Alright, now I think I’ve found item #1 on my Christmas list. As a fan of Android, ever since the iPad came out I’ve been looking for the Android equivalent… and I think this is it, the Archos 101 Internet Tablet. Right now there are some crappy first attempts out there (some by this same manufacturer), and the higher-end models coming out are all going to have GPS/Cellular capability. Well, I already have a phone with GPS, and don’t need to add another smartphone to my plan, thank you very much.

The Archos 101 fits me needs (wants?) perfectly. Huge 10.1″ screen, WiFi only, with a price tag of $299 that is half of that for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab. And although it doesn’t have GPS/Cellular, they included plenty of other options. I think Archos really outdid themselves on this one, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it…

Here are the specs:

Internal Memory: 8 & 16 GB flash memory
External Memory: Micro SD Slot (SDHC compatible)
Screen: 1024×600 pixels (WXVGA), 10.1” TFT LCD
OS: Android 2.2 Froyo
Processor: ARM Cortex A8 at 1 GHz with DSP
WiFi (802.11 b/g/n)
Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
Dimensions: 270 x 150 x 12 mm
Weight: 480 grams

Additional Options:
Webcam
Built-in speaker
Built-in leg stand
Built-in Microphone
G-sensor
Front VGA camera

All pretty good for what I consider to be a reasonable pricetag, and it’s gotten some pretty good reviews. Check out a video of one taken at IFA last month:

Anyone want to volunteer to get me one this Christmas?

After having my Motorola Droid for nearly ten months and following all the Forums, I finally broke down and rooted my Droid. Doing this is not for the faint of heart (or technically challenged) as doing this improperly can turn your phone into a very expensive paperweight.

I decided to do it after my Android OS was upgraded to version 2.2… somehow it caused my battery’s performance to drop dramatically. Before the upgrade I would end the day (around 10PM) with about 40% left, and after it would die completely around 6-7PM. Not cool.

To fix it, I rooted my phone (for those Unix/Linux users, essentially gaining “root” access to the phone – Android is based on Linux), enabling you to do things that are not available to the unrooted user. Rooting was easy enough, but the next step was to wipe the phone and install a “mod”, or modified version of the operating system that has been debugged and enhanced. This was trickier and more dangerous, but had the intended effect – my battery life is now better than it ever was. The mod I went with, after looking at them all, is called CyanogenMod… had the best reviews.

Then of course I installed a theme called “black glass” that skins your phone – and it’s awesome!

Lastly, and again only available to rooted users, I installed WiFi tethering software. Now, when mobile, I can use WiFi to connect to my laptop to my phone and use it’s data connection to access the internet. Instant WiFi access on my laptop, from anywhere I have cell coverage.

Overall rooting is risky for your phone, immediately voids the warranty, but worthwhile for those who aren’t satisfied with what they are given and like to tinker.

I have only been a smartphone user for less than two years, starting out with a Blackberry Storm. Now don’t get me wrong, I loved my Storm. The first touchscreen Blackberry, email, chat, apps… but it had it’s flaws. The clickable touch screen had problems, the camera was questionable, the apps so-so, and the battery… well we just won’t go there.

The Droid came out at the same time as the Storm 2, and I debated heavily with myself, finally (and fortunately) opting for the Droid. I’d never go back, the Android OS has made me a believer.

My first concern with the Droid, having seen the it only in photos, was that the build quality was suspect but I’m happy to report that those fears are unfounded. The Droid is solid and conveys a sense of quality when held in your hands. The slider is smooth and the touch screen is crisp.

The camera is an area where the Droid excels compared to the Storm and iPhone. While it does have some latency that could disrupt your ability to get a shot “in the moment”, the quality of the images more than makes up for this negative. The flash and picture controls, white balance and color effect, are nowhere to be found on the other phones. [More]