Archos 9 Hands On: The Windows 7 Netbook That Lost Its Keyboard
We’re probably not going to see an Apple tablet tomorrow, but the Archos 9 could hold us over. The “netblet” (yea, my portmanteau of the words netbook and tablet) runs Windows 7, but I’m not sure I’d shell out $US500.
The 0.63-inch thin Archos 9 feels pretty sturdy, but one major complaint is that it feels heavy. Archos says it only weighs half a kilo, but something about the balance is wrong, because it felt heavier than that in my hands. The hardware is pretty simple—a 9-inch resistive touchscreen (no multitouch) with a few surrounding physical buttons.
There is a Ctrl+Alt+Delete button and a keyboard trigger on the right, the latter which quickly launches Win 7’s finger-friendly keyboard. (Archos will also market a USB keyboard along with a case.) If you don’t like using your finger on the screen, there is a tiny optical trackpad on the right and two mouse buttons on the left side. The touchscreen is pretty responsive, and there is a stylus on the back, so I don’t see the need to really reach for the bitty mouse. I’ve always found optical trackpad annoying as hell.
The Archos 9 comes with Windows 7 Starter (remember that means no wallpaper changing or Aero) and its 1.2GHz Intel Atom Z515 processor and 1GB of RAM run it well. Watching a 720p Windows Media clip was decent, and when I fired up Wi-Fi and launched a browser, I was able to watch some streaming videos.
It only has 60GB of storage space, which could get cramped if you plan on keeping loads of video on it but doesn’t seem like a deal breaker to me. My biggest worry is battery life. It has a 4-cell battery (which is actually swappable) but I am guessing it won’t get more than 3 hours of juice.
I’ll withhold final judgement until the full review. I am in search of a tablet like this for sitting back on the couch and surfing. The Archos could be it—though $US500 is a bit much—but I’ve also still got my fingers crossed for a thinner and lighter Apple one.
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Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)
Agreed, no way I’m shelling out US$500 for this. I only read the first few lines of this article and decided on that – no multitouch. I want a ‘net-tablet’. Something that can sit on my coffee table like a giant iPhone, if you will, and anyone can come along and surf the net and check their email while watching TV. Multitouch is vital, to zoom in on small text, or to enlarge photos for showing others (a very important part of my vision).
I’m guessing there’s no capacitive to keep costs down.
I strongly advise against purchasing an Archos product. I purchased an Archos 7 media tablet and after two months and 5 uses the screen failed after swithcing it on. I had treated the product with care, never dropped it or exercised excessive pressure to the screen. Archos absolved themselves of all responsibility because the screen was not covered by the warranty. The product quality is abysmal and simply not fit for purpose on the Archos 7. If that applies to all of their products then I do not waste your money.
I’ve had an archos av340 since 2005 or so and it still kicks ass, granted the battery life isn’t so great anymore, but what can you expect from a four year old lithium ion battery? They make quality products, and they’re not apple. so that’s a plus.
I’ve had an Archos 420 for well over 5 years. I’ve not treated kindly and it still goes on and on and on.
I did have to replace the hard drive about 3 years ago, and the cables on the stand could do with a new connector, but I am still really impressed by the product.
I still have trouble looking at PVRs today, as they seem way overpriced and under featured when I compare to my Archos which is pretty long in the tooth!
Archos dis say that they have a multitouch screen on this. You don’t absolutely need capacitative for multitouch. 8.9″ capacitative does NOT exist elsewhere.
Microsoft surface is a huge capacitive touchscreen. Way bigger than 8.9′. It is like 500,000 dollars though :)
If this had multitouch, I’d be in this….would be interested to see how it goes RDPing into my main box?
hi, i got the archos 9 for christmas, one of ten in the uk consumers to get it!! yay!!! but i definately recommend it!! it really is a stylish little netbook, extremely thin and light, does everything you want/need it to. two things i have found that arent preferable, are that it doesnt come with microsoft office (not really expected though) and that you cannot chane the home screen background. however neither of these are problems with the device, but windows 7. overall, i definately recommend it, great produnt!
There are so many site’s out there telling different stories.
Can you confirm that the Archos 9 has multi-touch?