Android iPad Killer? $159 shipped for Android Tablet PC

Luxor

[H]ard|Gawd
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Mar 5, 2003
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I just found this and it seems to have lots of good reviews... has anyone try this out yet?

It's basically an ipad like tablet PC but with android instead (so it's $0 google OS makes it much cheaper than Apples pricey iPad)

It can play 720P HD video, connects to Wifi, new Rockchip CPU and an access to the android apps market for free apps makes this awesome....and for $159 SHIPPED!! or $500 for an ipad?

If I hadn't heard of the Archos 7 tablet, I would have already ordered this... anyone heard of it?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003V0I75Q?ie=UTF8&tag=signhtml-20&B003V0I75Q

Product Description
Operating system: Google Android OS
RAM: 128MB SDROM
CPU: RockChip2808 600MHZ + 600Mhz DSP
Storage 4GB: Built in 2GB HDD plus 2GB T Flash Card
Wifi: 802.11b/g
Display: 7 inch touch screen (800X480)
Support TF card (up to 32GB)
Support google map
Camera: 0.3M pixels
G-sensor: YES (support screen rotation)
Desktop tool: weather, clock, alarm, calendar, calculator
Email: mainstream web mail service Gmail/Yahoo mail/Hotmail, etc.
Communication software supported: Fring, Skype, MSN, GTALK, etc.
Sound effect: stereo speakers device, built-in Micphone
Support video online such as Youtube,etc.
Video play format: AVI, RM, RMVB, FLV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MKV (H.264 HP), etc.
Music play format: MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, AAC, WAV, etc.
Photo browse format: JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG, TIFF
Language: Chinese, English, Catalan, Czech, Danish, German, Greek, Bulgarian, Spanish, Finnish, French, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Jpanese, Korean, Lithuanian, Latvian, Norwegian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, Serbian, Swedish, Thai, Tagalog, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Arabic Dimension: 190*118*13mm
Weight: 343g
Color: silver


Package Contents
1× Tablet
1×USB cable
1×USB host cable
1×Earphone
1×Travel charger
1×User manual
 
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interesting, hadnt seen this one........very possible since it looks like the Archos 10" Tablet with Android is a ways out...
 
Unfortunately, it's just another POS like all too many others. I know people want a good product at a great price, but very very rarely do the two aspects come together in the same product: a great one at a great price.

And this ain't one of 'em. It's just another knockoff product like so many others out there. The reviews don't matter either because the majority of those folks don't have anything substantial to compare this product with. Give someone that's never used a "tablet" or slate device one of these and they'll think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread and all because they don't have anything in their experience to judge it by.

There's dozens of these sub-$200 "Android Tablets" out there nowadays, and not one of them is actually worth the cost. Shoddy software implementation, slow CPUs, not enough storage/RAM, crappy wireless chips, crappy displays, intermittent issues with touch - and a lot of them are resistive panels - etc. There's really no way to have a decent 7" or larger capacitive touch panel in a sub-$200 price/package, it's just not possible these days given capacitive panels tend to be the most expensive single part in such devices.

I'd pass on it, and fast...

The basic rule of thumb applies: if it sounds too good to be true, it is, and this one definitely fits right into that.
 
It has a significantly slower cpu, limited marketplace, and uses android 1.5. Great price but you are getting what you pay for. An iPad killer will likely not be released until android 3.0 is.
 
wow, and now even blackberry is making one called a playbook but its gonna be over $300 as well... for $159 you guys, the ipad is not much different but 3x the price. anyone truly tried this tablet? If I had the money to splurge I would test it out
 
Can I pay 3x as much and get a dual core 1ghz CPU, 512mb ram, 1200x720 7" screen and android 2.2? Plz plz plz.
 
Can I pay 3x as much and get a dual core 1ghz CPU, 512mb ram, 1200x720 7" screen and android 2.2? Plz plz plz.


Definite iPad killer.... it has the same specs almost as you ask. Archos makes it.

Archos 7 with Android 2.2 .... they already made it and it hits the market Jan 2011 ($250 they say)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzN4NDYWbC4

Or... you can hack this and put android 2.2 on it yourself (if you are leet like that :D)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UNK5M8?ie=UTF8&tag=amaznn4-20&B002UNK5S3
 
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A friend of mine sells these things on Ebay - They are complete crap.

While the iPad may be overpriced by and large you get what you pay for.
 
A friend of mine sells these things on Ebay - They are complete crap.

While the iPad may be overpriced by and large you get what you pay for.

