[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] L0$t$0ul:
Quick review of my Archos 70

I've had my Archos 70 for about a week now. One of the lucky ones. I'm really happy with it but there are a few quirks that I hope will be sorted out once 2.2 is released for it. Here's a few of my thoughts on it.

1. I like the screen. I've read people complain about the viewing angle but it's fine for me. I wish the resolution was a higher but that really only comes into play when using the web browser and viewing high resolution images.

2. There is definite issue with the soft buttons that needs to be fixed. I don't run into it all that often but it does make using alternate launchers/book readers a little annoying. Basically the soft buttons are unknown to some apps. It's not actually limiting the screen area like status bar is. usually full screen apps are the issue. The kindle app for instance chops off the bottom line of text which makes reading books hard. The Nook app on the other hand has no issues because you can set your own margins.

3. Swype works really well in portrate mode. The best way to "type" on one of these things. If I need to write a forum post or anything more than a few lines I'll pick up the archos. I can't stand the keyboard on my IPad so to me this is a HUGE benefit. The only downside is in landscape mode the soft buttons overlap the side a bit which makes hitting the period and back buttons a little hard

4. My android phone has a track ball and I wish this had one. About the only feature I miss from the ipad is the hold over a word for zoom in on a text field that allows you to place the cursor where you want it the track ball fixes that on the phone but not so much without it. My finger is not precise enough for cursor placement. The stock keyboard does have arrow keys but Swype does not. (I did figure out that if you hold down the power button an option comes up to modify the soft buttons to include arrow keys but it's really large.)

5. The bottom left corner gets pretty hot but it's not unbearable. That's the only part of the device that I noticed that. Plus when in portrate mode the side with the camera is a little heavier.

6. This thing is great for reading. The nook app works really well for me

7. It feels great in your hand. Just the right size and weight.

8. No compass. I wasn't expecting it though. Ipad does have one (since I've kinda compared the 2 in this already)

9. Google maps works great and wifi triangulation works well.

10. The screen does not get as dirty as fast as the ipad. I'm constantly cleaning the ipad as the fingerprints can really get in the way of viewing. I don't find that to be a problem with this device. The bezel does attract fingerprints but a microfiber cloth cleans that right up.

11. This thing needs froyo and root :) I've gotten way to used to having root and being able to control what the device does. Maybe over thanksgiving I'll have some time to look into it. Right now you must manage tasks on it and clear up memory or the thing will lag a bit. Some of the autokillers I've not found work for me. I guess if you've never seen 2.2 with a tweaked android internal memory manager they would be ok for you but not for me :) Luckily the task app it comes with is pretty good.

12. Even though it won't charge thru USB the included charger comes with the most common plug styles and allows you to swap them out. Really nice.

13. Battery life is pretty amazing but I think they toggle off wifi when the screen is off no matter what. I want to keep wifi on so I get email on it. Could be fixed with the firmware upgrade.

14. Video playback is nice and smooth and the audio player is pretty good as well. I did try some mkv files at 720p (not sure of the full specs of the media but could find out) and did get some slow down in the video in high motion areas. You could tell as the audio/video sync would go out then come back. I was also using the mini-hdmi->hdmi cable to put it on my tv when that happened. I've not tested any other videos yet. I don't have a lot of digital video hanging around these days.

15. I'd recommend getting a case. Kindle 2 or nook cases seem to work. A screen protector is also a good idea. I've been really careful with mine and i've still managed to somehow scratch the screen. I can only see it at specific angles in certain light so it doesn't detract from actual use but still you hate to have a scratch on a pretty screen :)

I'm very happy with the device. Once we get froyo I'll be even more ecstatic. I've not seen the need to grab my ipad once since I got it so that's sayin something.