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Archos 101 XS review

6.5/10 AVG.
RATING
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Archos 101 XS
Archos 101 XS
Archos 101 XS
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6.5/10
Informr score
The Archos 101 XS currently has an Informr score of 6.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 12 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

Designed to be good not just for entertainment but also for productivity, the Archos 101 XS brings several interesting hardware and software features to the table. For something so sleek, it offers a decent list of hardware specs. And its usefulness can be stretched even further with a compatible keyboard that is included in every package.

The default operating system on this particular Archos tablet is Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. A 1.5GHz dual-core ARMCortex A9 CPU handles processing duties and 1GB RAM makes sure that there aren’t any issues when it comes to multi-tasking. Internal storage is capped at 16GB but this can be easily expanded with the use of microSD cards.

As far as wireless features are concerned, it has GPS, Bluetooth 4.0, and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi. And it offers up to 5 hours of non-stop Web surfing with Wi-Fi on. Viewing web pages should be an enjoyable experience on the 10.1-inch 1280x800 pixel resolution touchscreen display.

The main feature of note is its ability to pair with a hardware keyboard and turn it into a full-fledged mobile computer. It’s not a new concept, but it’s good to see other manufacturers trying to do their own version of such a useful concept. Unfortunately, most reviewers lament that the experience of actually using the 101 XS and keyboard combo is quite disappointing.

The bottom-line here is that for just a little more cash, you can get another tablet that offers a much superior typing experience or save yourself some money and get a different model paired with a Bluetooth keyboard instead.

Need to Know: Archos 101 XS

1. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is pre-installed as standard. (The Good)

2. Included keyboard dock makes it easy to do productive tasks on the go. (The Good)

3. 10.1-inch display quality is sub-par when compared with screens from other tablet models. (The Bad)

4. Actual keyboard usage shows that performance is dismal. (The Bad)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.5 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.5 GHz
10.1"
Screen Size
Screen Size
10.1"
Yes
Camera
Camera
Yes
6800 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


PC Pro
PC Pro

The Archos 101 XS is a tricky tablet to assess then. On the one hand the screen isn't bright, the build is plasticky and the keyboard is poor. On the other, the price is reasonable, it's powerful and very light. Rather than a direct competitor to the Transformer Pad 300, then, it's best to view this...

- Mike Jennings, PC Pro
Android Police
Android Police

The 101 XS is just full of quirks. The touchscreen flakes out and starts touching itself if you press too hard, it takes forever to wake up, and the ports are in the wrong spots. The keyboard is flat, and you can't angle the screen to your liking. The screen is grainy-looking, and covered in grippy...

- Ron Amadeo, Android Police
Good E-Reader
Good E-Reader

What you are getting here is a tablet that does not promise you the moon while still being capable enough to not to leave you stranded and frustrated. It can well be adjudged the best tablet you can buy for less than $400 with equal measure of style and substance to add to its appeal. With the Cover...

- Sovan Mandal, Good E-Reader
Pocket-lint
Pocket-lint

We know how important desirability is to consumers. Although the Archos 101 XS is smart, is it going to be desirable enough to for the £299 asking price? For a 10-inch tablet, the price is pretty good, but it’s only £30 cheaper than an iPad 2 and those sell like hot cakes. It's al...

- Chris Hall, Pocket-lint
TrustedReviews
TrustedReviews

Once, Archos was pretty much the main player in the media tablet game. Even as recently as the Archos 5 tablet, there simply wasn’t that much competition, and even less that offered the French company’s extensive native media playback. However, in these days of affordable yet powerful A...

- Ardjuna Seghers, TrustedReviews


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Quick view

Screen Size
10.1"

The Archos 101 XS's screen size is 10.1 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.5 GHz

There is a Dual-core Cortext A9 1.5 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
Yes
There is a front-facing camera with resolution.
Storage
16 GB

Internal memory is 16 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
6800mAh

The tablet is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 6800 mAh battery. Archos's performance ratings are 10 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

101 XS Specs

Overview
Release Date September 20, 2012
Regions Available USA, United Kingdom
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Dual-core Cortext A9 1.5 GHz
Internal Storage 16 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual
Cellular
Networks
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles No
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB)
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
No
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, ASF, FLV, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel density Unknown
Size 10.1 inches
Sensors Motion / Accelerometer
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 6800 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time Unknown
Video Playback Time Up to 7 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Aluminium
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 17.0 x 27.2 x 0.8 cm (6.7 x 10.7 x 0.3 in)
Weight 600 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech No
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Unknown
TV Out Info: HDMI
Audio Formats: MP3, AAC+, AAC, WAV, OGG
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, ASF, FLV, AVI
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: Yes
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Maps, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Archos 101 XS Reviews
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