Do you have a link for proof its the same tablet? There's over 10 android tablets now, so you could be talking about the china-made junk tablets and not this one which has good reviews.

I have seen the junky 1.5 tablets for $89 on ebay, and I have seen the reviews and specs that are much lower than the one above.

....... Or are you just another iPad owner throwing your 2 cents to feel better and justify your purchase?
 
I personally like Android but I don't think anything from google can kill Apple.
 
rockchip blows.. you'll find android running slow and skippy on it
 
If you want the best scoop on Archos tablets, go to CNET. What you'll see is a lot of mixed reviews and inconsistency among models.

What it boils down to is what you'd use a tablet for. For tablets, the iPad pretty much does all things reasonably well, but it's priced like it too. The Archos doesn't, but is well-received for basic uses like PMP. It gets dinged for poor or missing accelerometer, GPS, proprietary interface cable, low memory, slow CPU, etc. However, face it, it's going to be disappointing if touted as an "iPad Killer," or if people are actually expecting that they're going to get that much performance for that kind of money (when you're talkin' $150 range.)

Personally, I am looking for a tablet to use as a universal remote control for IR and RF (y'know...like a poor man's Tony Stark), but it's going to need an IR interface (a la USB "button"), an x10 interface, and remote software to run it...and I haven't found anything worthwhile that's cost-effective yet. For something like that, I wouldn't need much, but just haven't found the right combination yet. (Sure, for $400 there's stuff out there kind of like what I want...but $400?!?) (Also, I've got a Harmony One at home, but it's kind of a pain in the ass to program and use.)

My choice of OS is obvious...the best FREE one...Android.

My advice to anyone would be...figure out what you want your device to do and then pay the least amount of money for something that works for you. Problem is, I don't see where these tablets yet fill a solid niche. I use a Droid for a phone (and other minor apps, but what a concept...it's a phone!), a low-consumption netbook for light-duty travel, an 18" power laptop for extended travel, and all this fits my portability needs.

The Droid's GPS ability saved my ass in a rental car. (In MY car I've got the top of the line Garmin, which was still less expensive than the automaker's optional GPS, and far superior.) The Droid has helped me check prices in the store against other's advertised prices, getting me better deals. It's nice to know that I can count on it in a pinch, but...it's a phone to me, and on a better network than ATT.

The EEEPC netbook plays all the movies I want (at a size I can see, and for a long time), and gives me a useable keyboard and internet connectivity when I need it. I can orient the screen to read a book (in ANY kind of format), easy. I can use it to remote in on my home network. It'll do faux-GPS. Cost me about 1/3 the price of an iPad.

Of course, the laptop is almost like taking my home computer with me, and does all things above, except act as a phone. But I HAVE a good phone, and on a two week business trip, I NEED a good, big, fast n-wireless/bluetooth machine.

Consequently...the only justification for a tablet I can find is as a plaything that I can screw with trying to make it act as an easy-to-use touchscreen remote for the houselights/tv/stereo/computer/htpc/etc. If a cheap tablet will do that, and a little more, without breaking...fine. I'm not buying an iPad for this...but I do think that the iPad is a good machine for what it's used for...just haven't figured out exactly what that is, though, when you figure that you spend the same or less on a phone, netbook, and laptop combined, through careful and patient shopping.

So, your needs/wants are your needs/wants. You just have to figure you need to spend only as much as what will meet your expectations for now and the immediate future. (because, in a couple of years, there'll be something else better. Always is.)
 
I am really surprised that no one has come out with a competitive tablet for cheaper than the iPad. All we keep getting is crap like this with low resolution screen built on old tech, poor touch screens, sad performance, and a mediocre app store. The iPad runs very smooth, has excellent screen quality (IPS display), is very responsive touch screen, and very easy access to app thats that all work well on the device. The iPad does everything it is supposed to do very well and without a lot of hiccups.

This is no iPad killer, its just another crappy device.

The Archos 7 tablet running 2.2 might be the first decent competition for the iPad, however they will need to make sure the platform is somewhat open so people can put future versions of Android on it, otherwise the iPad will leave those in the dust as it keeps getting iOS updates from Apple.
 
Unfortunately, it's just another POS like all too many others. I know people want a good product at a great price, but very very rarely do the two aspects come together in the same product: a great one at a great price.

And this ain't one of 'em. It's just another knockoff product like so many others out there. The reviews don't matter either because the majority of those folks don't have anything substantial to compare this product with. Give someone that's never used a "tablet" or slate device one of these and they'll think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread and all because they don't have anything in their experience to judge it by.

