It’s… almost exactly what I would expect from an Archos-branded Android tablet. We saw it before via the FCC, but this is a much clearer picture. The device will be coming in four (if not more) flavors: two flash-based at 16GB and 32GB, and two HDD-based at 160GB and 500GB. It looks like a decent little device, but I don’t think I’ll ever understand the draw of this sort of device. If a nice Android-based phone does 85% of what this tablet does, what’s the point of this? A slightly bigger screen? More storage?
There’s a lot of speculation going on over at Archos Fans, from which the images originate. The pricing was also noted as follows:
- 16GB: $294
- 32GB: $370
- 160GB: $320
- 500GB: $420
My my, pricey! But Archos has never been into budget electronics that I know of. For that price you’ll probably be able to Get a CrunchPad.
[via the internet]
“If a nice Android-based phone does 85% of what this tablet does, what’s the point of this?”
1) not paying for cell phone/data
2) having a bigger device to play media on, while keeping a small cell phone
3) more storage
Exactly. You beat me to it.
Large screen + my entire music and movie collection in my pocket + no monthly charge = perfect!
I don’t know. I think that’s offset by having to carry 2 (or more) devices.
Who needs a phone, when you can have the Internet.
… on your phone
Internet on the Archos is better than on your phone. Cause it has 800×480 vs 480×320 resolution (2.5x), 4.8″ vs 3.5″ (2x), faster ARM Cortex A8 processor (3x), full up to HD video playback (3x more resolution codecs playback), more storage at a cheaper price (10x to 15x)… Also, Archos has announced they can put HSUPA/3G modem right into the device. Thus use VOIP with a bluetooth headset and you can even replace your phone with it.
If the Crunchpad would come out, we could be it.
But since that is not the case, we have to buy other gadgets.
The point of something like this is for people who don’t want to pay the extra $30 a month for a smart phone. Like me. I have a regular phone and an iPod Touch. Although for me, this couldn’t replace my Touch, especially the next gen ones. But it is a nice alternative and its exactly what some people want even.
For the same price as a 16GB ipod touch, or the same price as a 32GB zune hd, you get 10x more storage in the Archos A5 160GB at $319. Archos provides a 3x larger resolution, 3x larger screen, 3x higher resolution video decoding support, 3x faster ARM Cortex processor. You really think this is expensive?
For about the same price as the 32GB ipod touch, Archos provides a 500GB Android tablet pocketable device!
Shouldn’t you be saying that Apple is pricey compared to this?
They’re both pricey! I don’t think $400 is a reasonable amount to pay for an “extra” device like this when the whole idea of the MID is going the way of the dodo, what with larger and more capable tablets and smaller and more capable smartphones.
That’s really just my opinion, though, since I don’t really use PMPs. I totally hear where you’re coming from. Let’s wait until September 9 before we say anything about the Touch though.
I’d rather have VOIP (Google Voice, SIP, Skype) added to the Archos with built-in HSUPA/3G modem, than to have to continue paying expensive Voice/SMS contracts with a much weaker smartphone.
I take my Archos in my pocket everyday for years. This makes me a better person. I can spend less time watching TV shows at home on my TV, since I can watch them in the bus or train everyday to/from Work/School. I can spend more time doing more constructive things like reading and commenting on Engadget when I am at home.
Putting the whole Internet and all the videos and music in the world in your pocket is a very powerful experience.
Also, ARM Android devices are much better than Intel. Intel is more expensive, costs more money, is hot, much heavier (5x-10x heavier), Intel consumes 10x to 20x more battery power thus requires to carry around 5x to 10x heavier batteries. Android is instant-on, supports GPS location awareness, accelerometers and other detectors. Android boots instantly, applications open instantly and are designed for mobile use.
You have to sit down to use Intel. Nobody really uses Intel devices in trains, busses, metros, in the park, in the school yard, in coffee breaks at work, on the backseat of cars. Archos pocketable tablets are all about being used in those situations.
Again:
ipod touch 16GB: $299
Archos A5 160GB; $319
ipod touch 32GB: $399
Archos A5 500GB: $419
That’s not considering Archos does not usually forbid resellers from selling at cheaper prices than MSRP, so consider cutting 20% off MSRP for street prices. Thus Archos A5 160GB could be $256 and 500GB could be $336 at the cheapest resellers.
As I posted earlier, Archos provides a 3x larger resolution compared to the ipod touch (or any available HTC Android phones), 3x larger screen (yet still very pocketable, more compact than a wallet/passport), 3x higher resolution video decoding support, 3x faster ARM Cortex processor. You really think this is expensive?
All year we have heard talk of Archos releasing an Android based Archos phone then recently it comes out Archos are releasing this instead. As much love as i have for Archos…i am disappointed and will remain so until this is rectified by striking deals with newly owned skype or however they go about it to bring VoIP to this device.
That is not to say that this device is not an amazing piece of kit…however already owning an Archos 5 i won’t be upgrading…until i can throw my phone away and use only this device to run my world.
VOIP should work on Android: http://googlepublicpolicy.blogspot.com/2009/08/android-and-voip-applications.html
If I could get Google Voice on this I would drop Sprint in a heart beat, get rid of my cell phone all together and subscribe to Clear internet service.
Got the 160GB model and it’s been a rocky road at best. Multiple OS crashes not able to download apps from the android app store. DVR TV schedule not operative. Uses a hard drive instead of solid state technology. Unit is large and heavy; about the size of a PSP and heavier. The hard drive is really where the weight is. Google browser crashes, wi-fi connect disonnect crashes unit. Just don’t see that it’s worth the price.