Archos announces Archos 9 Windows 7 tablet Update: hands-on pics

Archos is currently having an event in France, and while we're still expecting some sort of Android announcement, the company's leading off with the Archos 9, a nine-inch Windows 7 tablet. It's basically a netbook in tablet form, with an Atom Z515 processor, 80GB disk, Bluetooth, and dual DVB-T antennas -- yep, Archos has brought back the UMPC. No word on pricing or availability yet, we'll let you know.

Update: Sounds like a 1.2GHz processor -- not exactly a rocket, but probably adequate for a stripped-down Windows 7 build. We're also hearing September / October availability, in line with Windows 7, and a €450 ($633) pricetag.

Update 2: So much for our hopes -- the event is now over and no Android announcements were made. Charbax from techvideoblog (who is at the event) says we'll see more info on September 15.

Update 3: As you'd expect, ArchosLounge is on the scene and they've nabbed some hands-on pics. Check a couple after the break -- we think it looks sort of gigantic, but maybe that's what the world's been waiting for.

[Via UMPC Portal]

[chris @ Jun 11th 2009 12:50PM]

of course since i just bought my archos 7 not too long ago for 600 after shipping and junk and now its only 399. they better announce updates to the current line of archos' because theyre doing horrible with thier support, i bought the dvr station and the server has been down ever since i recieved it, i have not been able to use it at all to record television, i emailed they and they said sorry were working on it. i also emailed them about the random lockups and reboots everytime i use the device and they told me to update the firmware which i had allready done and then they ignored me even when i emailed again.

[iphonerulez @ Jun 11th 2009 1:15PM]

Nice. I thought people were saying that tablets can't possibly succeed, but Archos is giving it a shot. Better that than the usual netbook form factor. I'd rather have this than a Kindle. Not because the Kindle is bad. I just want that color screen.

[Sisyphus @ Jun 11th 2009 1:28PM]

Ugh, iphonerulez.

I saw your name and immediately expected to find some slobbering, slack-jawed, idiotic post relating somehow to whatever product you typically whore on about.

Yet, I found nothing. Now I'm sort of angry that I didn't get to be angry at you.

This is all so confusing...

[BigD145 @ Jun 11th 2009 1:40PM]

Nope. Not going to happen. At this point, support is pretty much at an end for all previous units.

[Ameen @ Jun 11th 2009 4:03PM]

I'm gonna have to go with sissyphuk, I thought it was an opportunity to downvote some one when I'd seen some one with the name "iPhoneRuleZ" in a thread about Archos, instead as sissyphuk put it, I couldn't find any reason or excuse to do so. For this I might have to be massively disappointed in you. For you are not a true iPhone fan. For if I were you, I'd put the Archos tablet down and attack it on how Windows 7 sucks compared to the newer version of Snow Leopard, and how the iPhone 3Gs would pwn this lame tablet and how it would cure cancer !

But as sissyphuk had said, I can't do so, cause you're not wrong and when some one is not a troll, I cannot unleash my wrath upon him and I can't keep downvoting them from 5 different browsers & 5 profiles until their post is sent back to oblivion. So, my presence here is unnecessary and its all you're fault "iPhoneRuleZ".. ALL FUCKIN' YOURS !!

[Frostblade10 @ Jun 12th 2009 3:05AM]

Maybe you guys should stop looking for a fight and stay on topic?

How dare he greatly favor a phone over another! *sarcasm*

[Ben @ Jul 17th 2009 1:05AM]

Where did you find one for only 399, everywhere i look its always 549.

[Alzheimers @ Jun 11th 2009 12:52PM]

Note to Asus: Take the T91 and stick it.

[carl @ Jun 12th 2009 1:37AM]

I dunno... the t91 has a keyboard and gps....

[Doh! @ Jun 11th 2009 12:54PM]

Hope this comes with some WLAN capabilities and at least wifi

[Jeremy K. @ Jun 11th 2009 12:54PM]

I'd buy it for $100.

[Adam @ Jun 11th 2009 12:58PM]

Be nice to know screen size

[Alzheimers @ Jun 11th 2009 1:01PM]

Considering the Archos 7 was a 7" screen, I'm going to go out on a limb and guess the Archos 9 has a 9" screen.

[Templarian @ Jun 11th 2009 1:07PM]

Read the article guys.

[Ameen @ Jun 11th 2009 4:06PM]

How do you go out on a limb? I thought it was limbS, or are you handicapped, in which case i'd be sorry for you and donate some money to the Hyundai engineers to copy Honda's prosthetic limbs.

[bolezhinkov @ Jun 11th 2009 5:34PM]

you go out on the limb or a branch, hence the percariousness involved.

also that thing looks like a mini surf board its so big.

[Doz @ Jun 12th 2009 4:42PM]

I'm hoping you meant resolution, which is it supposedly 1024 x 600. Decent actually, but I'd have to see it in person. Seems like a fun photo-editing/sketching tool.

[OneLove @ Jun 11th 2009 12:58PM]

oh snap! archos vs viliv fight!

[OneLove @ Jun 11th 2009 2:44PM]

...scratch that! Its too big (that's what she said), and not powerful enough (..oh no, she didn't!)

