Archos Android Tablet

Started by Elantric, June 15, 2012, 11:23:08 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Elantric

Who knew that this Archos 80 G9 Android tablet comes preloaded with a very decent sound FX / Folley library. Very good quality too.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3207.msg43066#msg43066
I could shoot student films , cut and paste and ship to youtube with this thing

And the micro USB 2.0 port is OTG , it's converts to a USB Host port with a $3.00 cable, and I can attach a 500gb 2.5" external hard drive

Damn might need to explore these Android   / Chrome OS machines more.

Good link here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1468925

A2theT

#1
I bought this tablet for my wife around Christmas and paid $239.  They've been great with upgrades but dont be fooled by the marketing.  It came with Honeycomb 3.x and in the spring I received an update which bumped it up to 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich  (4.0.6 Archos firmware).


  • I bought it for the 3G stick ability. After getting the tablet and trying it with my 3g stick which is nicely hidden inside by design, it wouldn't work.  When I contacted them they said it was only supported in Europe and not North America.  ??? 
  • The built in GPS doesnt work without a data connection as the maps aren't built in.  So I went ahead and put Sygic on to resolve that issue.
  • one other potential issue or concern you may have is that theres a soft spot in the screen (chassis support wise).  If you are gripping it with your left hand from behind your finger pushes and imprint through to the screen. Not a HUGE issue.
  • It has to be turned on to charge.  It won't charge at all if the unit is off (this info is in the manual).
  • I also discovered that in order to play back some movies I had to purchase the CODEC plug-in pack from their website for (Cinema plug-in for G9 tablets (MPEG2 + AC3) AVI, MP4, MOV, 3GP, MPG, PS, TS, VOB, MKV, FLV, RM, RMVB, ASF)
  • The built-in camera is a little better than the one on my daughters Nintendo DS  ???
There are lots of demos of it on youtube.  There's a fair bit of latency with regards to audio.  For instance, its almost impossible to play along with a song using morphwiz.  you need to hit the notes about 50ms in advance. 

So far its running almost every app I've thrown at it.  There was a faster CPU version of this tablet now (1.5ghz) that I would have liked to own but it was about $100 more at the time.
HDMI output works well.
I had no issues with my 32gig  microsd card (Team Class 4) that I purchased here http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820313170
I also purchased this item http://www.ebay.com/itm/221005851974?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 which fits well but still shows your fingerprints (not as bad as the plain screen does though)
I also purchased this item for it and its great. http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Genuine-Leather-Case-for-Archos-80-G9-Tablet-8-16-GB-/400281037284?pt=Other_MP3_Player_Accessories&hash=item5d329be9e4

Other than those gripes, its a great deal so I would probably rebuy at this price.  Possibly not re-buy at the original price just because there have been advancements in the last 6 months with manufacturers like Samsung (which comes at a premium price of course).

Check out this great forum:  http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1417   
Apparently theres firmware on there which allows you to root the device (which is great for backup purposes) but more importantly it allows you to overclock the CPU. 

TI OMAP 4430 1GHz Stock , Overclock -> 1.06GHz; 1.12GHz; 1.18GHz; 1.24GHz => ( 1GHz on boot )
TI OMAP 4430 1.2GHz Stock, Overclock -> 1.26GHz; 1.32GHz; 1.38GHz; 1.44GHz => ( 1.2GHz on boot )
TI OMAP 4460 1.5GHz Stock, Overclock -> 1.56GHz; 1.62GHz; 1.68GHz; 1.74GHz => ( 1.5GHz on boot )
HEAVY on the METAL
Axe-Fx II, Roland VG-99 + FC-300, Roland GR-55, Digitech Jamman Stereo, Ibanez/ESP/Jackson Guitars

Elantric

#2
Thanks for the tips and links

Downloading Sygic GPS  now.

My goal is use Archos Android Tablet as a VCN client to control my Mac mini



Its my first Android. Never knew I would like it so much. There is a rumor that 4.04 firmware enabled USB Class Compliant Audio. Wonder how bad the latency is.
http://neutronmp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=314
But I admit I do like the Andoid OS. Right out of the box this machine is bundled with apps I had to pay for on my IPad 2 and its a fast puppy. Today is the final day to snag one for $125

At Meritline.com I ordered a 32GB Class 10 Micro SD card for $23 and Mini HDMI cable for $6

Wish I had one of these when I was a kid. These are powerful devices dirt cheap.

Elantric

#3
QuoteThe built in GPS doesnt work without a data connection as the maps aren't built in.  So I went ahead and put Sygic on to resolve that issue.

A to the T - Thanks for the tips and links

I downloaded Sygic GPS app and it rocks!



