Good alternative to iPad?

timeou

http://www.amazon.co.uk/A1CS-X220-TABLET-ANDROID-1080P/dp/B004F33FJ6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Following on from my thread about whether an iPad would be okay for us I found this ^^^

I can buy 2 for the price of an iPad (meaning my kids can have one each) - reviews seem on the whole good - can anyone advise whether this would really be a good alternative?

It mentions google marketplace apps - will these be more expensive than the apple apps? Are they just as good?

any thoughts would be appreciated as I haven't got a clue when it comes to this type of thing - thanks x

fwor

It's a bit hard to pin down the specs, but it looks like yet another cheapish Chinese copy with an inferior resistive single-touch touchscreen. The same company also do a more expensive capacitive screen which should make the experience a bit more iPad-like.

You can generally expect poor build quality and reliability with these types of Chinese product.

Scho

Might be worth waiting until Amazon release the fire in the UK. Probably be after xmas now as they are only producing them for the NA market at the moment (like they did with the original Kindle). At least then with Android there's less need for apps due to flash capability apart from the odd games but generally things are cheaper or the same (that I've found via my Android based phone anyway).

If you check out 'The register' a UK tech news website; they've got a round-up of 10 tablets that might be worth having a look at for adding different names and makes to the list.

http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Fire-Amazon-Tablet/dp/B0051VV!!!

Iconic

What about the ARCHOS 101 for the same price http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/mobile-phones/ARCHOS-101-INTERNET-TABLET ?

Have a look at this which compares it quite well to the Ipad http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6FIXSRerQQ&feature=related

wba31

Do your kids want an ipad? if so i think they'd feel a bit gutted with anything but an ipad unfortunately. Will they make do with an ipad 1?

timeou

Thanks for all your replies.

My kids are very sensible and do understand the value of money. They aren't very 'label' orientated so as long as the alternative does what an Ipad would do they would be very happy.

I like the look (and price) of the Archos but what apps would it download?

Is there a list I could see anywhere?

How do you pay for these apps? Do you have to register a CC and pay like that (like iTunes)

Thanks xx

timeou

A couple more questions too, I have a 3 wireless dongle (wifi) at home - will these run off that? And I keep seeing that it doesnt have the 'android marketplace' but you can set it up to do that - would this be too difficult for a relatively non techie like me! x

Iconic

timeou wrote: »

A couple more questions too, I have a 3 wireless dongle (wifi) at home - will these run off that? And I keep seeing that it doesnt have the 'android marketplace' but you can set it up to do that - would this be too difficult for a relatively non techie like me! x

I am thinking of getting the Archos so cannot answer all your questions.
However because its got a USB port and wifi I am sure your 3 dongle will work. Of course if you have broadband at home that will be the better alternative.

This tells you how to install marketplace....
http://www.mobilejaw.com/articles/2011/01/how-to-install-google-market-on-archos-101-tablet/

Enterprise_1701C

Android does not allow the wireless dongles to work yet, one or two do but they must not have software that needs installing. What you can do is get a wireless hotspot that you plug the dongle in to, you can find them on Ebay and in phone shops, you can also get the ones that take a sim.