Archos 70 unboxed, in the flesh!

So we got the most popular variant of the Archos Android tablets this year, the Archos 70. There’s a limited number of units available locally and release has been delayed twice but the local Archos distributor was able to get us a review unit.



Having tried the bigger Archos 101, I must admit that the Archos 70 looks sleeker, thinner (much thinner than the Galaxy Tab or the Cherry Mobile Superion) and lighter. I think it’s just the right size for an internet tablet.



Archos A70 Internet Tablet
7″ display @ 800×480 pixel capacitive screen
1GHz ARM Cortex A8 CPU
720p HD video playback
VGA camera
HDMI, USB ports
8GB Flash or 250GB HDD model
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 2.1

Archos 70 250GB price: Php16,990
Archos 70 8GB price: Php15,490



There’s been a huge demand for these tablets that delays in shipments are due to lack of supply. I am told that Europe got the first shipments and that units there are still in short supply. Units were initially slated to arrive in the Philippines back in November but was pushed back to December.



The only available units ready for this month would be the 8GB Archos 70 while the 250GB variant will be available by January. The retail price of Php15,490 still applies.



The device still runs on Android 2.1 Eclair but should be ready for upgrade to Froyo now (just checked firmware update to 2.0.54 is up). Although update is available via OTA, Archos recommends downloading the full update to a PC and then transfer via USB before upgrading. Will post my full review of the Archos 70 soon.

Are you selling this? I've been looking for one.