Tear down or Archos 80 G9
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Ffeature%3Dplayer_embedded%26v%3DCYX-y6ckBKk&feature=player_embedded&v=CYX-y6ckBKk&gl=US

A2theT

I just Rooted it by installing SDE and following these two threads

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1653566
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1720422#

Then I installed a Root Checker App from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joeykrim.rootcheck&hl=en   and now it says my device has been successfully rooted.
Just got titanium backup installed and trying to move all the Sygic data and maps to SDcard now...



HEAVY on the METAL
Axe-Fx II, Roland VG-99 + FC-300, Roland GR-55, Digitech Jamman Stereo, Ibanez/ESP/Jackson Guitars

Elantric

Thanks!

I've already posted at xda forums as "elantric"

My "blow out" $125 Android tablet seems to be a loss leader - Its only 4GB and rumor is it may only have 256mb RAM

I rooted and installed the 4.07 root yesterday - and now my Tablet runs like a dog - feels like a 2004 WinCE machine with software bloat.

I really think I'll downgrade it back to Honeycomb 3.2 - which really ran fast BTW.

And look forward to the $199 Google Nexus Tab or a TI OMAP5 Quad Core machine.

A2theT

hmm. mine is definitely the 8gb 1ghz and there was no speed diff for me luckily.  i was on 3.2 since nov and went to 4.0 in the spring and i do prefer 4. one thing i noticed in 4.04 was that the GPS would take ages to lock in.  I'll go test 4.07 now and see if theres a diff.
HEAVY on the METAL
Axe-Fx II, Roland VG-99 + FC-300, Roland GR-55, Digitech Jamman Stereo, Ibanez/ESP/Jackson Guitars

tekrytor

I've been an Android freak since Day 2. Love it! Try Caustic, The Chordinator, and any of the Bristol synths. And search your markets for midi apps. There are some good ones, like Fingerplay. My only problem with Android is audio latency. I hope someone comes out with a low latency herdware solution.
SY-300/BeatBuddy/VoiceLive 3/GR-55(v1.50)/33/1/50/700/VGA-7/V-Bass, Yam-G10, GPK-4, DIY X-Bee HighlyLiquidCPU "Cozy-Lil-Footie", FCB-1010, other MIDI stuff, Godin Freeway SA and various other GK equipped controllers, Sonar X1, Audacity, KXstudio, Misc devices

Elantric

#8
QuoteI just Rooted it by installing SDE and following these two threads

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1653566
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1720422#

Then I installed a Root Checker App from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joeykrim.rootcheck&hl=en   and now it says my device has been successfully rooted.
Just got titanium backup installed and trying to move all the Sygic data and maps to SDcard now...



Hey dumb question

I re installed the XDA [ROM] Stock Archos ICS Firmware 4.0.7 - Rooted version - only for enabled SDE

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1720422#

QuoteInstallation :
- copy archos.ext4.update into Internal Storage ( /mnt/storage )
- reboot into SDE menu and under Developer Edition Menu , Flash Kernel and Initramfs : copy zImage and initramfs.cpio.lzo on the new driver that appears on desktop/laptop ;
- ok ! and wait for reboot your devices : after reboot you can see Android update system for a while .....be patient !


Immediately after the install - my Archos 80 G9 is running quite nicely 

But

If I completely power down the unit

Every time I re-power up, I suffer thru what appear to be installation files

Everytime I power up the unit now.

I see Archos splash screen, then an animated Archos screen

then


"Android is upgrading   Optimizing Application xx of 60"

????

This can't be right. Must I perform some additional step?

Yes I did already preinstall the "enabled SDE" process before I applied the 4.07 Root version


---
EDIT
SOLVED:

I posted the question above and the developer in Paris just posted an update to address and correct my problem!

:)

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1720422&page=5

A2theT

I've been away from the forum all weekend (in NYC!). 

Yes, that happened to me too.  After rebooting it would always do the firmware upgrade again but I just went into the storage and removed the archos.ext4.update file and its been fine ever since.  I believe the kernel was just checking and calling for an update on every reboot if one existed.
HEAVY on the METAL
Axe-Fx II, Roland VG-99 + FC-300, Roland GR-55, Digitech Jamman Stereo, Ibanez/ESP/Jackson Guitars

A2theT

Android Real-time Audio Latency Demo
Here's a demo of me trying to play with the Archos live but its just not cutting it. No way! I'm guessing theres at least 50 to 100ms delay. I have to try and anticipate the notes and its one of the hardest things to do. I'm trying to play Dream Theater's "Pull Me Under" using Morphwiz on an Archos 80 G9 tablet but its just not useable yet. The iPod and iPad do a mutch better job for real-time. Some of the video wasn't properly shot and the audio in the second half is coming from my video camera mic in order to hear the iPod due to its tiny speaker. Thats why you hear some hiss. I had to normalize all the room air. I love Morphwiz. great app.

HEAVY on the METAL
Axe-Fx II, Roland VG-99 + FC-300, Roland GR-55, Digitech Jamman Stereo, Ibanez/ESP/Jackson Guitars

Elantric

#11
QuoteI love Morphwiz. great app.

