Archos 7

The Archos 7 Home Tablet is first remarkable for its low price, but users should beware of some noticeable shortcomings that will make this tablet inappropriate for some. In fact, serious users will most likely be immediately turned off by the disappointing Android 1.5 operating system installed on the Archos 7 - automatically minus points for those in the know.

For an inexpensive tablet, it must be said that the Archos 7 looks great. The brushed metal finish common to Archos devices helps make the plastic bezel look and feel great and provides a nice grippable surface. The Archos 7 also includes a kickstand, a feature even the Apple iPad doesn’t include. It’s just too bad this good framework surrounds a resistive 800x480 screen, making a difficult viewing experience if the tablet isn’t propped up on the stand.

In terms of web browsing and video viewing, the low-end Android OS powered by ARM 9 microprocessor still keeps things running quickly and smoothly – surprisingly so at this price, in fact.

Naturally, the low price means the Archos 7 Home Tablet is a bit no-frills, but still included are micro SD card and mini USB ports. While the sound quality of the speakers is quite impressive in the Archos 7, the lack of an accelerometer is a definite minus as is the lack of access to Android Market, a feature this minimalistic tablet could really use to supplement features.

For the first-time tablet user or as a device for the children, the Archos 7 can be highly recommended. We believe that more experienced users (and those who use the Archos 7 for a long enough period of time) may be disappointed with the limitations of this low-end tablet.

Tablet2Cases recommends to buy it now for $179.99.