We’ve already tried both the 8GB and the 250GB models of the Archos 70 running on Android 2.1. Both variants have their own respective advantages and storage capacity is at the center of that. Check out the full review of the Archos 70 after the jump.
Much like it’s bigger sibling, Archos 101, the Archos 70 seems like just the right fit for a portable tablet. It’s very light and slim (as far as the 8GB variant is concerned; the 250GB variant is a bit thicker) with a solid build.
The back panel is covered with a combination of hard plastic and thin sheet of metal (brushed aluminum) with all the four corners peppered with a tiny rubber pad that serves as a stand when the tablet is placed on its back.
For better viewing, there’s also a kickstand at the back so you can position it at and angle on a table or flat surface — great for when playing movies or running a photo viewer.
The screen is bright though not really that crisp (probably has got to do with the resolution or pixel density) nor have that sharp contrast which is understandable for a regular LCD screen. At 800×480, it’s got the same resolution as the 4.3″ HTC Desire HD (so that explains it). It works just fine but don’t expect it to be as sharp or crisp as the display of the iPad or even the previous-generation iPod Touch.
Running a 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor really helped in the performance of the device. Apps fire up fast, the videos play smoothly and web browsing is pleasant. HD movie playback is smooth and great; viewing angle is wide enough, maybe over 100 degrees across. Sound quality is good and volume is decent with the speakers all situated at the front.
The tablet does have the Android Market (so are all other Google Apps/Services) out of the box although you can always install it manually. Archos has an alternative app store called AppsLib though it’s not as extensive as the original one. The UI is pretty much basic to Android with up to 4 sliding panels.
Didn’t bother using the VGA camera as it doesn’t take any decent-quality photos. There’s a mini-HDMI port so you can hook up the tablet to an external display (probably to watch HD movies on a bigger screen) while the micro-USB port helps you connect the device to a PC or laptop so you can easily transfer files to and from it. There’s no microSD card slot on the 250GB but there’s one on the 8GB model (corrected).
Archos promises up to 10 hours of battery life on a single full charge. The claim is doable on the 8GB variant but I don’t think the 250GB variant can do the same due to the power-hungry disk drive.
Archos A70 Internet Tablet
7″ display @ 800×480 pixel capacitive screen
1GHz ARM Cortex A8 CPU
720p HD video playback
VGA camera
HDMI, USB ports
8GB Flash or 250GB HDD model
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 2.1
Archos 70 250GB price: Php16,990
Archos 70 8GB price: Php15,490
Between the two variants of the Archos 70, I think I’d prefer the 250GB version since it allows me to store more video and music though there’s the obvious drawback in the thickness of the device and slight degradation of battery life. At under Php17k for both, they’re already a good buy though.
Sir Abe’s playing Resident Evil 5 in the background!
Twitter: tfd_tweet
says:
@MJ
Hows the payment done?
Twitter: mjne_19
says:
@Bryan. 16500 for the 250gb (bnew and sealed) and 13500 for the 8gb (2 weeks used and looks bnew)
Yuga tech says archos 70 8GB has android 2.1 but villman store says it has android 2.2 froyo.
What does your unit have and did you buy it in Villman too?
Is your unit still for sale?
tradecommodities@live.com
Thanks
@MJ bat nyo po binebenta ung 8g? di po ba sya maganda?
Twitter: mjne_19
says:
@Patutz, very nice po siya mejo gipit lang po sir.
@MJ hmm kung siguro available pa sya by friday or saturday next week kunin ko na po sir hehehe
Twitter: mjne_19
says:
@patutz sure sir just text me. Thanks
I am selling my weeks old Archos 70 250 GIG with sleeve and matte screen protector for only P16,500
Nga pala ang contack numebr ko 09209203023
Eto po and tamang number ko 09209203032 sorry for the error, avalable pa po yung unit ko
@mike – it’s 2.1 when I reviewed it but upgradeable to 2.2. Froyo.
Twitter: md_manaloyahoo.com
says:
Umm wifi+3g ba tong unit na to?
i got one. when i showed it to my co-employees, i ended up buying another. and another. and another! hahaha!
it’s truly a good buy, to think that one can have that lofty 250 GB storage much like the portable HDD – plus all the advantages of an android tablet!
i was able to update the firmware to the latest version, which is 2.4.19 (Android 2.2.1).
i am enjoying it a lot now. it’s a pc in a very handy size.
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PhP 8.5K na lang next month for the 8GB model, tama ba?
Can someone answer my question please..
I receive a 8gb model as a xmas gift.. pwede ko ba sya lagyan ng memory card? Up to what capacity?
up to 32 gb yan @nancy.. mgkano va archos 70 mo.. 6,900 kasi dito eh..
pls reply.
up to 32 gb yan @nancy.. mgkano va archos 70 mo.. 6,900 kasi 8gb dito eh..
pls reply.
thanks jangie for the reply..
Cencya na.. My Archos 70 is a gift.. i don’t know how much sya nabili..
I searched sa ebay.. 7-8 k yung price..
Sang price yung 6,900?
ah..nakita ko lng dito sa uk. mas mahal pala dyan sa pinas. pauwi na kasi ako. confuse lng if dito or dyan ba bibili.. walang warranty kasi dito.. kaya vang mg multitasking yang a70?..
Twitter: supermhela
says:
Where can I buy one of these here in Manila? Thanks!
im selling my archos70, never been used. nasa box pa. gift lang sa akin e d ako marunong gumamit. selling at 13th with pouch. call09293096955
Can I use a wireless Broadband Usb on my Archos 70