There's dozens of these sub-$200 "Android Tablets" out there nowadays, and not one of them is actually worth the cost. Shoddy software implementation, slow CPUs, not enough storage/RAM, crappy wireless chips, crappy displays, intermittent issues with touch - and a lot of them are resistive panels - etc. There's really no way to have a decent 7" or larger capacitive touch panel in a sub-$200 price/package, it's just not possible these days given capacitive panels tend to be the most expensive single part in such devices.

I'd pass on it, and fast...

The basic rule of thumb applies: if it sounds too good to be true, it is, and this one definitely fits right into that.


How ironic, you clearly do not own one based on your post.
 
an Android tales is something I will be getting int he next short while, but it wont be the one mentioned here.. Both T-Mobile & AT&T have android tablets on the horizon, so I cant see paying anything for one when I am stuck to using WiFi when 2 others are almost out that will support HSPA+ 3g..
 
Unfortunately, it's just another POS like all too many others. I know people want a good product at a great price, but very very rarely do the two aspects come together in the same product: a great one at a great price.

And this ain't one of 'em. It's just another knockoff product like so many others out there. The reviews don't matter either because the majority of those folks don't have anything substantial to compare this product with. Give someone that's never used a "tablet" or slate device one of these and they'll think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread and all because they don't have anything in their experience to judge it by.

There's dozens of these sub-$200 "Android Tablets" out there nowadays, and not one of them is actually worth the cost. Shoddy software implementation, slow CPUs, not enough storage/RAM, crappy wireless chips, crappy displays, intermittent issues with touch - and a lot of them are resistive panels - etc. There's really no way to have a decent 7" or larger capacitive touch panel in a sub-$200 price/package, it's just not possible these days given capacitive panels tend to be the most expensive single part in such devices.

I'd pass on it, and fast...

The basic rule of thumb applies: if it sounds too good to be true, it is, and this one definitely fits right into that.

ipad owner :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
 
an Android tales is something I will be getting int he next short while, but it wont be the one mentioned here.. Both T-Mobile & AT&T have android tablets on the horizon, so I cant see paying anything for one when I am stuck to using WiFi when 2 others are almost out that will support HSPA+ 3g..

I'd rather my tablet not have a monthly fee and just tether to my phone.
 
I'd rather my tablet not have a monthly fee and just tether to my phone.

Neither will force you into a monthly fee if you buy the hardware outright. & Tethering has its own limitations. I would rather the tablet be independent of my cell as well..
 
Consequently...the only justification for a tablet I can find is as a plaything that I can screw with trying to make it act as an easy-to-use touchscreen remote for the houselights/tv/stereo/computer/htpc/etc. If a cheap tablet will do that, and a little more, without breaking...fine. I'm not buying an iPad for this...but I do think that the iPad is a good machine for what it's used for...just haven't figured out exactly what that is, though, when you figure that you spend the same or less on a phone, netbook, and laptop combined, through careful and patient shopping.

Effective computing is intimately tied to the environment al circumstances in which the computer is being used I’d be lost without my 3 primary Windows form factors, my desktop, my convertible Tablet PC and my Nintendo XXL DS W100. All shine in the right environment. Desktops are obviously great on a desk. The W100 is a Windows PC that can be used pretty much standing or walking like a phone but MUCH better for web browsing and I love using my tm2 at night in bed for reading and handwriting out messages at 40 WPM is neat, typing on my side with ANY type of keyboard with only one hand sucks.

So tablets simply expand the environments that people can compute effectively if they have a need or desire to do so.
 
Just for the record: I don't own any Apple products, period. I also don't own any Archos products, period. I have owned many iPod touchs over the years, several iPhones, and I always end up getting rid of them because they get boring. I have used both an iPad in the recent past for several days as well as the Archos 7 Home Tablet which a lot of people are mistakenly comparing to the devices that currently exist on the market but aren't paying much attention to the fact that Archos as a new (8th) generation of products that are slowly appearing.

Having said that, I've been using Tablet PCs, PocketPCs, and slate style computers for 15+ years so, there ain't many people around here with the levels of experience I have, but that's irrelevant at the moment.

The Archos 70 and the Archos 101 are the tablets that people should be using as the comparison items to the iPad if you're so inclined - not the Archos 7 Home Tablet. They are the latest (8th) gen products by Archos, appearing for sale in the next few weeks, and with them running decent CPUs as well as Android 2.1/2.2 they are the ones people should focus on.

