Archos 9 PC Windows 7 Starter Tablet (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)What it is:
The Archos 9 is a highly portable Netbook, without a Keyboard making it smaller and lighter weight. It has the touch screen functions of a Tablet/Slate Computer. :)
What it isn't:
It isn't a Notebook or Desktop PC. (Though if all you use your Desktop for is to play Free Cell, surf the web and check your E-Mail, then this will do the job in place of a full computer, but it isn't one, nor is it designed to be one. It also isn't a phone with delusions of grandeur. (Android Tablets and iPads.)
The Good:
It is light weight, small and portable, what you would expect from a Netbook or a Slate computer.
More power than an iPad or Android tablet at a cheaper cost than the iPad.
1. It does run Windows 7, with all that implies, to include:
a. Multi-tasking,
b. Full web browser
c. Full Flash support
d. Quicktime/iTunes
e. Real Productivity software like Open Office or MS Office, so not only can you show your Powerpoint presentation but you can edit it if you need to.
2. It has a USB Port and can add a couple more.
a. This means you can run USB drives, USB DVD drives, keyboards and mice as well as other USB uses.
3. It has a 60GB Harddrive, which is large for this class of product.
4. It uses an Atom 1.2 ghz (Multi-threaded) processor, which is typical for Netbooks of its age. Windows Experience Index is 1.7 when running Windows 7 Home Premium which is on par with other Netbooks.
5. It is available now at a great price.
a. Unlike other Windows Slate computers, which aren't available and keep getting pushed back and Android Tablets, which the OS isn't quite up to running a computer, yet, you can have this now.
b. It is significantly cheaper than the iPad, which isn't even in this class.
c. The only tablet in this class and price range that is currently available are the ASUS and Lenovo touch screen Netbooks and they are a bit larger with similar performance. (We also have a 9" ASUS.)
6. The Trackpad/Mouse buttons. While these strictly aren't needed, I find them very useful to have available. One thing I don't like about the ASUS is the need to open it to get to the touchpad/mouse buttons.
7. Built in camera for VOIP video chat.
8. A touch Screen that accepts stylus entry, and, with Windows 7 Home Premium+, very nice hand writing recognition software.
9. The Beta version of the Touch Screen tools at Archos: The calibration tools are really well done. Significantly better than those that came with the ASUS.
The Bad:
1. No SD Card slot. One would think having one of these would be a no brainer. (Oops.)
2. When they upgraded the processor they didn't upgrade the cooling. It gets a little warm on the left side which could have been avoided by simply venting the case.
3. It doesn't appear to accept Multi-touch even with Windows 7 Home Premium installed. This seems to be a lack of forethought on the part of Archos since Windows 7 handles Multi-touch very nicely.
4. The built in on screen keyboard. I hate it, YMMV but the Windows 7 Home Premium pop-up keyboard is smaller and on a 9" screen that is important.
5. No button to easily rotate the screen. With the buttons attached, one would think that would be one of them. they include a button for their keyboard and one for turning off the Wifi/bluetooth, at least they could have included one for rotating the screen, or allowed those buttons to be programmed to do it.
6. Windows Starter: While that is considered to be the standard OS for a Netbook, at least to get you started and to lower the cost, Windows 7 Home Premium is the cheapest version where the Touch Screen goodness is included. (Factor that upgrade into your cost.)
The Ugly:
Archos Customer Support pushed me off onto Microsoft when my Windows 7 Anytime upgrade wouldn't run. ("We don't support that upgrade.") Microsoft pushed it back on Archos. If either had read their own forums the answers are there. (Found them afterwards.)
So you don't run into the same issue here are the steps.
1. Plug your Archos in, it will take longer than the battery will last.
2. Adjust your power settings to not go to sleep, and not shut down.
3. Uninstall your virus checking software. (Simply turning it off may not do the job.)
4. Install the Drivers and Bios Updates from Archos' site.
5. Install all of the Windows updates for Windows 7 Starter.
6. Run Windows Anytime upgrade.
6a. Let it sit. Don't believe it has hung up just because it seems to be hanging. (Look at the HD light.)
6b. Don't try to do anything else while it is running.
7. Once you are rebooted into Windows 7 Home Premium reinstall your Virus Checker software.
8. Back up your hard drive. (Use that USB port and back it up to an external drive, in fact I recommend that anyway because 60GB is too small for what you may want to carry with you, and your most likely cause of needing a backup is because you dropped it and damaged the HD. :))
9. Ditch the software you don't need, empty the trash and defrag.
10. Calibrate your screen.
Additional recommendations:
1. Add: Open Office: Free, runs well and reads/writes most MS Office files.
2. Use Google Chrome for your browser. At this time less bloat than Explorer and Firefox which means it runs faster and cleaner on here. (No issues streaming Hulu or Netflix here.)
3. Get an External USB HD and either the port expander or a good USB2 hub.
4. Get an inexpensive keyboard or one of the roll up ones, if you want to take it with you, if you plan on doing a bit of typing.
5. Don't set your Power Plan to higher than you need it. (SO your batteries last longer between charges. (I do get between 4 and 5 hours out of these batteries.)
6. For long trips, or other periods of extended Battery use get an additional battery. (One of the only Netbooks or slates with the option of replacing the Battery.)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Archos 9 PC Windows 7 Starter Tablet (Black)

