Archos 501598 48 500 GB Internet Tablet on sale

Kiyo M. Say: Archos 501598 48 500 GB Internet Tablet
Poor quality control and support., 2011-08-03
This review is for: Archos 501598 48 500 GB Internet Tablet
Length:: 3:37 MinsI just got this device, used it for less than an hour, and it has already stopped working.When I first tried to access the AppsLib, it crashed and wouldn't reopen. The Archos 48 came with firmware version 1.9.21 (Android 1.6) installed, and once I connected to my WIFI, it notified me that a version 2 firmware was available. I updated it from the device itself, but after it said that "Update OK. Device will now restart to finalize the update.", it restarted -- but it would NOT get pass the "Archos Entertainment your way" boot-up screen (I've waited a good 10 minutes).I tried resetting the device (both holding the on/off button for 10 seconds and also the pinhole reset button), but still had the same problem of not getting past the boot screen.I looked up on the internet about many other people having boot-up problems with previous models of Archos and how to troubleshoot; there was one last hope for me by entering "Recovery mode" by holding on the Vol - button the entire time upon turning on the unit (this information isn't even mentioned in the included guide!). It took me to a white screen displaying and giving me these options:Archos A48 (465 GB) Recovery (code 101)---------------------------------------Would you like to recover your system ?- No- Update Firmware- Repair Disk- Format Disk- Check Filesystem- Force Touchscreen CalibrationI tried every single option, yet, in the end, none of them solved the problem. Every time I boot up now, it just takes me to the Recovery mode white screen. The white screen of death. Moreover, when I select any of those options, after it's done formatting or display that it's "setting up operating system..." it would just result in a blank screen.It's very frustrating and unbelievable.The full PDF manual isn't even available on Archo's website - you'll get a 404 error! Does Archos not even take care of their own website either?I've owned the Archos 605 before this one, and I still have a bitter taste about this company; before, they charged extra just to have the browser (which wasn't really even worth it) and certain video support codecs. Charging through USB is still slow and Archos basically forces owners to purchase their charging docks separately for "faster charging". Too much Nickel and Diming by this company.While I was able to test out the Archos 48 just for a few minutes, before it wouldn't boot up again, I have to say I wasn't impressed by the touch screen response. There's no comparison to Apple's iPod Touch. The web browsing experience is much nicer on Apple's, despite the smaller screen size, because it has multi-touch and being able to pinch and zoom in/out, glide, etc. The Archos just really falls short in comparison.If you look at their past record, there seems to be a lot of quality control issues with their product. It seems they don't fully test their product and just rush them out, and once one of their certain model ends up with a bad reputation, they'll just release a new one, still being unreliable on the surface, yet throw in new gimmicks like a new body casing/bigger screen.While the screen may be bigger and the storage capacity might lure you in, at this price, it really doesn't feel like you're getting a quality product, especially if you've tried Apple's iTouch and have been spoiled by its hardware (and greater App support). The Archos does feel outdated and unreliable.Although this player should support 720 HD video right out of the box, you actually have to connect online and register the product to get it!I liked the old drag and drop way with the Archos 605, but this Archos 48's default way to connect to the PC is via syncing through Windows Media Player 11. I hate this, as much as I hate iTunes. If you go to Settings->Device storage & USB connection->USB Connection mode, you can change it from the default way it shows up as MTP (Mobile media device). I changed it to MSC (Mass storage drive) mode; however, this does not help at all for Windows/Mac users because it is in a Linux filesystem (Ext3) -- if you click on the drive, Windows will just ask if you want to format the hard drive and the drive is still inaccessible. The only way to see it properly is to install a third-party Ext2 driver support for Windows.If you go to Settings->About device->Repair and formatting tools->Mass storage file system format, then you can switch from the default Ext3 to Windows FAT32. This will require formatting and erasing your data and FAT32 also has an issue of its own of having a 4GB file size limit. The funny thing is, the drive shows up as "ARCHOS5" instead of the proper model name of this device (Archos 48) - so you know they just took the Archos 5 and just changed a few things (or rather forgot to change/rename some things...)/stripped it down.Pros:- 500GB storage- Screen (much better/sharper than previous Archos)Cons:- Poor quality control- Still Nickel and Diming (this is supposed to be a newer model, yet they took away the GPS for an additional $40) - still charges extra for the Cinema Plugin (MPEG2 support/AC3) - Another $40?! Ridiculous. At the MSRP price, for it to actually have some value, Archos should already be including these "plugins".- No YouTube support- Outdated Android 1.6 and the Apps support is unimpressive- Battery charging through USB is too slow. (Who wants to wait over 8+ hours?) Archos still basically forces you to buy their "fast-charging" dock adapters.- Touch screen is no where near responsive and smooth to Apple's iTouch- Bulky (I mean, if they're going to make it this bulky, AT LEAST put a built-in HDMI-out on the side. Of course, they didn't because Archos is greedy and they'll want to make more money off of you to purchase their adapters to output video on a bigger TV)- Hard drive noise- Default connects via MTP device and requires syncing via Windows Media Player 11; however, it creates lots of headaches with it not syncing properly or losing connection.- Archos needs to fix their website support for this model (Archos 48) - the full PDF is not even there and support for the model is not even listed (look under the firmware support for this model - it's not there!); you'll see the Archos 5 or 43 Internet Tablet models, but where is the 48? It's frustrating and confusing. They didn't seem to bother because the 48 is essentially a stripped down version of the Archos 5.* 8/3/11 - I received RMA number without hassle from Archos customer service. Sent out the unit. Will update the turn around time and what goes from here on.* 8/8/11 - Archos RMA status showed that they received it (although the post office tracking says it was delivered on 8/5/11)* 8/17/11 - Archos shipped replacement from Illinois* 8/22/11 - Delivered to my house in California. I sent just the player itself and Archos sent me a brand new unit in a retail box sealed!So the whole thing took about 2 weeks. Will further test the product out (hopefully, it works) and will update again.Archos has always been mainly a portable video player device; this device still acts like one. It's a video player -- NOT a tablet. That's what it is good for. Since lots of tablets are hitting the mass market now, and is a hit, Archos is just trying to force their marketing as if this is a real "tablet". Again, it's mainly a video player device. If you have lots of videos (not MPEG2/AC3), then you may be happy with it.

