Earlier today Archos finally unveiled their new G10 XS line of Android tablets starting with the Archos 101 XS. What makes these new Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich tablets different from the rest is the included keyboard and protective cover they’re calling a coverboard. During the noise this morning they also detailed two more coming soon.
In case you missed it you’ll surely want to check out our Archos 101 XS Tablet Review. As that will give you a better idea of what to expect from this Android 4.0 ICS tablet. Sporting a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage and a keyboard all at 8mm thin. The tablet is sleek, lightweight, powerful, and cheap.
According to Archos, they’ll be announcing and releasing very similar tablets both in their usual 8-inch size as well as a 9.7-inch XS option. These will be known as the Archos 80 XS and 97 XS. So far we’re hearing they’ll come with the same internal specs and dual-core processor, same awesome coverboard keyboard, and also at an excellent price.
If Archos manages to price the 80 XS with 16GB of storage for $199 then they might have some competition for the Nexus 7, but as it stands — not so much. We can expect near identical devices with the 80 having a 1024 x 768 resolution, while the 9.7 manages to squeeze a 1280 x 800 screen inside. Archos hasn’t announced any details or pricing for these new models, and only the 101 is available starting next month. Stay tuned for more details.
Would love an 8 inch tablet to compete with the Nexus 7. I would love to have a slightly larger screen(check), a microsd slot(check), and I could sacrifice a little power for price. I wish the screen was a little nicer though.
And when will the 2011 tablets see any tablet software (still running 2.2)?
You really need to check their update page: http://update.archos.com/9/gen9/changes_firmware_archos_android_gen9it4.htm
Odd resolution on that 9.7, as it suggests a 16:10 display. But the screen size is usually associated with 4:3.