Phathamster if you have had a device and it was flimsy and developed a fault within a few months then it is not hearsay or internet rumours etc, it is a fact.
They are not well built, compared to my Ipad and the EEEEPad thingymajig he replaced it with, along with the Nexus, it was by far the inferior machine.
I don't see what is wrong with researching cars, electrical goods etc via the net because it is a good way to find out what's good and what isn't. After all we all use this site to discuss caravans, tents and tow cars don't we? It enables us to report back on new goods and how they perform, be it good or bad.
We have just been away and used sons iPad with my 3 mifi to surf the net and watch tv ( TVCatchup). The iPad is limited for FB games due to not having flash as you've said. I think I will be going for a Nexus. Great reviews and more flexible than the iPad
the trouble is half the negative interviews on the internet are just whiners posting all over the place (not saying you are) who then make sweeping judgements, its very rare you read a genuine good review of a product on-line as most are written by people employed to do so!
Forums like this are great however you get to interact with 'real' people with real judgements and experiences.
one bad grape doesn't spoil the whole bunch, and usb ports failing is a very common problem on most electronic devices these days, but it is how a company deals with it and i suppose apple are pretty good in that respect.
I have both an Archos 101 and an Ipad.
Both are very good.
I bought the Archos and the Ipad was a present.
I'd disagree with the Archos being poor quality. My experience has been good and plenty of reviews out there agreeing Archos is good value for money.
Archos also releases firmware updates on a surprisingly regular frequency.
I work in software development QA/user experience so I am quite demanding.
The Ipad is also great, feels sturdier and has more support for accessories/apps but I don't think it justifies the price difference.
I'd recommend the Ipad if you have already bought into the Apple model (which I haven't as Itunes is poor and their closed business model is costly..)
If you have a limited budget buy a mid-range Android tablet such as the Archos. If anything you can find flash support on android.
Finally, if you can't make your mind up between tablet vs laptop, have a look at the Asus Transformer or 300. It kind of combines the 2 under an Android OS and is also very popular...