech-phobic aren't going to like it and gadget freaks already have smart phones that have all of that functionality.Charbax - Friday, March 16, 2012 - link
The resistive screen is very responsive for a resistive screen, you just have to remember your finger tips or nails unlike a capacitive screen that works differently. This device is good also to use as a portable battery powered party speaker device in the park or anywhere else where portable speakers can be used. For the price and size, these speakers are unbeatable in quality and volume. This device may be $99 already at some resellers, the best value for what it can do.JasonInofuentes - Friday, March 16, 2012 - link
I will agree about it's quality, it is a decent resistive screen. The issue is that resistive screens just don't work well with Android's swiping gestures. I will agree that the volume of the speakers is great, though I think a cheap pair of BT speakers can probably produce more quality, though. I haven't price shopped the device, but at $99 it's definitely a great choice.Hrel - Friday, March 16, 2012 - link
I think this is a great device, especially when you compare it to the sony dash, or similar devices. It's main function isn't to be a smartphone, that's what your smartphone is for. But Archos "gives you the option" if for some reason you want to do more on it; the device will do it. Hell this seems like a cool bedside alarmclock/radio. Something where you can be streaming music and recipes up while cooking in the kitchen. Throw your own music on the mico-sd card (something you can't do with any apple devices) and use it like a boombox. I don't know how much extra putting a capacative screen on this would cost, but 100 dollars seems like the right price for a device like this. Given that price I think Archos has done a great job. Also, remember some people can't use capacative screens so resistive has it's appeal there.JasonInofuentes - Friday, March 16, 2012 - link
Glad you like it, we think these sorts of devices have a lot of appeal and are trying to find the space on the site to cover them. Let us know how we did.Jason
Denithor - Monday, March 19, 2012 - link
And use with an old Android cell phone with WiFi enabled.Plus you can say you're recycling.
:-)
still29 - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
Hi Jason,Thanks for the review on this product. I think this is a niche product in a niche that although small, is terribly under-served at the moment. I bought a Sony Dash a while back and could not have been more disappointed. It is really a terrible product and I'm actually completely surprised that Sony is not embarrassed to have it's name on it.
My personal opinion is that is someone could really refine this concept and perfect the device, they could tap into the tech savvy gadget geek market and do pretty well. The catch here is that the gadget geeks will be discerning and want t product that is feature rich and works well.
Archos seems to have tackled some of the major issues that were frustrating on the Dash. Using the Android OS seems like a no-brainer for a product of this type. I like the internal battery. All I am really looking for is a device that will work as a sophistacted alarm clock allowing me to wake to whatever media I want. It should stream music through apps such as Pandora, Tune-In Radio, Slacker, etc. or from external storage. It should display weather apps, traffic, have output for external speakers. Electronic picture frame functionality is a plus. I don't really care about video streaming - who wants to watch movies on a 3.5 inch bedside device? Personally I think a larger screen would help a product like this gain more traction - something more like 5 inches, maybe.
My question to you is, what other devices are there out there that compete with this one as a bedside alarm clock / music streaming as the main purpose? My Sony Dash is now completely dead and i need to invest in something new.
Thanks!
poppy11 - Friday, December 28, 2012 - link
I got round the problem by sending off to Amazon for a stylus, it was only 99p and works perfectly with the touch screenMy question is:
I have downloaded a number of my favourite albums onto a micro card (which won't pop out again btw)
If I took my Archos radio on holiday with me in February,
Would I be able to play these albums on the storage card without being wi-fi connected?
thanks in advance