Update: Archos 9 is now in the database with all the specs and links to the important news and videos.
Looks like some of the folks over at Cnet.uk had some time to ‘finger’ (their words, not mine) the recently unveiled Archos 9 UMPC. As you’ll recall, the Archos 9 is Archos’ first foray into the world of UMPCs, though they seem to have not realized that there have already been many device like this, and think they are being ‘innovative’ by removing the keyboard from the ‘netbook’ (am I the only one that can’t help but laugh at that?). Actually, let me quote directly from their press release before we move on:
What better innovation for a Netbook than to get rid of keyboards?
Ok, I’ll give you a minute to recover from you inevitable laughter. Got it? Good.
Well then, as I was saying, the folks at Cnet.uk seem to have gotten their hands on an early sample of the Archos 9 and while they didn’t have much time to test the unit for performance, they did snap some pictures for us to examine.
These are the good sides of the device. Be sure to check out the Cnet article for a few more images. After checking out the others, you may agree with me that it appears to be decidedly pre-production. I’m hoping the device will clean up nicely before launch.
One interesting thing to note is that the resistive touchscreen on the Archos 9 is apparently so responsive that the people playing with the unit actually mistook it for a capacitive screen, which is about the best news we can hear without it actually being capacitive. Cnet is actually checking for verification just to be sure that it is resistive as stated in the press release (linked above).
New article: Archos 9 UMPC gets some hands-on time http://cli.gs/jDu3e
Actualy, I don’t use a keyboard on my Gigabyte 912. It is in a tablet mode, always. I really looking forward to owning Archos 9. Is there any indication when is the release date? Not just “later this year”?
i think, Ben’s point is that there is no innvoation in this, since this is what a UMPC has mainly been about, or any slate tablet pc as well.
the innovation would be to make such a device so, that a majority of users would agree after a brief training period, that it is as good or better than having a physical keyboard.
as far as the archos claim is concerned: it is not half as appealing as they think, because the people such a phrase is aiming at (the regular netbook user who may not be so aware of umpc and tablets) are not exactly the ones who would immediately agree with such a statement, since they do not see any need what so ever to get rid of a keyboard….
anyway: lets see what interface archos comes up with…
U can’t pay such close attantion to all marketing mumbo-jumbo. Apple claims its cut and paste on iPhone 3G S is incredible inovation. So far onl Engadget to notice it. As far as UI for Archos, looks like it will be standard Win7 UI.
Interestingly, it’s not clear will the device support multitouch mode … unless I somehow missed this
In earlier video it clearly does have a multitouch. Search youtube.com for it
I think the inovation of removing the keyboard is a clear statement this is the first mainstream UMPC. The Vilivs, Samsung Qs of this world are all rather hardcore and cannot be bought from the highstreet stores.
I think this is a good step in getting a high profile easily available devise out there that should raise the profile of UMPCs
Personally I would rather get a Viliv but I have to import one of those with all the headaches that brings with support etc
If they can get this machine out there in large numbers to the big highstreet retailers at around £350-£400 then I will give it a go
The thing that did make me laugh though was the second photo side on shot looks strikingly like the SmartQ 7