An iOS device is not always the optimal solution

I always suit up for my run or workout with some gadget. It might be my Garmin Runners GPS or an old second generation iPod Nano. Recently though, I retired my iPod Nano and added a new gadget. This device doesn’t require a monthly fee and will not only play MP3s/AACs, but also includes Wi-Fi and the ability to add apps and play video. Sounds an awful lot like a popular iOS device, the iPod Touch. Well, it’s not and at $129.00, it’s a lot cheaper. After the click below, find the name of this gadget and why I think my new gadget is a good alternative to the iPod Touch.

My new favorite workout gadget is the Archos 32. Let’s talk about a some of the negatives of the Archos 32 first. There are a few, and it is important that consumers understand them. Then I’ll work my way to the end of the post by highlighting the numerous positives.

Negatives:

• Android OS – Some readers are really going to give me a hard time about this, but there’s no denying that Android (2.2 in the case of this device) is a bit of a bugger-boo to anyone new to the OS. It IS NOT as intuitive as the iOS.
• No Android Marketplace – Archos provides their own app store which is, to put it simply, not good. However, thanks to some clever hackers, the Android Marketplace is easily hacked on to this device. This isn’t some hack that could brick your device. There is absolutely no reason not to do this.
• 3.2 Inch Screen – Thus the moniker, Archos 32. It’s a bit tiny, but works and there is the option to upgrade to the Archos 43 if you need a bigger screen, but the cost gets us into the iPod Touch arena.
• No Multitouch – The Archos 32 includes a resistive touch screen, not a high dollar capacitance screen, so I am guessing that technically, multitouch is not an option. This might seem a huge negative, but read on...
• No Third Party Support – I have yet to find an arm band or case for this thing.
• No Retina Display – But it really doesn’t need it. The screen is fine for the way I use the device. Don’t expect an Apple display and you won’t be disappointed.

Okay, I’ve beat the poor gadget up, so now let’s talk positives.

Positives:

• Cost – At $140 (I found mine on sale for $129 at Sears of all places), it is over $100 cheaper than an iOS device. I should mention that you can get the little brother, the Archos 28, for only $100 and it too includes most of these features, but has a smaller 2.8” screen. Should I loose the device or it is stolen, it won’t cause as many tears as a $250 device.
• Slim – This thing is tiny, slim and weighs next to nothing. Put it in your pocket and when jogging, you never notice it bouncing around.
• Battery Life – It is actually quite good, IF you remember to turn off the Wi-Fi. Running outside with Wi-Fi on isn’t practical, so turn it off an you’ll be pleased with the battery life.
• Android Browser – Good browser allows you to surf the web and is very responsive. When I’m at the gym, having access to their free Wi-Fi allows me to check my Gmail, FaceBook, or check in using Foursquare, all while I am listening to my music.
• Music App – The default Archos Music App is quite good and there really is no reason to load another. It is visually appealing with a cover-flow like album art display, the buttons are nice and large, and you have access to all the features you could possibly need to sort and play your music.
• Android Marketplace – As mentioned above, once you hack this onto the device, you have access to all those great apps! Angry Birds anyone? I like to listen to podcasts while I workout, so the Google Listen app is a favorite. As a matter of fact, I wish there was a version available for iOS. It’s good!
• 8Gb of Storage – This should be enough for most people and I’ve added all my favorite workout songs with plenty of room to spare for some video and podcasts.
• Video – The Archos 32 does a fine job playing both streaming and resident videos. While the screen isn’t the sharpest, it is perfectly fine in a pinch.
• Resistive Screen – This one will be a bit controversial. How can Doc say a resistive screen is better than a capacitance screen? One word; gloves. That’s right. Try and operate an iOS device with your gloves on. Can’t do it. But with the Archos, I can operate this gadget in the dead of winter with my gloves on.
• Archos Support – Archos appears to be committed to the device. Since November, I’ve seen an upgrade from Android 2.1 to 2.2 and a couple of firmware upgrades – each making the device a bit better. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for an Android 2.3 OS upgrade as I understand it is much more spritely and would be a nice upgrade for the 800Mhz processor which is great when single tasking, but a bit slow when multitasking.

So there you have it. If you are looking for a gadget to take with you on your workouts and don’t want to break the bank or become subjected to high monthly fees, might I suggest the Archos 32? If you understand what you are purchasing, I think you will enjoy it. As a perk, it is also one of the cheapest ways to get into an Android device so you can try out some of those apps your Droid-using friends keep talking about (again, once you hack the Android Marketplace on the thing).

If you buy one, or already have one, drop me a comment below. Have a question about the device? I’ll answer that as well.