[Ameen @ Jun 11th 2009 4:12PM]

I have a feeling that you've juggled those around to make it somewhat favoring to you. And your name implies that you might not get anymore !

[OneLove @ Jun 12th 2009 2:05AM]

Ameen to that brother!

[bachviet @ Jun 11th 2009 1:04PM]

This is something I might consider instead of a netbook.

[Jayayess1190 @ Jun 11th 2009 1:09PM]

Even with the super slow Z515 processor?

[hated @ Jun 11th 2009 1:14PM]

U ready to drop $800 for this ..exactly thought so.

[Ameen @ Jun 11th 2009 4:09PM]

I might consider you instead of this !

[Richard @ Jun 11th 2009 1:11PM]

Well that's surprising. Wasn't everyone expecting an Android model from them?

I like my Archos 7, and this one looks cool, but no physical keyboard is a deal breaker for me. I don't need Windows 7 on a portable device unless I'm going to use office or something like that. Their onscreen keyboard is nice but there is no way I could type with that for long periods of time.

[bela @ Jun 11th 2009 4:48PM]

Bluetooth keyboard/mouse

[Richard @ Jun 11th 2009 1:13PM]

I too bought the DVR station... sucks.

I love my Archos and don't regret buying it, but yeah, I get random reboots as well. When the unit works though it's great!

[Richard @ Jun 11th 2009 1:13PM]

That was supposed to be a response to Chris

[Will @ Jun 11th 2009 1:13PM]

I like the fact that Windows 7 can run on a netbook. That still impresses me.

[Sam @ Jun 11th 2009 2:06PM]

^ now THAT is a fail

[Richard @ Jun 11th 2009 2:16PM]

Holy crap. It was not a fail! The message box said Reply to Richard when I typed it and I even got an email saying that had responded to myself.


What. The. Fuck.

This comment system sucks.

[OneLove @ Jun 11th 2009 2:41PM]

You took to long to reply, so the comment system got angry.

[Ameen @ Jun 11th 2009 4:09PM]

Will -1 , Comment System +1

[Nicole @ Jun 11th 2009 1:14PM]

These specs sound better (from the link):
"Windows 7 with the Intel Atom Z515 (800/1200Mz CPU), 16mm thick. 800gm, BT2.1, 802.11b/g, webcam, 120GB. Diversity (dual) tuner."

Properly executed, this could be a very compelling device. I doubt anything Archos will get major traction in the US, but I'm sort of expecting the rumored Apple tablet will be something along these lines.

This would be a fantastic controller for a home automation system, too, while still retaining the ability to be a functioning computer around the house for minor tasks.

[Félix @ Jun 12th 2009 6:02AM]

Windows 7 as an OS will maybe brought some stability (LoOoL)...
Anyway it original, innovative and kinda nice !
tablet/PC 1,2GHz and 120GB in a 800gr/16mm thick box !

[dilly dobbs @ Jun 11th 2009 1:15PM]

I still cant decide if i want a tablet or not. I would be nice to have around for my bathroom browsing needs.

[T D @ Jun 11th 2009 2:48PM]

Your... bathroom... browsing needs?

I won't ask.

[MacVicta @ Jun 11th 2009 1:16PM]

Still expecting an Android announcement? Lol.

Looks like Mobile World Congress 2009 all over again. Interesting that whenever Android is due to make some kind of big splash, Microsoft is there to crash the party.

[shagrath @ Jun 11th 2009 1:25PM]

They just posted ads for 2 full time jobs with android porting, here in France... so there's time before any Android announcement

[MacVicta @ Jun 11th 2009 1:56PM]

Right, right.

Just make sure not to hold your breath while you wait.

[K@0s @ Jun 11th 2009 1:16PM]

That's what I'm talking about! That's sweet!

[iofthestorm @ Jun 11th 2009 1:21PM]

I can see why you're hated...

[Mile @ Jun 11th 2009 1:22PM]

In for one!

[Rudy @ Jun 11th 2009 1:22PM]

I would never buy anything from Archos, after I brought that crappy Archos 5 and the way they sell you every driver you need one at a time. Belive me the first ones they do sell will have nothing but beta software on it and support yeah right dream about it. They have a nack for making pretty boxes but what is inside sucks.

[Dan Fruzzetti @ Jun 11th 2009 1:29PM]

Remember, though: Windows 7 is really good on a tablet and works surprisingly well on slow equipment as long as you put enough RAM in it.

[Preston @ Jun 11th 2009 1:30PM]

I keep looking at the picture and thinking it would be one awesome control panel for a home automation system.

[Ben Parson @ Jun 11th 2009 1:32PM]

I want something like Asus t91 or this Archos but with Tegra, Multitouch and Linux. I rly don't want to pay for pre-installed os. Another question why Atom, why GMA? I want ARM and Tegra.

[holycow @ Jun 11th 2009 1:36PM]

it would've been nice if they had included a built-in laser projected keyboards... I wonder why the companies haven't done that yet..

[Bernadrd @ Jun 11th 2009 1:48PM]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58053375@N00/sets/72157619602342260/