By Archos has unveiled the first option in their new line of ELEMENT tablets. It’s an Archos 97, and as the name suggests it sports a 9.7 inch display.
That’s not even the most interesting thing, though: you can get yourself a legit 10 inch Ice Cream Sandwich tablet for just $250.
Don’t get too happy just yet, however, as Archos tends to cut corners when it comes to their Android products. Their press release only mentions the device has a 1GHz processor.
We’re not even sure if the processor is dual-core, and it would be a shame if it weren’t. 1GB of RAM is a little bit comforting, but it still doesn’t mean much if the processor is crap.
Other goods are a front and back camera (no mention of their quality so we’ll assume it isn’t great), and 16GB of storage with expansion options.
We’ll need to await more details to figure out what exactly we’re getting here, but there it is. Read on for full press details.
ARCHOS Releases New ELEMENTS Line; Introduces First in the Series, the 97 Carbon – Page 2
The ARCHOS 97 carbon, is the first of the new ARCHOS Elements series to be released, offering the latest mobile technology with a new slim and light design
ARCHOS, an award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, is pleased to introduce the ARCHOS 97 carbon, the first of its new tablet range called “ELEMENTS”, an entry-level line up of 7, 8, and 9.7-inch tablets that combine ARCHOS design and engineering with full access to Google PlayTM and a full suite of Google apps at an affordable price.
Equipped with the latest mobile technology and an elegant aluminum finish, the ARCHOS 97 carbon is only 21.8 ounces and 0.45” thick. Its sharp and clear IPS multi-touch screen delivers amazing vivid colors and impressive wide viewing angles. For the smoothest interface experience, ARCHOS has powered this tablet with a fast 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM while running AndroidTM4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich.”
Combining very high performance hardware, intuitive software and affordability, this Google PlayTM-supported device will be available starting in July 2012 for $249.99 SRP.
“We wanted to introduce a new series that not only combines affordability with a new slim design, but features the best that Google has to offer,” says Henri Crohas, ARCHOS Founder and CEO. “With the ELEMENTS series we have done just that. It’s the perfect balance of hardware, software optimization and content through the Google PlayTM ecosystem.”
Key Features:
- 9.7” 5x Multi-Touch Screen with IPS technology
- Optimized for Google PlayTM: Over 600,000 apps and games, the world’s largest collection of eBooks, millions of songs, thousands of movies, and a growing selection of TV shows and magazines
- A complete media device, the ARCHOS 97 carbon can decode full 1080p HD video and can send a 1080p HD video to an HDTV via the HDMI-out port
- Stylish design with premium aluminum finish and a 0.45” thickness
- Front and back camera
- Includes 16GB* of internal flash memory, expandable both via the microSD slot (supporting SDHC cards up to 32GB) or via a USB flash drive in its full-sized USB host port
- Includes access to Android apps from Google, including Gmail™, Google Talk™, Google+™, Google MapsTM, YouTubeTM and 5GB of free cloud storage with Google DriveTM
- Pre-loaded with Office Suite Viewer for reading office documents, a demo of World of Goo–-the critically acclaimed puzzle game, as well as News Republic and Brief Me to manage your world news and customized social media feeds
For more information about the ARCHOS Elements line, visit www.ARCHOS.com.
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 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 B of Eurolist, Euronext Paris, ISIN Code FR0000182479. Website: www.archos.com.
Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARCHOS.EntertainmentYourWay
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ARCHOS_US
Google, Android, Google Play, Gmail, Google Talk, Google+, Google Maps, and Google Drive are trademarks of Google Inc.
Looks promising if its at least a dual-core
Processor• ARM Cortex A8 @ 1 GHz
This could have me rethinking my Nexus7. I would prefer a 10″ tablet, but it’s got to cost under $300 and be quality.
It looks like it’s a single core. If this was a Krait or Tegra chipset, I’d be down. The resolution (1024×768) and CPU would keep me from giving this even a second look.
Please, don’t make the mistake. Archos isn’t going to give you what you want and you’ll feel screwed over in the future.
My Archos 70 internet tablet 250 Gb is still running 2.2 for EUR 299. Not bad for a tablet, isn’t it? The thing has never seen tablet software in one and a half years. I wouldn’t recommend any Archos to anybody, after sales is extremely poor.
Back in Feb 2011, I bought the Archos 101 tablet. Extreme disappointment. Luckily I was able to unload it onto another poor sap on Craigslist with a $50 loss……
Same dimensions as iPad, here come the Apple patent lawyers….
btw, viewing this article (and only this article out of all of todays’) crashes the phandroid app on my sgs3. something about the styled text that it doesn’t like. (crash report submitted)
New update should be posted tonight and it loads fine in the version I’m using… So I hope that will fix your issue as well :-)
Well that was fast. ^5
I’m sorry who is Archos again??
the original tablet maker before anyone had even heard of an iPad, seriously
… And now viewed as the off brand by most.