please recommend android tablet

[mrfeh]

Hi folks.

I'm looking for an inexpensive (under $300; ideally under $200) android tablet. I think a 7" screen would be sufficient. Capacitive touch screen.

I don't generally buy tech gadgets, although I am a techie (been programming for 20 years). I have a little gift money to spend, and thought it would be convenient to have a device lying around the house that could be used for reading email, browsing the web, possibly e-reading, etc.

From what research I've done, it seems the leading candidates are the ArchOS 70 and a Nook Color. Are there other devices that would fit the bill?

Thanks!

 

[PSkeptic]

You could find a Nook Color at around $200 used. Obviously, $250 new. The Archos devices don't seem to have a vibrant dev community behind them, so any type of fiddling will be quite the chore. The Nook color has a very active dev community.

 

[mrfeh]

You could find a Nook Color at around $200 used. Obviously, $250 new. The Archos devices don't seem to have a vibrant dev community behind them, so any type of fiddling will be quite the chore. The Nook color has a very active dev community.

Thanks. From what I've read, the NC is fairly easy to convert to a generic tablet, correct? Sounds like it also is more likely to be able to run Android 3.0? And has more memory?

The only advantage I've heard so far regarding the ArchOS 70 is the speaker.

Are those my primary options under $300?

 

[PSkeptic]

Well, you have the overseas imports. YMMV however with those. And yes, the Nook color is easy as pie to root, and already has a non-optimized Honeycomb running, courtesy of the Devs.

You might also be able to find a refurb G Tablet (Viewsonic) for sub-$300. List, it's $399, most retailers carry it for circa $375.

 

[mrfeh]

Well, you have the overseas imports. YMMV however with those. And yes, the Nook color is easy as pie to root, and already has a non-optimized Honeycomb running, courtesy of the Devs.

You might also be able to find a refurb G Tablet (Viewsonic) for sub-$300. List, it's $399, most retailers carry it for circa $375.

Thanks again.

One other quick question - is the touch screen on these devices usable for typing? I'd be looking to respond to email using them. I'd prefer a qwerty keyboard layout.

 

[UBRocked]

Thanks again.

One other quick question - is the touch screen on these devices usable for typing? I'd be looking to respond to email using them. I'd prefer a qwerty keyboard layout.

First of all, I have both devices you are considering. The Archos 70 and NookColor are both very nice devices and provide great value.

As mentioned by PSkeptic, the NookColor has a much better dev community. But that may or may not mean anything to you.

Fact is, that the Archos 70 is a functioning tablet out of the box. The NookColor needs to be rooted and you need to install "Nookie Froyo" (Android 2.2 ROM) before it has the same level of functionality the Archos 70 has. It depends on your needs and your comfort level. The only thing you really will want to do to the Archos 70 is install the Google Market (it comes with a second rate market called AppLib and it's awful IMO.

While I enjoy "tinkering" with the NookColor, I feel the Archos 70 is a better device for my daily use. The NookColor definitely feels faster thanks to the extra RAM, but the Archos 70 has better video playback support, better speaker quality, a front facing camera, and a kickstand (handier to have than you'd think).

And as for keyboards...the stock keyboards are fine but I prefer "Thumb Keyboard" cause it offers a TON of customization options, keyboard layouts, themes. The best app I have installed on my tablet!

 

[mrfeh]

First of all, I have both devices you are considering. The Archos 70 and NookColor are both very nice devices and provide great value.

As mentioned by PSkeptic, the NookColor has a much better dev community. But that may or may not mean anything to you.

Fact is, that the Archos 70 is a functioning tablet out of the box. The NookColor needs to be rooted and you need to install "Nookie Froyo" (Android 2.2 ROM) before it has the same level of functionality the Archos 70 has. It depends on your needs and your comfort level. The only thing you really will want to do to the Archos 70 is install the Google Market (it comes with a second rate market called AppLib and it's awful IMO.

While I enjoy "tinkering" with the NookColor, I feel the Archos 70 is a better device for my daily use. The NookColor definitely feels faster thanks to the extra RAM, but the Archos 70 has better video playback support, better speaker quality, a front facing camera, and a kickstand (handier to have than you'd think).

And as for keyboards...the stock keyboards are fine but I prefer "Thumb Keyboard" cause it offers a TON of customization options, keyboard layouts, themes. The best app I have installed on my tablet!

Thanks for the info. I've read your comments on these two devices in another thread, also.

I've been running linux on my PCs since '93 or so, so that should give you an idea of whether I like to tinker or not.

We have an A70 at work that I took home last night and test drove, so I at least have an idea of what these devices are about now. I'm kind of suprised to hear you say you prefer the A70, given the NC has more RAM, a better screen and will likely be more adept at running Android 3.0...

 

[UBRocked]

Thanks for the info. I've read your comments on these two devices in another thread, also.

I've been running linux on my PCs since '93 or so, so that should give you an idea of whether I like to tinker or not.

We have an A70 at work that I took home last night and test drove, so I at least have an idea of what these devices are about now. I'm kind of suprised to hear you say you prefer the A70, given the NC has more RAM, a better screen and will likely be more adept at running Android 3.0...

Yeah, okay so tinkering is not an obstacle for you. That's good, because while many users report that the NC is easy to root, I've answered my share of questions about it and have seen many people struggle with it. From the device side, rooting and romming is easy on the NC (you just pop in the SD card). The part people seem to have more problems with is writing the disk image properly to the SD card itself.

Surprised to hear me say that I like the Archos better? Me too honestly . While screen resolution is "better" on the NC, the lower resolution on the Archos is actually nice to have because it's a little more finger friendly. But my use entails surfing the web, using the Phandroid app to keep up with this site, Youtube, VEVO, and Pandora. And occasionally I watch movies on it (usually when traveling). When I'm on Phandroid, I type a lot so the lighter weight of the device is preferred...when I'm watching video clips or listening to music the kickstand and better speakers are awesome to have.

Now, I do love tinkering with the NC and it is a great device. The fact that it runs Honeycomb is awesome. I can't wait to see an optimized version after the devs get their hands on the source code. But realistically...will HC change what I use my device for? No.

But like I said in my first response...both devices are nice. I can't make a decision for you so all I can tell you is that if I could only have access to one device...I would pick the Archos 70. BUT I REALLY WISH IT HAD at least 512MB of RAM!!! But if you want a tablet that you can tinker with, root & ROM, etc...the NC will be a lot more fun to mess with.