I don't have to own an iPad or an Archos tablet device to know about either of them. The Archos 7 Home Tablet is pretty much identical to the one the OP linked to: it's Rockchip powered (aka slow), it's stuck with Android 1.5 (Archos isn't going to update that at all, that was by design), and it's slightly more expensive but, if you have the choice take the Archos since it's by a name brand company that will support it instead of some unknown unreliable nobody brand name being sold on eBay by a third or even fourth party reseller.

I don't have to own one of these cheap "iPad knockoffs" - I mean REALLY, look at the fucking images of the device the OP linked to, it just SCREAMS iPad KIRF as loud as possible - to know they're cheap pieces of shit. There are several people here at this forum that have made the mistake of purchasing such knockoffs from eBay resellers and they have posted they regretted the purchase almost as soon as they got it and unboxed it.

A piece of shit is a piece of shit, and ~$150 for an Android tablet made by anybody is for all intents and purposes a piece of shit.
 
Crappy hardware, almost certainly a terrible TN screen. Save your money for a Galaxy S tablet.
 
Unfortunately, it's just another POS like all too many others. I know people want a good product at a great price, but very very rarely do the two aspects come together in the same product: a great one at a great price.

And this ain't one of 'em. It's just another knockoff product like so many others out there. The reviews don't matter either because the majority of those folks don't have anything substantial to compare this product with. Give someone that's never used a "tablet" or slate device one of these and they'll think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread and all because they don't have anything in their experience to judge it by.

There's dozens of these sub-$200 "Android Tablets" out there nowadays, and not one of them is actually worth the cost. Shoddy software implementation, slow CPUs, not enough storage/RAM, crappy wireless chips, crappy displays, intermittent issues with touch - and a lot of them are resistive panels - etc. There's really no way to have a decent 7" or larger capacitive touch panel in a sub-$200 price/package, it's just not possible these days given capacitive panels tend to be the most expensive single part in such devices.

I'd pass on it, and fast...

The basic rule of thumb applies: if it sounds too good to be true, it is, and this one definitely fits right into that.

+1,000,000

Labeling something an iPhone/iPad/iPod killer is always a good way to guarantee it isn't anywhere near an iDevice. Not to mention its very cliche.
 
+1,000,000

Labeling something an iPhone/iPad/iPod killer is always a good way to guarantee it isn't anywhere near an iDevice. Not to mention its very cliche.

Agreed. The iPad is a wonderful entertainment device but to be honestit just simply doesn't need to be killed, there's TONS of things its not good at, it's sucks for content creation and higher end productive tasks and it makes more sense to focus on the iPad's weaknesses instead of going head to head against it's strenghts.
 
A Chinese ShanZhai junk that would probably fail unexpectedly in just a few month, and you'll definitely never see an update for the software, ever.
 
or wait for real android tablets that comes year after ipad releases promises or stuffs like crap flash, cam and usb adds on and costs more
 
At the current rate, short-term wise the following seem sensible "consumer-space" tablet choices

1. iPad --> You know exactly what it is. You get what you pay for.

2. Notion-ink tablet --> Tegra-2 Dual core A9. nice spec. Viable screen. Here we really have a potential winner. Execution is key here. It has experienced several delays and change of plans so probably a lot of background stuffs being worked on. The latest info points to end of year for manufacturing. If it blossoms, nVidia will get a lifeline and a bright future.

3. Samsung tablets --> Samsung is capable and has all basic pieces covered to operate on the similar customer expectation in line with leading markets. Price is a little steep though but iPad shows a lot of willing buyers if the overall package is good.

4. Archos 101 tablet --> Reasonable price and spec. To be ready in short time. The only problem is you cannot get them easily across the globe. This is the only losing point against Samsung due to lack of broader and deeper market presence. Exists a short open market window where Archos fully enjoys due to lack of other sensible mid-to-low pricing tiers tablets because both Apple and Samsung choose to operate in Premium segment. If Archos can take this superior time and push 5-10 millions units in several months. They could reshape the entire segment.
However, I do agree it is not that easy right now as 101 is still not out, so the open window has closed a little. My comment on Archos depends on it being recognizable brand in comparison to other no name 3rd parties. 3rd parties could be good but need a brand name that western markets can identify.

5. Various carriers' subsidized custom tablets --> built to carriers' expectation so should be good, but most tie-in with carriers' contracts.

------------------------------
Above are info you can find on web, below is suggestion with logical explanation, but the various points are NOT facts.

