By Sumit Passary | Aug 25, 2012 09:33 AM EDT
The France-based tablet maker ARCHOS unveiled its latest line of tablets - the Gen10 XS. Initially, a 10.1-inch model -101 XS - will hit the shelves in mid-September. The 10.1-inch tablet will be followed by 9.7-inch and 8-inch devices before the end of 2012.
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The entire Gen10 XS line features Android 4.0 and allows full access to Google Play, featuring over 600,000 apps. The device will be upgradable to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean in Q4 2012.
"As the pioneer in the Android tablet market, we strive to continually push the technological boundaries of tablets and user experience," said Henri Crohas, ARCHOS Founder and CEO. Crohas further added "We are taking our tablets to the next level by releasing an entirely new design that will redefine thin while providing more functionality and a better price than any current Android tablet in the market."
The 101 XS will sport a 10.1-inch screen with 1280 x 800 resolution. A 1.5 GHz smart multi-core processor with 1GB of RAM will power the device. The tablet will have 16GB of on-board memory and Micro USB, microSD (SDXC up to 64 GB), and a Mini HDMI port. The tablet will have Wi-Fi support and be Bluetooth enabled.
ARCHOS focuses quite a bit on the magnetic coverboard. The ultra-thin magnetic Coverboard included with all Gen10 tablets will enable its users to protect, stand, and dock the tablet as well as type with a full-size QWERTY keyboard.
Protect
The 0.2-inch thick protective cover is secured to the tablet with magnets. To open the coverboard users will simply have to twist to separate and reveal the full keyboard and magnetic kickstand.
Stands
The magnetically guided docking system will enable a seamless alignment on the keyboard, eliminating the need for clips or stands. The integrated magnetic kickstand holds the tablet to the coverboard as one unit, allowing users to sit back and enjoy their music and movies comfortably.
Docks
When docked, the tablet powers the coverboard, providing hours of productivity. The coverboard also has a DC in, so when it's plugged into a power outlet the keyboard functions like a dock charger on the tablet.
The 101 XS tablet, which will be 15 percent thinner than the new iPad 3, weighs only 21 ounces and is 0.31 of an inch thin. It will be available from September onwards at an expected price of $399.99. The 101 XS will pack decent features, but whether the device can divert tablet enthusiasts from rival tablets like the Samsung Note 10.1 and Apple's iPad 3 remains to be seen.
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