After researching tablets for a few weeks..I pulled the trigger and decided to buy this unit..They sell under $350..I don't really know the advantages of the ipad2, Galaxy, and Zoom..over the Archos 70 with 250gb drive..but I do know the advantages of the Archos 70 over the forementioned..

I am pleasantly surprised..this performs way better than I expected or hoped for..

The concensus is that this model is the best value in the tablet market..

The large 250gb storage is unmatched..and does not hinder operation at all..The search for music titles work well, and what I was interested..playing backing tracks with the band...works like a charm..

I have it set up..so I can actually DJ with it as I did with a laptop...Organization of music files works well..

A bonus surprise...not documented on line anywhere..this 2.23 android OS plays standard midi files too...with a decent wave table built in...No editing..so prepare the SMF the way you need it..

It fits perfectly on my G70 (left side), color matched and non skid feet on the Archos 70..

If you guys are looking for a really nice tablet with a lot of goodies..check out the Archos 70 250gb...

Drag and drop files from a PC or Mac into the Archos..quick and easy....compared to the nightmare Zune operation..I tried to use a few years..

I am quickly being sold on Android...maybe enough to update my old reliable Dare phone with a new Android model..

Fran good luck with your new gear.....

http://www.archos.com/products/ta/archos_70it/specs.html?country=us&lang=en


Personally I've been looking at the new Blackberry Playbook..


http://tinyurl.com/427ab2z

I checked out the Blackberry also...It has flash like the Archos...It has less storage by a wide margin..The processor is dual core @ 1000ghz..the Archos 70 Android 2.23 also 1000ghz, but declocked to 800 hz to lenghten battery life..easily clocked back to 1000hz..Blackberry has 1 gig of memory, where the Archos has 256...but test show ..no problem running multiple apps at the same time..

The Archos reads more formats than any other media device...including laptops...

My advice..check out the Archos70 at half the cost..


The only other tablet that did interest me is the new Toshiba (not released)....but now I know this will do the job..I am no longer interested in the others..

Thanx Fran for the info and congrats on your new toy...I'm still not convinced any of these tablets will replace my Levnovo Netbook at this time.

Thanks for the review, Fran. I'm assuming you carry it with you to gigs and also use other more mundane apps for home or internet requirments. Nobody ever mentions how much power these devices consume. (I am concerned about batteries and how often they need recharging... or even worse, replacing... plus, I assume this thing has an AC adaptor.)

I hope this thing meets and exceeds all your needs.

Regards,

Dave Rice

Dave it just arrived Wed..haven't used it on stage yet..but works well in the studio...the battery specs states music playback up tp 35 hours...For sure it will last thru a gig..even though I am using bright screen and never turning off the display..

Video play and Internet is mentioned as 10 hours, I did not get this lenght of time, but as I mentioned I am hogging the power..

Yes it comes with a power supply,USB cable and ear buds..