Archos readies UK tablet launch

Archos is taking on the iPad with a £129.99 Android tablet

Archos is taking pre-orders for its Archos 7 home tablet, which it says offers a range of communication and home entertainment features.

The Archos 7 costs £129.99 and is the company's first large-screen Android-based tablet. Archos is accepting pre-orders on its own site and those of selected retailers.

The firm said that the new device bridges the gap between home PCs and smartphones. It smaller than an iPad, offers always-on connectivity to the internet, audio and video playback and access to the Android Marketplace application store.

The device comes pre-installed with a number of apps, including an e-book reader, instant messaging platform and a range of daily newspaper feeds.

The tablet has a high-resolution 7in 800 x 400 touch screen, and is just 12mm thick. It is designed to be ultra portable, and has built in Wi-Fi and low power features, according to the company.

Archos said that the device offers seven hours of video playback, or 44 hours of music, on a single charge.

Unlike the iPad, it has a USB connection which should make transferring files much simpler.

A spokeswoman for the firm said that the Archos 7 will be available "around June".