Mobile Technology

Archos unveils G9 series Android tablets with option of 250GB HDD

Archos unveils G9 series Android tablets with option of 250GB HDD
Archos 101 G9 Android tablet
Archos 101 G9 Android tablet
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The HDD model will be 3 mm thicker than the Flash model
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The HDD model will be 3 mm thicker than the Flash model
Archos 101 G9 Android tablet
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Archos 101 G9 Android tablet
Archos 101 G9 Android tablet
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Archos 101 G9 Android tablet
Archos 101 G9 Android tablet
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Archos 101 G9 Android tablet
Archos 80 G9 Android tablet
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Archos 80 G9 Android tablet
Archos 80 G9 Android tablet
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Archos 80 G9 Android tablet
Archos 80 G9 Android tablet
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Archos 80 G9 Android tablet
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Archos has unveiled its 3rd generation Android tablets with its new G9 series, which includes the 8-inch 80 G9 with 1024 x 768 pixel resolution and the 10.1-inch 101 G9 with 1280 x 800 pixel resolution. Powered by a dual-core OMAP 4 processor (1.5GHz ARM Cortex A9) and running Android 3.1 (Honeycomb), the G9 series also offers a first for Android tablets - the option of 16 GB of flash storage or a 250 GB HDD.

Archos claims the G9 series' 1.5 GHz OMAP 4 processor reduces web page loading times by up to 50 percent compared to tablets powered by a 1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 processor. The extra grunt also provides smooth playback of 1080p H264 video, which can be outputted to a HDTV via the mini-HDMI port or watched on the device with the built-in kickstand. Other specs include 1 GB of RAM, 720p front facing camera, GPS, G-Sensor, compass, Bluetooth 2.1+ EDR, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), built-in microphone, full-size USB port, micro USB port, Adobe Flash support and access to the Android Market.

Making use of the Seagate Momentus Thin hard drive, which is just 7 mm thick, the 250 GB HDD models will be 3 mm thicker than the 16 GB Flash models. They will also be heavier - 465 g and 599 g (17 oz and 21.9 oz) for the 8-inch Flash and HDD models respectively and 649 g and 755 g (23.8 oz and 27.7 oz) for the 10.1-inch models. There's no word on whether the Flash and HDD models will differ in price, but the 16GB Flash model will include a microSD card slot, while the 250GB HDD model won't.

The HDD model will be 3 mm thicker than the Flash model
The HDD model will be 3 mm thicker than the Flash model

Archos also doesn't differentiate between the Flash and HDD models in terms of battery life, simply stating up to 36 hours of music playback, up to 7 hours of video playback and up to 10 hours of Internet surfing, but we'd expect the HDD models to chew through the electrons a bit quicker than the Flash models. Seagate also offers its Momentus Thin HDDs in 160GB and 320GB capacities, but it's unclear whether the Archos tablets offer HDD upgradability.

Instead of extending the range by offering separate Wi-Fi and 3G models, Archos gives users the option of purchasing a 3G stick if or when they need it. The specially designed Archos GP 3G stick slots perfectly into the recessed full-sized USB-port on the rear and accepts any standard SIM card. Archos also offers its own Archos Connect SIM that lets users add more credit to subscription or pay-as-you-go data plans straight from the tablet.

Dimensions and weight

  • 80 G9 Flash series: 226 mm x 155.3 mm x 11.7 mm (8.90 x 6.11 x 0.46 inch) - 465 g (17 oz)
  • 80 G9 Hard Drive series: 226 mm x 155.3 mm x 14.7 mm (8.90 x 6.11 x 0.58 inch) - 599g (21.9 oz)
  • 101 G9 Flash series: 276 mm x 167.3 mm x 12.6 mm (10.86 x 6.59 x 0.50 inch) - 649g (23.8 oz)
  • 101 G9 Hard Drive series: 276 mm x 167.3 mm x 15.6 mm (10.86 x 6.59 x 0.61 inch) - 755g (27.7 oz)

Archos will release its G9 series tablets at the end of September starting at US$279 for the 80 G9 and $349 for the 101 G9.

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6 comments
6 comments
Robert in Vancouver
I\'m in the market for a tablet like this except it has to have a non-glare screen, and a non-glossy casing.
Hi gloss screens are useless indoors with the lights on, and outdoors in the daytime.
Glossy casings look bad every time they are handled, with all the finger prints and smears on them.
I don\'t live in a dark basement and stay up all night playing video games, so high gloss on all the laptops and tablets is a deal breaker for me.
Hiveguard
An old discussion. Glare or non-glare. I do have both iPads and both suck in direct sun light. I do have a IBM x31 non glare notebook an it sucks even more. But I also do have Sony Vaio TZ series Notebook with a glossy display readable in direct sun light because it has enough power / luminance. Even the iPads are not useless in \"normal\" light situations at home, office or even outside. I never had any problems except once on the beach in Cancun. So if you want to read sunbathing .... get an e-ink ebook reader. Regarding the Display of the Archos. What kind of panel? I hope at least an IPS Panel. And shame on Archos for not integrating 3G.
mesgains
They integrate 3G thanks to the stick. It s a good option. I m waiting to buy one in september.
Roomie
Sounds and looks like a really nice pad. My only concern so far is the lack of a back-facing camera. How would you film or take a photo with just a front-facing camera. I understand that you wouldn\'t primarily use your pad for filming and photographing but it seems like they thought of everything else. Am I missing something?
klee2000
Archos!!! You were soo close what happened??? How could you forget the rear camera.. I\'m sure this will be a deal breaker for a few buys.. What happened you couldn\'t decide between the camera and the kickstand.. I\'m pissed I was soo close to purchase I would of even mind if they charged the 300 for it... Damn You... > Archos...
Solomon Mullins
i currently have the ASUS Eee pad transformer 32gb and i have only attempted to take a picture/movie once with the rear facing camera. i actually find it to be a very big hastle. i prefer to use my evo 3d for that function. i actually wish more manufactures would leave off the rear facing camera as it is completely useless, and usually take pretty bad pictures/videos compared to smartphones and actual camera.