Archos recently released information on their newest addition to their line for 2010. The Archos 70b internet tablet. Directly competing with the likes of the Kindle Fire and B&N Nook, this tablet is slated to hit the market for $199. Spec wise it sounds like a pretty contender with out the custom UI overlay that can really get irritating.
- 1.2GHz CPU
- 512MB RAM
- HDMI out
- 1024×600 capacitive screen
- Starting at 8GB internal storage
- Micro SD Card slot
- Android Market and Google Apps
- OS version 3.2 Honeycomb
They have every intention of showing this puppy off at CES 2012 in January. We already have a meeting scheduled with them to take a look. We will be sure to show you guys how this tablet looks, feels and runs while we are there.
Does this little guy look a little more appealing to those of you on a budget that don’t want to sacrifice a REAL Android experience? I am definitely interested. We will have to wait and see how it goes.
DENVER, CO – (December 20, 2011) – ARCHOS, an award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, announced today the upcoming availability of the first android 3.2
‘’Honeycomb’’ tablet under $200, the ARCHOS 70b internet tablet. The new ARCHOS 70b IT is an enhanced version of the ARCHOS 70 IT Gen 8 that features an upgraded capacitive
touch screen and a powerful processor at 1.2 GHz.The ARCHOS 70b internet tablet runs Android 3.2 Honeycomb, Google’s full suite of mobile
applications with Android Market, giving users access to over 300,000 applications such as
games, books, social media and news. With Honeycomb, users will have faster and smoother
transitions between different applications, and more intuitive navigation to and from home
screens.Very slim and light, the newest version of the ARCHOS 70 internet tablet Gen 8, offers the
best performances in terms of portability, immediate internet access, multimedia, apps and
affordability. This new version has a higher resolution capacitive screen (1024 x 600) for
vibrant colors and crisp clarity and has doubled the RAM to 512 MB for a smoother web
experience and more efficient multi-tasking.This connected mobile device with a sublime user interface, 3D Graphics accelerator and WiFi connectivity, also comes with a full pack of connected apps such as a web browser and
email application, HDMI output and Micro SD connectivity.
With this enhanced Android tablet, users will benefit from:
- An affordable price starting at $199 for 8GB
- Smoother multi-tasking and faster web experience thanks to the upgraded RAM
- Brighter colors with a high resolution capacitive screen
- Android 3.2 Honeycomb, the Android version designed for a tablet
- Access to a full array of apps with the Android Market and its 250,000 apps such as news, eMagazines, eBooks, social media, games and more
- A full multimedia experience with upgraded multimedia ARCHOS apps for video and music
- HDMI output, giving users full access to their Android experience on their TV including all the pre-loaded apps, video playback, 3D games, photos and all the Android Market apps
Availability & Price
The ARCHOS 70b internet tablet will be available in stores starting in January with the
recommended retail price of $199.About ARCHOS
ARCHOS, pioneer in the portable audio and video player market, and now specializing in
Android Tablets, has repeatedly revolutionized the market for consumer electronics since
1988. Today, ARCHOS offers Android Internet Tablets, Tablet PCs and MP3/MP4 players. In
2000, ARCHOS launched the Jukebox 6000, the first MP3 player combined with a hard disk.
Then in 2003 ARCHOS introduced the first portable multimedia players with TV recording. In 2006 Wi-Fi is implemented and then touch screens in 2007. In 2008, ARCHOS launched the first generation Internet Tablets, and then the first ever Android powered tablets in 2009.
ARCHOS has offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. ARCHOS is quoted on
Compartment C of Eurolist, Euronext Paris, ISIN CodeFR0000182479. Website:
www.archos.com.
About the Author
I gave them a chance with the Archos 70… Never again. Archos is the epitome of “You get what you pay for. “
Only 512mb of RAM? That doesn’t bode well for a phone nowadays much less a tablet! I’d bet there will be a few of these thrown against the wall in frustration with out of memory errors! Waste of $200. Why would you even try to hype this thing?
Honestly, the specs aren’t great for a power user… but this isn’t for a power user. All they have to do is look at the single core processor and any thoughts of it ends there. But (in theory) it would be good for somebody that wants a tablet for a Kindle or Nook like price but with Honeycomb and without having to hack it.
Unfortunately, the hardware doesn’t live up to it to its potential (based on the original Archos 70 as I mentioned previously). Still, when compared with things like the the Cruz and some of the other “budget” tablets out there right now, there is a potential market for this. That market just isn’t anybody that would read this (or any Android) site,.