Archos preps "gen-8" Android tablet lineup

Archos is reportedly prepping its new “gen-8” Android tablet lineup for a Fall 2010 launch.

According to specs that were inadvertently leaked on J&R’s website (now removed), the Archos 32GB model will feature a 3.2″ 400×240 touch screen along with a $150 price tag.

Additional specs (via Lilliputing) include:

  • 800MHz ARM Cortex A8-based CPU.
  • OpenGL support.
  • 802.11b/g/n WiFi/Bluetooth.
  • USB.
  • Accelerometer, camera and mic.
  • Support for various audio and video codecs, such as MP4, H.264, WMV, MOV, 3GP, MKV, FLV, OGG Vorbis, FLAC and AAC.
  • H.264 HD ([email protected] up to 720p, 24fps@7Mbps).

As “Charbax” of ArchosFan notes, the 32GB iteration of the tablet (when released) may very well be the cheapest Android device on the market.

“[Think of] it a bit like an Android smart phone, with WiFi but without 3G (you can use Mifi or Bluetooth tethering) – you may even be able to use it as an excellent VOIP Android phone on Skype, SIP maybe even Google Voice.

“It comes with much better codecs and multimedia support than most existing Android super phones by HTC/Motorola/Samsung/Sony Ericsson/Huawei/Dell and most importantly, consider this is much cheaper unlocked Android device than buying one of those phones often for over $500 unlocked or only with a $2500 2 year contract! [Of course], we expect at least 5 devices, maybe as many as 8 new Archos Android devices to be announced/released by Archos in the [near future].”

However, Brad Linder of Lilliputing cautioned that the display was limited to a mere 400 x 240 pixels, while other specs have yet to be released.

“[For example], I don’t see anything about RAM or battery capacity. It’s also not clear if the handheld device has a capacitive or resistive display. Still, for $150, this little guy looks pretty good.

“[And the other] screen sizes are expected to range from 3 to 10 inches, [with] prices [ranging] from about $100 to $350. They should [also] have processors with clock speeds between 800MHz and 1GZ.”