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        Archos spins Windows netbook

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Mar 24, 2009 | Comments: 1


        Archos has released its first netbook, bundling with it IBM's Lotus Symphony software and a membership to the web-based Archos Media Club. The "Archos 10" has a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 160GB hard drive, a 10.2-inch display, and 1GB of RAM, according to the company.



        (Click here for a larger view of the Archos 10)

        The release of a plain-vanilla, x86-based netbook comes as something of a surprise from Igny, France-based Archos, which has been making Linux-based PMPs (portable media players) for years, and, according to our sister site LinuxDevices.com, recently announced plans to release the Internet Media Tablet (IMT), which will combine an ARM Cortex-A8 processor with Google's Android stack. Apparently, however, Archos was unable to resist the lure of booming netbook sales, and has released a device that's reportedly a rebadged version of the MH125, manufactured by Hasee in Shenzen.

        As you'll read below, the MH125, aka Archos 10, has mainstream netbook features, including Intel's 1.6GHz Atom N270 CPU, 82945GSE northbridge and ICH7M southbridge, and the Windows XP ULCPC (ultra low-cost PC, essentially a version of Windows XP Home) operating system. However, the Archos version ships with an installed copy of IBM's Lotus Symphony office suite, Skype, the Xnview photo editor, plus a membership and $50 credit for the web-based Archos Media Club, the company says.

        According to Archos, its netbook has 1GB of non-upgradeable DDR2 RAM, plus a 5400rpm, 160GB HDD (hard disk drive). The device has a 10.2-inch display with LED backlighting and 1024 x 600 resolution, plus a 1.3 megapixel webcam, the company adds.

        Other cited ingredients -- all entirely typical for the breed -- include 802.11b/g wireless networking, three USB 2.0 ports, a 10/100 Ethernet port, a VGA output, plus headphone and microphone ports. The Archos 10 also has a larger-than-average touchpad. However, its keyboard doesn't extend to the edges of the device and appears relatively cramped.

        Features and specifications provided by Archos for the Archos 10 include the following:
        • Processor -- Intel Atom N270 clocked at 1.6GHz
        • Memory -- 1GB of RAM (non-expandable)
        • Display -- 10.2-inch LED-backlit display with 1024 x 600 resolution
        • Camera -- 1.3 megapixel webcam
        • Storage -- 160GB hard disk drive
        • Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet port
        • Wireless -- 802.11b/g
        • Other I/O:
          • VGA port
          • Audio headphone out and mic in
          • 3 x USB
        • Expansion -- "4-in-1" card reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS Pro)
        • Battery type/life -- Three-cell or six-cell (optional) battery, life n/s
        • Dimensions -- 10.2 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches (258 x 189 x 28mm)
        • Weight -- 2.8 pounds (1.3kg)
        Further information

        A review of the Archos 10 by Laptop magazine concludes that while "Archos's first netbook has a full software stack and a fast hard drive, its battery life and keyboard are lacking." To read the review, see the publication's website, here.

        The Archos 10 is available now for approximately $400, with Windows XP. (Ironically, Archos doesn't list a Linux option, but the device is compatible with the open-source operating system, according to Hasee.) More information may be found on the Archos website, here.


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