Archos 9 Tablet Coming to US

[Chris Gohlke]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/archos_9_pc_tablet_comes_us' target='_blank'>http://www.maximumpc.com/article/ne...tablet_comes_us</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"On the hardware front, the Archos 9 boasts a full touch-sensitive 9-inch screen, an Intel Atom Z515 processor (1.2GHz, 512KB cache, 400MHz frontside bus), 1GB of RAM, up to 120GB of storage, 1.3MP webcam, and an optical track-point mouse. On the software side of things, the new tablet will come pre-loaded with Microsoft's upcoming Windows 7 OS. It will also include Microsoft Office and a host of other apps, such as "Web TV &amp; Radio, video conference, antivirus, parental control, photos and movies edition applications, and more.""</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//dht/auto/1246922421.usr10.png" style="border: 0;" /></p><p>Small, inexpensive tablets will probably be the successors to the netbook market.&nbsp; But, I think pricing will be key and I'm betting that this will come in at significantly more than $399.&nbsp; Also, after using an iPod touch for about 6-months now, I think a 9 inch screen is a bit on the large side.&nbsp; With the right browser, I think something in the 5 to 6 inch range would be just about right.&nbsp;</p>

[Felix Torres]

Also, after using an iPod touch for about 6-months now, I think a 9 inch screen is a bit on the large side. With the right browser, I think something in the 5 to 6 inch range would be just about right.


Are you sure about that?
Your statement implies that a an iPod can be considered a good example of the expected functionality (or even a replacement for) a 9" tablet-netbook. That the user experience, and expectations, are/should be comparable. ;)

I'm thinking that there is an enormous gap in functionality between a quarter pound media player and a two pound webpad and that the value of the latter product is going to be a function of the screen size, not the portability.

iPod is a pocket-sized device; its value is in its portability. A webpad, by design and intent is neither; webpads are not intended to be 'go-everywhere' devices but rather roaming devices. They are intended to be used within the confines of a home wifi network. And their value comes from their screen size.

As netbooks have proven, in their evolution from the 7" screen of the original Asus to the 9-10 inch screens that appear to be the Darwinian market consensus, a proper netbook experience needs a bit more screen than a 7" panel can deliver. This is because, unlike media players and cellphones and PDAs and ebook readers, Netbooks are not solely about content consumption but also have a *strong* content-creation aspect.

First clue is that this Archos comes with MS Office bundled. That is going to add quite a chunk to the price; forget about $399, this thing is coming in north of $599 and will likely crowd the $999 mark. (Archos has never been a low-cost bidder, remember?)

I'm in the market for something very much like this. (and considering the endless predictions of a Apple tablet that never seem to materialize, the Mac faithful seem to think there is value in and a market for, a large format iPod)
So far, the closest I have seen to what I want is the Asus T91, the Viliv X70;
Viliv X70 Series MID headed to the US, starting at $599 (http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/viliv-x70-series-mid-headed-to-the-us-starting-at-599/)
and the upcoming CrunchPad,
CrunchPad: The Launch Prototype (http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/06/03/crunchpad-the-launch-prototype/)
Crunchpad is closest to my prefered pricepoint and specs but its Linux-based so getting DRM'ed ebooks on it is going to be...problematic...

But, given that I already have a 6" gadget (an eink ebook reader) I already know that, no, 5-6" is *not* optimum for my needs. I love my reader but it is not the last word in information access; I also have a 12" convertible Tablet PC and that one is too much; too much screen, too much mass. My older Tablet PC (a 10" model) is actually a better delivery vehicle than the new one altough the new one is a fine laptop for traditional PC use. I'm thinking I would rather have something in the six-nine range for viewing videos and reading non-fiction ebooks, surfing the web, and editing documents.

It is pretty clear there is a gap between handheld communicator-type gadgets and even the lightest of notebook PCs; nobody is yet sure where the sweet spot(s) lie but there is a market there. I'm guessing it'll be a year before Archos and Samsung and Asus and Viliv have iterated and the market will tell us what works. Me, I'll likely be jumping early.

The Viliv has the price and it might have the battery life. Not sure about the screen.

The Archos 9 is something I'll have to keep an eye on; the Win7 OS suggests a late fall release, the brand and the Office load suggests the price will be high, but that form factor and weight look very promising. If the battery life can run high enough (preferably with user replaceable battery) and if it can play HD video it just might be worth the (expected) price.

To me, anyway.

Edit:
Engadget is quoting a UK price equivalent to US$700-800.
Archos 9 tablet gets priced in the UK (http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/04/archos-9-tablet-gets-priced-in-the-uk/)
If it is closer to the low end of that range (including MS Office) then it will competitive.

[Chris Gohlke]

Not debating that this would have more functionality than a touch, but in a way, I think they would have similar uses. I view both as devices for consuming content and maybe a little content creation (with the tablet being better for minimal content creation). A tablet device that is not convertible to a notebook configuration with a real keyboard is not, IMHO, ideal for much content creation. Honestly 90% of my web browsing is now done on my ipod touch, although I'm replying on my netbook. ;)

I'm kind of confused why they are bundling Microsoft office. As an option, fine, but I don't want to pay for Office on that device, so they've unnecessarily increased the cost of the device.

Screen size usability is relative to the distance on is from the screen. From some quick measurements, my eyes are about 18 inches from my 9 inch netbook screen while I hold my touch at about 10 inches. I have one of the original 7 inch netbooks and honestly found the screen size just fine, it was the resolution that was an issue for me.

So, while I really like the idea of this device, I find it is a bit big and pricey for my usage.

[Felix Torres]

So, while I really like the idea of this device, I find it is a bit big and pricey for my usage.

Have you looked into the Vilivs?
They have a 5" model at Dynamism.
Same price as the 7" model, though.
For that matter, same price at the 9" ASUS.
Kind of simplifies the choice, no? :)