14 DAY TRIAL // Leaked earlier this month, the Archos 32 Internet tablet resurface again, this time at FCC's website. The device has just been approved by the Commission and might be launched on the market by the end of the year.
Even though it's considered to be an Internet tablet, Archos 32 is in fact a small gadget, that features a 3.2-inch touch screen with a 400 x 240 pixels resolution. It can hardly be considered an iPad competitor, but I'm pretty sure that it already has its fans.
Looking more like an aspirin tablet, Archos 32 is in fact an enhanced aspirin, as it's powered by an 800MHz ARM Cortex A8 processor, and runs Google's Android 2.1 operating system.
The device features 8 GB internal memory, but lacks an external microSD card slot for memory expansion.
Other highlight of the Android-based tablet include: built-in GPS receiver, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as video out capabilities. Further, Archos 32 can also enhanced with a digital TV receiver that enables live TV and DVR features.
There's also a sub-par VGA camera (640x480 resolution) on the back of the device, that features video recording capabilities (MPEG-4 format).
The custom version of Android 2.1 that runs on the device might lack the Android Market application, which could be a major issue for those thinking to get one.
If rumors are true we might see the gimmick on the market pretty soon. Archos 32 appears to be priced in the $150 USD range, which puts the device in the low-end category.
Small and powerful, Archos 32 Internet tablet has some potential, but a few drawbacks such as the small display and lack of a microSD card slot will probably drag down its functionality.
There's no word yet about its release date, but the FCC approval suggests that we won't have to wait too much for it.
