Archos steps up portable computing push

The Archos 9 PC Tablet has a 9in touch-screen and is just 16mm thick

Archos has expanded its reach into the portable computing market with the launch of a range of new products, including an ultra-mobile PC and several netbooks, one of which is aimed at kids.

First on the list is the Archos 9 PC Tablet, which is similar to the company's range of portable media players. Running on an Intel Z515 processor, the device will run Windows 7 through a 9in touch-screen. It measures 16mm thick, weighs 631g and incorporates an 80GB to 160GB hard drive, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 and dual TV tuners. Input can also be performed via an optical trackball and a virtual keyboard.

The PC Tablet is due to hit shelves this autumn, costing £449.99 for the 80GB version and £499.99 for the 160GB version. A 12in model will be available early 2010.

The Archos 10s netbook, meanwhile, features all the regular netbook specifications, including an Intel Atom processor, 1GB of memory and a 160GB hard drive, and runs Windows XP on a 10.2in screen. Weighing in at 1kg using an aluminium and magnesium chassis, it measures 21.8mm thick and is one of the smallest of its kind.

In an attempt to differentiate itself from other netbook suppliers, Archos is bundling a 12-month free trial of Microsoft Office 2007, and six-month trial versions of Parental Filter and BitDefender Antivirus 2009. The device also comes with an £80 voucher to download films from the Archos Media Club.

The Archos 10s will be available later this month at £329.99 with a three-cell battery and £349.99 for the six-cell version.

For those wanting a bit more power, the Archos 13 laptop boasts a 13.3in screen, an Intel Celeron Ultra Low Voltage processor, a 250GB hard drive, 802.11n Wi-Fi and HDMI output, all in a case weighing just 1.6kg.

The Archos 13 is powered by an impressive 10-cell battery which, although Archos gives no official figures, could provide as much as 10 or 12 hours of battery life.

Last up is the education focused Archos Classmate, which began its development as part of a French government initiative for primary school children. The device is designed to be durable, and sports a shock-proof casing, water-resistant keyboard and integrated carrying handle. Under the hood, the Classmate has all the features found in most of today's netbooks.

Both the Archos 13 and the Classmate will be available next month, and should sell for £549.99 and £319.99 respectively.

According to V3.co.uk's sister site The Inquirer, Archos is also due to release an Android-based tablet device in September boasting a 5in screen.