mike on the move

Seems the development of suitable Android apps is quite well advanced, so looks promising for the Archos..... http://androidforums.com/android-developer...geocaching.html

IMHO.... In the past I've purchased both an Archos AV700 Mobile DVR (100GB) and an Archos Gmini XS 202s MP3 player (20GB). From a technology standpoint and in their respective market sectors, the Archos products are up there with the best from the competition, however their user interfaces were not always perceived as 'best of breed'. In the case of the more recently announced Archos 5 Internet Tablet, the GPS capability is reputed (at least by CNET) to be of questionable use (in all probability, due to shortcomings in the product firmware, which one would hope will soon be resolved if not addressed already). Sadly, the disk died in my Gmini following an accidental drop from approx. 1 metre. As a result of this, I've recently contemplated the purchase of an Archos 5 Internet Tablet to replace both it and the AV700. Based on my experience, I'd suggest anyone considering the purchase of an Archos 5 Internet Tablet for frequent outdoor use, should buy the more robust solid state 32Gb model (which is significantly thinner and lighter than the models containing hard drives and which is supplemented by a SDHC compatible Micro SD expansion slot, to compensate for the smaller on-board storage capacity). I'd also echo the fact these units are not weatherproof and since the product relies on touch-screen technology to operate it, it would seem logical that someone develops a clear polycarbonate flip face weatherproof box, similar in style to an old fashioned book style cigarette case. The Android Operating System is still relatively new and consequently the spectrum of applications is not as broad as, say that for an Ipod Touch. Although even now, I see the Archos 5 Internet Tablet as a worthy competitor to it and unless Apple add GPS capability to the Touch, the Archos may eventually prove to be the superior product, simply due to its broader functionality (once Archos sort out the perceived GPS acquisition issue, expand their application portfolio and possibly increase the on-board storage to 64Gb or even to 128Gb). As a newcomer to Geocaching, my opinion may not count for much here however I would suggest that the superiority of the 4.8" 800x480 resolution screen would make the Archos 5 Internet Tablet an attractive alternative to many of the mainstream GPS handhelds, but only once some suitable apps have been developed for Geocachers and the like. Any volunteers?