Archos 32 Internet Tablet

“The Archos 32 tablet offers many of the core features of Android 2.2 at an attractive price, but its keyboard is too impractical to rely on as a productivity tool, and the Archos-managed app store limits the device's overall potential. Many of the hottest mobile devices of 2010 run some variation of Google's Android OS. Unfortunately, getting your hands on an Android device that isn't wrapped up in carrier contracts and monthly bills is nearly impossible. The Archos 32 aims to remedy this tragic gadget dilemma, delivering some of the best features of Android 2.2 (aka Froyo) in a pocket-size design priced at an affordable $149. And though we don't believe it has anything on Apple's latest iPod Touch, it certainly has plenty to brag about considering it is priced nearly $100 less.”

“As we mentioned at the get-go there are a few things that perturb us about the Archos 32 – its mushy, glossy screen, poor camera placement, lack of a speaker, and the missing Android Market are all up there -- but we still found the experience of using the Android PMP or tablet, call it what you will, to be rather enjoyable. If you're looking for a gadget with a smaller screen for playing music, watching videos and occasionally surfing the web the Archos 32 is a fine choice.”

“For $149, the Archos 32 is a pretty good deal, so long as you're willing to live with some trade-offs. It's a solid portable media player that can also surf the web and access (some) Android apps. We especially like the wide range of supported audio and video formats. You just have to be willing to put up with a lackluster touch keyboard and a resistive display that kicks back reflections. Overall, we prefer the new iPod nano at this price because of its more accurate and crisper capacitive display--despite its much smaller size--and better overall design. But the Archos 32 is worth a look if you want more functionality.”

“As a media player, the Archos 32 Internet Tablet could be a good travelling companion on the cheap if you don't already own an iPod touch or a smartphone, but if you're looking for smartphone-quality web surfing and apps, or if you want to read text material on its small screen, you will be disappointed. The Archos 32 Internet Tablet is a good choice as a music and video companion, but poor screen resolution makes web browsing and other text-intensive tasks hard on the eyes.”