"Offering breathtaking design, excellent ergonomics and an impressive touch interface, the Archos 9 PC Tablet lets you take all your favorite entertainment with your wherever you roam as well as work in an entirely new way. Powered by Windows 7 Starter Edition operating system, the Archos 9 enables you to do the things you do every day more effortlessly with fewer clicks, faster searching, easier browsing, and simpler ways to connect.
Designed for easy portability, the Archos 9 weighs less than 2 pounds and measures 0.67 inches thin. The Archos 9 sports a full touch-sensitive 9-inch resistive touchscreen display with a virtual keyboard as well as an innovative optical trackpoint (virtual mouse) for easy navigation. An adjustable leg stand allows the Archos 9 to be positioned in a number of positions--upright for watching videos or photo slideshows, or angled for an optimal typing position.



You'll also enjoy brilliant video playback on the Archos 9 thanks to the gorgeous widescreen, LED-backlit display, which provides a full HD 1080p resolution. And you can set up video conferences (using the 1.3-megapixel webcam), chat with friends and surf the web on the go via the integrated 54g Wi-Fi networking (or tether to a compatible mobile phone via Bluetooth and surf via cellular connectivity; additional charges applicable). Other features include a 60 GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM, built-in speakers, and up to 5 hours of battery life.

Smart Features for Intuitive Use The ARCHOS 9's controls are ergonomically placed for comfortable and natural use.
On the right, an optical trackpoint for finger navigation replaces the big touchpad of a laptop to ensure you can precisely point to any position on your screen.
On the left, screen brightness, Wi-Fi control, and left/right mouse buttons complement the virtual keyboard, so that your regular mouse controls aren't left aside.
When you want smart info that pops-up under web links or need to right click on something, it's just as easy as on a PC. That's just one of the many differences from earlier tablet computers.
Designed for Portability The Archos 9's form and design breaks the rules of the conventional laptop design. Its edges fan out from an already thin structure (0.67 inches or 17 mm at its thickest). And since it weighs less than 29 ounces, you can easily carry it with you in your handbag or backpack and use it any time. It also features a two-position leg-stand that best positions the device depending on how you are using it:
The upper position is best for viewing videos on the go, surfing the web, or reading
The lower position is ideal when you need to type memos or web addresses, send an email, or chat with your friends.

Windows 7 Starter Edition With Windows 7 on Archos 9 PC Tablet, accessing files regardless of where you are in the interface is easier than ever. Windows Search will transform the way you search and find your documents. It's simpler and much quicker than previous versions of Windows. Handy widgets can now be placed anywhere on the desktop. Whether you are looking for the weather forecast in your hometown, or a stock value in your financial portfolio, or the latest movie theater program, it's right at your fingertips.
The included Internet Explorer 8 will enhance your web experience. It is the fastest, easiest, and safest browser ever released by Microsoft. Discover the hot new features of the world's number one web browser with the Windows 7 dedicated pages. For example, with Web Slices, you can follow your bid on auction sites or view live sports scores directly in the toolbar of the new Internet Explorer 8.

Key Specifications
8.9-inch LED-backlit resistive touchscreen display (1024 x 600 pixels)
Optical finger navigation system (trackpoint) as well as integrated left and right mouse buttons
1.2 GHz Intel Atom Z515 processor (400 MHz front-side bus speed, 512 KB L2 cache, 2W maximum power consumption)
60 GB hard drive
1 GB of installed DDR2 RAM (400 MHz)
Integrated Intel GMA 500 graphics
1.3-megapixel webcam with built-in microphone for easy video chats
Built-in stereo speakers
54g Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g)
Bluetooth 2.0+EDR connectivity enables you to connect to peripherals such as mice as well as tether wirelessly to a compatible mobile phone's cellular connection (additional charges applicable).
Fast Ethernet (10/100) via optional port replicator
One USB 2.0 port with additional two USB ports via optional port replicator
VGA video output via optional port replicator
Up to 5 hours of battery life via removable Lithium Polymer battery
Dimensions: 10.07 x 5.28 x 0.67 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 29 ounces (1 pound, 13 ounces)

Pre-loaded Software

Microsoft Security Essentials (antivirus/antispyware) provides real-time protection that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
Lotus Symphony (office productivity) lets you easily create and edit all your documents, spreadsheets and presentations.
vTuner (Web TV and radio player) provides access to over 11,000 radio and TV stations broadcasting over the Internet.

What's in the Box Archos 9, removable battery, stylus, AC adapter with power cord, user guide, legal and safety notice "

Click here for more information about Archos 9 PC Windows 7 Starter Tablet (Black)