14 DAY TRIAL // Archos, one of the most prolific Internet tablet manufacturers, has recently passed two new products through the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). Known as ARNOVA 10HT and ARNOVA 8, both tablets are supposed to run on the Android platform.
Even though information regarding the spec sheets of the tablets is scarce, we know that ARNOVA 8 comes with an 8-inch display with support for 800 x 600 resolution.
Unfortunately, the tablet is powered by a low-end 311MHz ARM processor and packs 8GB of storage. To make things even worse, the ARNOVA 8 runs on Android 1.5 with no chances to be upgraded because of the hardware specs of the device.
This might indicate the fact that this is a very basic Android tablet or a standard eBook reader.
The second tablet showed on FCC's website, the Archos 10HT looks more appealing and is described by the manufacturer as an “Internet tablet.” In addition to the 10-inch display, the tablet also features support for Wi-Fi connectivity.
Details about the devices' price tag haven’t emerged yet. Even though both tablets have just been approved by FCC, it is a bit premature to speculate on the release date for the moment, but more information should be available soon.
Instead of attempting to take on popular devices like iPad and Galaxy Tab, it looks like Archos is focusing on the mid-budget and entry-level market.
The manufacturer is currently retailing six Android tablets of different sizes and configurations.
Mostly mid-end and entry-level, some of these tablets are industry firsts: Archos 28 (first Android mini tablet below $100), Archos 70 (first Android tablet with a 250 GB HDD) and Archos 10.1 (the most advanced Android tablet below $300).
As as side note, Archos is also manufacturing a Windows 7 Internet tablet, which is prices at $429.99.