I like it too - works much better on the iPad!

But all is not lost on the Android.

For what I paid for mine ($125), I find I use it along with my iPad - with the Archos running YouTube tutorials or displaying PDF Owners Manual files, while I do other work on the iPad.

Add the Apple CCK and Archos USB OTG Host adapter cable,  Its a very portable and productive pair.

GuitarPro Android works very well, and the huge gain with Android (vs iPad) is I can swap 32GB microSD cards in & out. Also on Android I actually see and locate ALL MY FILES!, and with a USB cable I can easily use the Android as a mobile data bucket for transporting files between work and home.

DropBox / Wifi  / Cloud storage solutions are not always available or accessible due to firewalls where I am - so the Android is a breath of fresh air for me.       


A2theT

oh ya i totally agree.  i havent been handcuffed by apple yet.  i like the freedom of android.  hopefully it will get better.  i'm sure theyre working on it. microsd is a huge bonus and so is the USB connection. i irk everytime i have to deal with my kids ipods and itunes and syncing and backing up and hanging. such a gong show.  play.google.com is a much better storefront for apps thats for sure plus theres tons of sites around where you can try before you buy.  i took the archos to NYC this weekend (7hr drive for us) and it was great especially handy in the hotel when i needed to pull up some groupons for icon parking and some other things we needed.  my bb bold just doesnt cut it for surfing the web.....
HEAVY on the METAL
Axe-Fx II, Roland VG-99 + FC-300, Roland GR-55, Digitech Jamman Stereo, Ibanez/ESP/Jackson Guitars

Elantric


A2theT

Below 10ms sounds very promising compared to what we have now.

Word in the forums is that 4.1 will be released for most devices probably between Oct-Dec of this year as the SDK is slated for release in July (now).

I'm hoping that Archos is dedicated to another firmware update for us.  They've been great so far as I'm on my 3rd since the purchase (update every 3 or 4 months).
Based on the fact that 4.0 ICS SDK was released last October and we got ICS on the Archos on March 8th, my guess is that it could be as late as Jan 2013 before we see it. 

However, since 4.1 isn't a major release step from our current 4.0.7 I'm very hopeful for the fall!
HEAVY on the METAL
Axe-Fx II, Roland VG-99 + FC-300, Roland GR-55, Digitech Jamman Stereo, Ibanez/ESP/Jackson Guitars

Elantric

#15
QuoteWord in the forums is that 4.1 will be released for most devices probably between Oct-Dec of this year as the SDK is slated for release in July (now).

I'm so impressed with the speed of the Archos 80 G9 with its Texas Instruments OMAP4 dual core processor, I'm holding off upgrading until October 2012 when Android tablets with the new TI OMAP5 Quad Core begin to ship - its supposed to be much faster than nVidia Tegra CPUs.

http://www.slashgear.com/omap-5-android-development-platform-hands-on-15234193/


http://androidcommunity.com/ti-shows-off-omap-1080p-video-streaming-over-wi-fi-20120615/

http://www.ti.com/general/docs/wtbu/wtbuproductcontent.tsp?templateId=6123&navigationId=12862&contentId=101230&DCMP=OMAP5&HQS=Other+PR+wbu_omap5_pr_lp


   




Update - the Archos Android Tablet Screen broke, due to weak plastic Chassis.
Since migrated back to ipads for my needs, but I did get a Monster M7 Android Tablet on sale that has higher performance and similar functions   
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3207.msg75236#msg75236

A2theT

Very impressive.  When Archos releases an OMAP 5 powered device I'll be sure to upgrade to it. The Archos is a great bang for the buck especially with all the features.  I researched alot of tabs before making my purchase.  Yes, I could have spent $400 on a Samsung or something with more speed and memory but I just wasn't seeing the performance/$ as being significant enough.  My biggest concern with all the faster cpu/gpu processing is the battery life.  Even though the iPad is a high quality product with tons of support and app/hardware development theres just so much more freedom with these Android based tabs.
HEAVY on the METAL
Axe-Fx II, Roland VG-99 + FC-300, Roland GR-55, Digitech Jamman Stereo, Ibanez/ESP/Jackson Guitars

guitarnstuff

Anybody using an android tablet for sheetmusic or cheatsheets? Has anybody tried this?

http://www.zubersoft.com/mobilesheets/faq.html

I am wondering if it is practical. 

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

A2theT

Not mobilesheets per se.  I use Guitar Pro.  Any tablet with a reasonable sized display should work well.
Its definitely easier to change pages on a tablet (while playing) than it is a regular sheet of paper.
HEAVY on the METAL
Axe-Fx II, Roland VG-99 + FC-300, Roland GR-55, Digitech Jamman Stereo, Ibanez/ESP/Jackson Guitars