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Topic: Tablets

Archos unveils $129 Android 4.0 'Ice Cream Sandwich' tablet

Summary: A tablet for kids and big kids alike!

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

By for Hardware 2.0 |

It might not give the next-generation iPad a run for its money, but Archos has unveiled a kid-centric Android-powered tablet that won't break the bank.

Called the Child Pad, the tablet costs $129 and features a 7-inch screen, runs a 1GHz processor and has 1GB RAM (actual hardware details are hazy at present). The tablet is powered by a retweaked Android 4.0 ‘Ice Cream Sandwich' operating system that has been optimized for youngsters.

Note: From the specifications provided, it's hard to tell if this is a decent tablet for the price of yet another ‘cheap and nasty' offering with a kid-centric user interface. I've approached Archos for more details on the hardware and will post an update here should I get a reply.

There's also an AppsLib-powered Kids App Store, which will allow the youngsters driving this tablet to choose from a range of child-suitable apps from 14 categories. To get them started, Archos will preload 28 apps including Angry Birds.

Archos says that the Child Pad complies with both CIPA and COPPA regulations, which means a safer tablet environment for kids, and improved peace of mind for parents.

The Child Pad will be available in stores at the end of March and has a price tag of $129. At that price this could make a fun tinkering platform if you're into that sort of thing!

Interested?

Topics: Tablets, Android, Google, Hardware, Laptops, Mobility

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15 comments
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  • Hmm

    We just bought the grandson a leap pad, this looks like it might be a better option.
    slickjim
    Reply Vote

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  • SO! The "new and improved" .....

    ZDnet comment zone has no obvious way of flagging inappropriate/spam comments!
    Way to go guys!
    :-(
    kd5auq
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    • Seriusly

      Serioulsy, that spam message is borderline pronographic and there's nothing, really, taht we as users can do about it? Lame.
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  • Something simple for novice adults as well?

    My mother, in her 90s, has a deathly fear of anything computer. She doesn't even carry a cell phone. She deals with her satellite tv remote just barely and I dont think she has ever figured out her dvr. A really simple interface (remember web tv, back in the day?) for adults would be something potentially useful for this category of user - someone who doesn't want to worry about learning techno-babble but just wants to do simple social interactions - email, maybe facebook or something comperable, look at pictures or videos, maybe video chat. Particularly if it took care of the internet connection, so the user didn't have to worry about wi-fi, 3g, 4g, lte or other buzz words...
    lwvirden
    Reply Vote

  • Archos puts out decent tablets

    I've had an Archos A70-250G ($328, 7", 250GB internal hard drive) for 15 months and haven't had any problems with it, so Archos is not automatically putting out junk.

    From what I've read on forums, people who fall into the small percentage which DO have problems (which happens for ALL electronic hardware) have trouble getting support from Archos, but for $129, it sounds like it is worth a shot.
    nfordzdn
    Reply Vote

    • Archos and quality/decent can not be put on the same sentence

      Archos is a company that sells cheap crapware that does not last for even a year. Check around the reviews from ACTUAL users (not fandroids).
      wackoae
      Reply Vote

      • I wouldn't consider myself a "fan"

        My Archos 5IT has lasted several years with no hardware problems.
        You see, that's the problem with anecdotal statements like that. One person's opinion is all it is.
        harrim47
        Reply Vote

  • Thanks for this update!

    I enjoy coverage of "alternative" tech (not everything is Apple, etc.) My kid would love to get a tablet, but this is a much more reasonable range of option than the high end stuff that gets most of the coverage. Looking forward to what you learn.
    draku.zeos
    Reply Vote

  • no spying on kids?

    Does compliance with CIPA and COPPA regulations mean this Android tablet will not tell Google everything about your kids?
    danbi
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    • If there is no claim of it on the specs .....

      ... don't assume it is in compliance.
      wackoae
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