ScOObydoo Say: Archos 501598 48 500 GB Internet Tablet
The *ONLY* reason to like this product: storage, 2011-08-04
This review is for: Archos 501598 48 500 GB Internet Tablet
The Archos 48 is a horrible Android tablet ----- there really is no better way to say it. The screen is lousy, the processor sluggish, it lacks the market (yeah, you can "hack" it onto it), it runs a very old version of Android and it requires pricey accessories to become remotely usable.So, why even consider buying? STORAGE. All other Android tablets rely on MicroSD or SD cards for their storage, and with HD movies, that means 4 or 5 clips on a $70 memory card. The Archos is the only one on the market with a hard drive. That is it's ONLY saving grace. Traveling with the Archos means popping all your videos on it, and hooking it up to the hotel TV. Which of course means investing in $70 in cables because the tablet uses non-standard plugs. On a plane, you'll have all the movies you want without running out of things to watch.Don't underestimate the bads -- they are bad enough to seriously recommend against this product, but if you absolutely must have a massive amount of storage, you can't really find anything other than the Archos 48 500GB.[EDIT: updated from 4 stars to 3 as original rating was incorrect]

patricia watson Say: Archos 501598 48 500 GB Internet Tablet
, 1969-12-31
This review is for: Archos 501598 48 500 GB Internet Tablet
Hello everyone, I had an issue with Archos where I got the BBB involved. I asked them to mail my package at work. My package arrived but I didn't sign for it. Someone else signed for it. But when the person signed for it the package wasn't in her hand. Archos like to use ups and I didn't want to use ups because they always come when you're not home which is stupid. Anyway my package was stolen and I blame Archos for the whole thing because I didn't want to use ups. They said we use up and now my package is gone. So, who's responsible for the package being missing. Is it Me? Is it ups? Is it Archos? Is it the lady who signed for my package but didn't get it in her hand? Whos responsible?!!!!! NO ONE WANTS TO REPLACE MY ITEM AND IM OUT OF 449.00+TAX+INSURANCE. WHAT WOULD YOU DO?Archos makes millions if not billions of dollars every year and they couldn't replace 1 unit for me or even donate something to me. No I get nothing at all. They treated me like trash and this isn't the only Archos product I ever bought. They should be ashamed of themselves not replacing a small item like that. I paid 440+tax+insurance that I still have that I can't use because I HAVE NO ARCHOS. Since I've been a long time Archos customer this is the thanks I get for buying their products. This is how I feel. Everyone have a wonderful day inspite of mine the last couple of days.