Worth entertaining?
Archos has joined the growing number of companies touting Android 3.1-based tablets, with the launch of its G9 series. Which comes in two varieties: the 8in 80G9 and 10.1in 101 G9.
The two tablets have more similarities than differences. The big divider is, of course, the display size and resolution; the 8in model has a 1,024 x 768 pixel screen, while the 10in G9 packs a 1,280 x 800 pixel model. The outer chassis may vary, but under the covers the two tablets are nigh indistinguishable.
Both members of the G9 series pack 1.5GHz dual-core OMAP 4 processors, powering the Android 3.1 operating system. There's an ADMI output for playing back 1080p video, which the system should chew through without an issue, and a full-sized USB port. The main purpose of this is to accept the optional 3G dongle offered for the G9 tablets, which can augment the built-in Wi-Fi connection.
In typical Archos style both solid-state and mechanical hard drives are offered, topping out at 250GB capacity. The hard drive model is 3mm thicker than the SSD version of the G9, and is also heavier, by 134g and 106g for the 8in and 10.1in models, respectively. For those who need more than 16GB of build-in capacity (which can be extended with a MicroSD card) option to sacrifice a little lightness will no doubt be an easy one to make - especially as rival tablets don't even offer the choice.
The prices of the 80 G9 and 101 G9 are fairly comparative. The 10.1in model starts at £259 and the 8in tablet from £199. Even taking into account the £50 cost of adding a 3G dongle, that's a fair saving over a Samsung Galaxy Tab or Motorola Xoom - although no doubt the manufacturers of those will claim they offer a far better experience.
And speaking of the Galaxy Tab; it's been confirmed that the Tab 10.1 will launch in the UK on 4 August, while the 8.9in model is promised "later in the year." We can hardly wait.