A. all the noname 3rd parties tablets are waiting for Microsoft.

Why ? 1st explanation, because Microsoft insists on Windows 7/8/9/X... in order to protect its wall garden. But many have shown that it's not really showing concrete shipment figures to support current MS position. No offense to forum members repeatedly arguing usefulness here. The manufacturers do not care about usefulness, they care about shipment figures.

2nd. Microsoft can still sit easily because iPad targets premium buyers so percentile is low.

3rd. If Archos or other Android tablets combined to ship 5-10 millions units by end of year, the segment widened, ARM broaden its base, MeeGo will have to charge no matter what.

4th. The WebOS will have to be up real soon to protect HP's wall garden, the Enterprise.

5th. Therefore MS may need to enact the emergency maneuver by releasing Windows Mobile 7 to 3rd parties tablet makers to prevent Android eroding other market positions.

6th. finally,noname 3rd parties tablet makers are mostly interested in pushing boxes. maybe they are less willing to engage in software operation. It appears you still need heavy software involvement for current Android tablets. If MS can provide extremely low-cost WM7 for tablets, then it will be a go. However, MS does not want to erode its own Windows margin.

Therefore, back to original suggestion, noname 3rd parties are waiting for Microsoft to deliver a sensible low-cost Tablets OS solution. And this is Microsoft's choice to make in case non-MS products flooded the entire tablet segments and begin to flow to other fields.
------------------

With reference back to original thread content:

1. Under USD200 7" or 10" tablets will be good in a generic way if your expectation of them is limited when and if Microsoft releases low-cost Tablet OS, most likely the Windows Mobile 7 type of touch OS. This will enable hardware economic of scale from the clone makers because they can offload software acceptance/support and concentrate on product ramp and cost optimization.

2. But the netbook experience also explains why Microsoft/Intel are both extremely reluctant to engage in this scenario because it cuts into certain markets. Therefore netbook price climbs from original claim of USD200->250->300->350 and finally 400 range. With this development you know MS does not like point 1 listed above.

3. So you know MS cannot operate reasonably well if the tablet unit retail price is under USD200, unless it is built by MS itself with other revenue subsidies in mind.

Conclusion : For Android Tablets

There is a gap between USD150-USD250 where MS has a lot of uncertainties. MS has difficulties doing anything unless it wakes up discovering 100 million units shipped Android tablets flooding the market.

Here Ubuntu/Novell can earn business if they customize solutions for all the USD150-250 clone tablet makers. Basically repeating what MS did during MS-DOS era. Novell/Ubuntu can also earn additional upgrade revenue by packaging firmware upgrade jobs for these clone tablets. They can probably sell reasonable firmware upgrade directly to endusers as well, just like upgrade from MS-DOS 3.3 to MS-DOS 4, 5... If the fee is reasonable I think most users can accept that. Geez, look at Apple App Store, people don't mind paying 99cent music or App.

And then you will have the next wave of Chromium Laptop entering the markets.
 
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well, what can i say! I have an ipad 16gb wifi version and it really sucks!!! total waste of money if you already own an iphone. damn shitty restrictions, no usb port ( have to buy converter for $50???? ).
 
Ipads are nice. I wouldn't buy one because they are pretty limited (no real keyboard, can't even type emails on them efficiently), but for $500 there are worse purchases to be had.
 
I would bet $159 that your chinapad bricks for no reason.

good luck with their support department =)

the Archos 70 looks awesome, I have issues with them charging for codec support tho.

I think they may be out by the end of this month, shame the new Archos 43 doesn't have the capacitive screen, webcam, accelerometer, etc like the 70 and 101.
 
... shame the new Archos 43 doesn't have the capacitive screen, webcam, accelerometer, etc like the 70 and 101.

Resistive screen but people that have used it in demos say you can't really tell the difference, the improvements in resistive touch panels has gotten to the point where barely any pressure at all works the panel just fine. I consider such a thing a non-issue.

It has a camera and does 720p recording according the specs. It's not front facing but it does have one.

Accelerometer I'm not 100% sure on but, it probably has that too. Not a concern for me on this either, but it might have one. Until people actually get these devices in their hands there's not much real accurate info aside from what Archos puts in their press release/specs page.

As for the codecs, it's my understanding that with Archos they ask you to register the device with them for warranty purposes and then allow you to download the main codec for video formats. The audio codec - the AC3 decoder specifically - is the one you're asked to actually fork over some cash for and that's not Archos' fault, it's because of licensing issues with Dolby Labs (they hold the patents on AC3 iirc).

