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Topic: Tablets

Android-based Archos 70 Internet tablet now available

Summary: Just a day after the Archos 43 PMP started shipping, the 7-inch Archos 70 Internet tablet has been made available to the masses too.

Rachel King

By for The ToyBox |

Just a day after the Archos 43 PMP started shipping, the 7-inch Archos 70 Internet tablet has been made available to the masses too.

Powered by an ARM Cortex A8 1GHz processor, the Android 2.2-based tablet sports a 7-inch HD TFT LCD screen (800 x 480 resolution). Based on the size alone, it's obviously very portable, but it's fairly lightweight too at only 11 ounces.

Here's a look at what else is included in that compact, 0.43-inch thin frame:

  • OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics accelerator
  • 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth 2.1
  • Micro SD card slot
  • Front-facing VGA camera
  • Connectivity: USB 2.0, HDMI

Strangely, there doesn't look to be any connection to the Android Market.

Currently, only the 8GB model for $274.99 is available for purchase. A 250GB version for $349.99 (which which sounds like a much better deal) should be following suit soon.

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19 comments
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  • RE: Android-based Archos 70 Internet tablet now available

    "Strangely, there doesn?t look to be any connection to the Android Market."

    Why is it strange? All that's required is a little research, you will find that Google restricts the Android Market only to devices that have phone capabilities (persistent Internet connection). Archos been selling Android devices for a while now, but they never had access to market apps.
    dave95.
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Android-based Archos 70 Internet tablet now available

      @dave95. <br><br>That seems a bit short sighted. So while I didn't do any research either... Do they say why that is? nvm.. Found it: [i]At this point, Google doesn't have much incentive to support these non-phone devices, Without a constant internet connection, it's harder to serve ads to devices. Google gives Android away, so without an always-on connection, Google doesn't see as much revenue. [/i]
      Badgered
      Reply Vote

      • someone has to pay the piper... sometimes people forget..

        @Badgered ...that businesses aren't in this out of the goodness of their heart... businesses exist to make money.. no business case.. then it doesn't happen..
        doctorSpoc
        Reply Vote

      • RE: Android-based Archos 70 Internet tablet now available

        @Badgered

        Yep, nothing in life is free but some people buy into that lie... But, there are non-Google markets available to this and other Android devices as well as the ability to install non-Market distributed apps. It's not the end of the world.
        kb5ynf
        Reply Vote

    • RE: Android-based Archos 70 Internet tablet now available

      @dave95.
      The beauty of archos devices is that it is highly customizable. All you need to do to get google market is install one simple file.

      http://forum.archosfans.com/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=38186
      rengek
      Reply Vote

      • RE: Android-based Archos 70 Internet tablet now available

        @rengek

        That's great for the small percentage of users that loves to hack. The problem with companies like Archos who can't get official Google App support is, 98% of consumers don't care to hack nor fiddle with their device, they just want something that works!
        dave95.
        Reply Vote

      • RE: Android-based Archos 70 Internet tablet now available

        @dave95<br><br>Then those users should buy a B&N Nook Color. Or fork out the extra $300 plus (and possibly a 1 to 2-year contract with a carrier) for an iPad or Galaxy Tab.

        I don't think those users are looking for the ability to install very many custom apps like Remote Desktop and would probably be quite happy with a Nook Color and the customized app store from B&N which, from what I've read, will be mostly games and media like Netflix.
        VRSpock
        Reply Vote

    • A little further research on your part

      @dave95.
      would have shown that Android marketplace is easily installed on these devices.
      So what if it doesn't come pre-installed. Most windows machines don't come with a customers software installed....they have to do it, is it so strange that these tablets don't have it pre-installed.
      For instructions and more info related to Archos devices please go to: http://forum.archosfans.com/
      bobtran
      Reply Vote

  • RE: Android-based Archos 70 Internet tablet now available

    Rachel,
    Did I read your last paragraph correctly?
    8GB storage for $275 and then 250GB for $350?
    That's one hell of a jump in specs.
    MG537-23482538203179240121698430309828
    Reply Vote

    • one's via flash drive other hard drive...

      @MG537 i.e. bigger, bulkier, heavier, more appt to be damaged (especially for a mobile device) hard drive..
      doctorSpoc
      Reply Vote

    • RE: Android-based Archos 70 Internet tablet now available

      @MG537 /sarcasm

      Just about the same as the new AppleTV... (w/o the screen) 99$
      minardi
      Reply Vote

    • RE: Android-based Archos 70 Internet tablet now available

      @MG537
      8gig is flash memory and 250gig is hard drive base for those who likes to carry a lot of media around with them. But then again, it supports 720p playback so your movies are going to be significantly large.
      rengek
      Reply Vote

  • RE: Android-based Archos 70 Internet tablet now available

    And next week they plan to have the 10 inch version in the U.S. The europeans already have it and they love it.

    To me archos tablets makes the most sense of all tablets. For the 10 inch version all you need to do to get data is tether it via bluetooth or usb directly to your cell phone that has a data plan. It makes no sense to me that people are paying for a data plan on their phone and then pay it again for their tablet. Its stupid. Same with paying $20/month for tethering that some carriers impose. Thats nonsense. You already paid for your data, why are you paying $20/month to detour that data from the phone to wifi devices.
    rengek
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Android-based Archos 70 Internet tablet now available

      @rengek

      I agree.
      kb5ynf
      Reply Vote

  • RE: Android-based Archos 70 Internet tablet now available

    I have the first version of Archos 7 with Opera based browser and 320 Gb drive. It is great as an external drive with various but limited player and browsing features. Non proprietary features like these are great. The problem with Archos is that they don't support their products. They, like all their competitors, focus mostly on future sales rather than product support. So if you want a simple multi-media, standard format, storage device that has a good size screen and player capability, this is the best on the market today but if you want internet operability with lots of widgets and apps and after sales service I would not recommend this company.
    htrudeau@...
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Android-based Archos 70 Internet tablet now available

    Some devices like the 28, 32 and 70 are available in a bunch of places.. but the 43 is very hard to find.. it's still a pre-order status from virtually all non archos-direct points of sale.
    tmc80tmc@...
    Reply Vote

  • Cool!

    I'm deciding between this and nook color then. Whatever santa finds first, I guess:) People do realize you can just go to androidzoom and side-load apps, right?
    Popnfresh100@...
    Reply Vote

  • Are you confused between the "7" and "70" model?

    Your link above goes to an April announcement for the *old* 7 inch tablet (Android 1.5, non multi-touch, slower CPU...), which then refers back to this article... I've got a 70 on pre-order and I don't think 70s are officially shipping as Best Buy and Archos try to dump their old 7 inch stock for $199.

    If you really have a scoop here, please present a valid link to *where* these *new* devices are available. Otherwise, please do a little better research before posting erroneous information going forward.
    bbrucec
    Reply Vote

  • good idea about android

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    gavin.chan
    Reply Vote
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