The fast growing netbook market is set to see plenty of new products later this year. Archos is the latest company to announce a new line of netbooks based on Intel's mobile processors.
Archos, which is better known for its digital music players, said it will have a new ultra-slim model, the Archos 10s ready for release in April. The netbook will have a 10-inch screen and be about 20-mm thick. It will also come with integrated 3.5G functionality and WiFi capability. The Archos 10s netbook will run Intel's Atom processor, Windows XP operating system and offer up to 160 GB hard drive.
Archos did not announce pricing for the new device but a similar netbooks from the company sells in the $400 to $450 range.
The company plans to follow up with a 9-inch MiniPC Tablet that integrates virtual keyboard and handwriting recognition. The new design, says Archos, will replace the traditional keyboard with a touch screen one. The MiniPC Tablet is expected to be available in the third quarter.
Archos is also working with Intel on a new range of tablet devices that will be based on Intel's next generation netbook platform codenamed 'Moorestown.' Devices based on Moorestown are expected to be available next year.
Meanwhile, LG is also partnering with Intel to create a new line of mobile internet devices that will use Moorestown and run Moblin, a Linux-based operating system designed exclusively for netbooks.
Photo: Archos 404 and 605 (psmithson/Flickr)
