Archos 9 MID with Windows 7 and build-in Hsdpa

Archos 9 internettablet with windows 7

Today, Archos anounced at their Archos 9 Pc-tablet . What better innovation for a MiniPC than to get rid of keyboards? they say. Are they right? UMPC’s/MID’s/tablet’s don’t have sold very well till now. Will the Archos 9 change the game? We will see, first some specs.

The Archos 9 comes with:

• Intel ATOM 1.2 GHz Z515
• Microsoft Windows 7
• 1GB of ram
• 8.9 inch touch screen (resistive, so with stylus) resolution: 1024 x 600 pixels
• optical mouse
• Up to 120GB harddrive
• Ethernet port/WiFi/Bluetooth 2.1
• Stereo speakers and microphone
• In/out: USB 2.0/Headphone Jack
• Additional ports via an optional port replicator
• 1.3MP webcam
• DVB-T Tuner and recording (depending on model)
• 3.5G HSUPA radio with simcardslot (depending on model)
• 256mm x 134mm x 16mm
• about 800gr

As you can see the specs are ok and the device is very thin. Nice is that it will ship with Windows 7. Else than earlier UMPC’s, that shipped with Windows Vista, this one should be pretty fast while doing some browsing, chatting, voiping etcetera as Windows 7 needs a less specced machine than Windows Vista did. For broad use of this device, much depends on the onscreen keyboard as a physical keyboard is absent. Is there enough room for a device without a keyboard (read: should this be a nettop)?

The Archos ship for a price that is said to be in the €450-€500 range, which is pretty low for a MID. This could help the Archos 9 to sell, especially seen form the mediaplayer+ point of view. However, people need to be educated why the keyboard is left out.

Update: hands-on pics from Archoslounge (in French)

The Archos 9 will ship in autumn. Below a video of this device in action (UMPC portal) .

[Via Archos and UMPC portal]