I wanted one, I really did, but I got tired of waiting on Archos to get the damned things in stores or for actual sale someplace so I grabbed an HTC HD2 that I believe is superior is almost all respects. Same 4.3" diagonal screen size but the Archos 43 is wider at 854x480 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio (the HD2 is 800x480, 16:10) and I'm ok with it. Cost me $220 and it's in pretty much mint/brand new condition, everything including the original box and with WM6.5 on it as well as a variety of Android 2.2 builds I'm toying around with, I got no issues with it at all.

The downside to Archos devices even in spite of great pricing is they're so locked down. This HD2 can run anything anyone chooses to create a ROM build for that is compatible with it (I've got 3 different Android 2.2 builds on the microSD card currently and can switch between them with a reboot), or the factory Windows Mobile 6.5 on it, or probably the Windows Phone 7 ROM from the HD7 when it becomes available since the hardware is almost an exact match by current reports.

I'm not your average Joe device owner: I don't buy stuff and never toy around with it so that aspect - the tinkering stuff - is way more important to me. I think the $220 I spent on this HD2 was worth every cent twice over and then some, actually.
 
I would be happy to have a tablet that allows me to browse on the couch or kitchen, doesn't have to be an all in one device.

Quick touch on, larger screen, quick touch off.

Yes I have several laptops, they don't cut it for me as such a device.
 
I like the iPad. My work provides one free for me. But it's a good solid device that works at what it's intended to do. Plus you have to admit, the app store had a lot good stuff.
 
Apple iPad has 2 certainties and 1 good setup
1. IPS Screen.
2. 10-hours battery runtime.
3. Well-known iOS/AppStore combination which is intuitive and operating with revenue drawing developers into the environment

I look at it and think even after 3-5 years, the device will still enjoy reasonable battery time, the screen is still beautiful plus viewable from wide angles, and while single-core, it will still serve its purpose just fine.

For alternative solutions, it is the same way I try to understand
1. Battery runtime --> if short, implies you may need to buy new replacement battery soon. My last name-brand tier-1 consumer notebook on year 2, the battery level had dropped under 50%.
2. Screen : likely normal LCD with limited angle. I really think a long-hours tablet will be in demand under much wider circumstances, so viewing angle is key, but that's just me. The Screen quality, however, while not IPS, should be OK because everybody understands cheaper price means something has to go.
3. The OS/AppStore combination I believe it will take medium-time for everybody to build a reasonable combination in comparison to Apple.

Edit for point 3
3a. Apple starts with Device --> Contents --> Apps --> Advertising
3b. Google starts with Advertising --> Device --> Apps and finally maybe content
---------------------------

The above observations are why I feel for the mid-lower tier tablet buyers, currently Notion-ink and Archos represent the most logical choice.

1. Archos have the reasonable combination of spec/features/name/price. Everything is reasonable, 101 to start USD300. Archos has the best chance of 2nd tier due to head start IF Archos can execute well. Imagine come Christmas time and you could only find iPad/Samsung/Archos tablets available on the shelf.

2. Notion-Ink has better spec/tech features which some tech-oriented users feel more desirable (dual core A9 in preparation for app boom and Android 3.x) and hopefully a better screen. Since it is nvidia hw,, you know nvidia has vested interest to make it look good if possible. Maybe pricing itself is closer to premium level

Edit optional : someone asks me why no HP/Dell? I am still trying to see progress on WebOS, and Dell Streak is more expensive than Archos running Android 1.x. At this time, I think Android 2.2 is almost a firm requirement as all of us are aware, Adobe Flash Player 10.1

so sorry for a repeated summary. Please note I do not have demeaning. I currently belong to camp 2 below. I like IPS screen/long battery runtime but not able to pay for it.

1. Apple --> pay us for premium level peace of mind plus satisfaction for the supported duration.

2. Others --> pay us lesser, the product is still generally good for something. If not, wait for next upgrade. no loss to you since you pay less, the difference could be used for next new toys.

3. Special --> some want to play at Apple's level, so they are still building all the necessary pieces.

4. I will happily buy/run USD 150 10" tablets from reasonable brands/vendors, OR noname if 3rd party compatible firmwares are available, for example, such as the HTC HD 2 smartphone example discussed in the forum. But ARM-development is rare in comparison to x86, and if not popular, nobody will do the work for 3rd party firmware development of rare models. Chicken and Egg. Therefore my comment on a potential firmware jobs for novell/ubuntu.
 
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When one iPhone doesn't cut it anymore you can always get four
ipad.jpg
 
The Blackberry playbook will be the real iPAD killer. That thing is so good!
 
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