Archos 101 Now Shipping, One Of The Best Android Tablets Out There

The Archos 101 that we reported on a couple of weeks ago is finally shipping for just $300 for the 8 GB version and $350 for the 16 GB version, which is a relatively good price considering all of the the other features of the Archos 101, which include a 10.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1024x600, 802.11n WiFi, a front facing camera, the capability to play 720p HD video and a wide variety of video formats and codecs, an HDMI output, and a pretty good battery life of up to 10 hours of web browsing, up to 7 hours of video playback, and up to 36 hours of music playback. You can see all of the features of the Archos 101 in our previous post about it. The Archos 101 is currently shipping with Android 2.1 but Archos has said that it will be updated to Android 2.2 Froyo by the end of the month. The only drawback of the Archos 101 is the lack of the Android Market, but that can be easily fixed with the multitude of Andorid Market hacks that are out there. The Archos 101 is shipping now and it is one of the best Android tablet choices out there.

Archos 43 And Archos 70 Now Shipping, Still No Android Market

The Archos 43 and the Archos 70 that we posted about previously have finally been released. The Archos 43, featuring a 4.3 inch touchscreen display, Android 2.2 Froyo, WiFi, and HDMI output, and 16 GB of storage, is finally shipping for $250. This seems like a fair price to pay, but unfortunately there is still no Android Market support. The Archos 70, as you might have expected, features a 7 inch touchscreen display with a 1 GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor, 8 GB of storage, a microSD card slot, Android 2.2 Froyo, WiFi, Bluetooth, and a front-facing camera. All this comes in an 11 ounce package that is just 0.43 inches thin. Unfortunately, as with the Archos 43, the Archos 70 does not have Android Market support. The Archos 70 has been released and is selling for $280, which seems like a great price to pay considering that the smaller screen Archos 43 is going for $250. A 250 GB hard drive version of the Archos 70 should also be released shortly for $350. If you would like to see the full specifications of the entire line of new Archos tablets, please visit our previous post. Overall, at these price points and boasting the specifications that they do, the Archos 43 and the Archos 70 seem like pretty good competitors in today's tablet market, except for the lack of Android Market support, of course. 

Viewsonic Introduces Two New ViewPad Android And Windows 7 Tablets

Viewsonic has just announced that they will be releasing two new tablets in the United States; the ViewPad 7 and the ViewPad 10. The ViewPad 7, as you might have already guessed, features a 7 inch capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 800x480 and will run on Android 2.2 Froyo. The ViewPad 7 also features WiFi 802.11g connectivity, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and two built in cameras.On the back you will find a 3 megapixel camera with autofocus, while the front features a 0.3 megapixel camera, presumably for video conferencing. For storage you get a built in 512 MB of memory, which is expandable to up to 32 GB via a microSD card slot. As for battery life, Viewsonic is saying the the ViewPad 7 will be able to give you up to 10 hours of use. The ViewPad 7 will also feature 3G connectivity, although there is no word on which carrier, and will have access to the Android Market, an impressive feat for a tablet considering all of the cheap Market-less tablets that have been released lately. The ViewPad 7 will be released sometime in November, and will be available for the hefty price of $480. This seems like a huge price to pay for a device like this, considering that you could get a decent netbook or even a cheap laptop for this price. The second device that Viewsonic has announced is the ViewPad 10, which features a 10.1 inch capacitive multitouch display with a resolution of 1024x600. Unlike the ViewPad 7 the ViewPad 10 will dual boot Windows 7 Home Premium and Android 1.6. The Windows 7 option is great, but Android 1.6 is extremely outdated. Aside from these features the ViewPad 10 will also feature a 1.66 GHz Intel Atom processor, 1 GB of RAM, a 16 GB SSD, a microSD card slot, an accelerometer, and a 1.3 megapixel front facing camera with a built in microphone for video conferencing. The ViewPad 10 will be launching in the first part of 2011 at a price of $630, which is overpriced in our opinion. The features of both the Viewsonic ViewPad 7 and the Viewsonic ViewPad 10 seem great, but the prices are immense and way too high for tablets in this range. Of course, we don't know exactly what the tablets will be like so we can't say anything about their performance, but unless they are something amazing the ViewPad 7's price of $480 and the ViewPad 10's price of $630 are too much to pay for a tablet with these features. The official press release and another image are below.

Viewsonic Unveils Android™-Based ViewPads®

Thousands of open-sourced apps available for 7” Android 2.2 3.5G capable ViewPad 7 and 10.1” dual-boot Win 7 and Android 1.6 ViewPad 10

WALNUT, Calif. – November 1, 2010 – ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today announced its ViewPad line of Android-based devices, featuring the ViewPad 7 and ViewPad 10.

“Leveraging our 20-year display heritage, these new ViewPad solutions provide users with anytime anywhere connectivity,” said Jeff Volpe, vice president and general manager for ViewSonic Americas. “With access to the universe of Android apps, our new ViewPads are perfectly suited for enjoying digital entertainment and social media. Office productivity is also a snap with robust web browsing functionality.” 

ViewPad 7 – The Android 2.2 ViewPad 7 combines a powerful processor with 3.5G capable data technology in a lightweight, pocket-sized 7” form factor. With an 800x480 WVGA LCD screen, this device is one of the only 7” tablet solutions with Android Google Mobile Services (GMS). As a result, consumers can connect to a selection of more than 100,000 apps and games along with Gmail, YouTube and more for a superior and convenient entertainment solution that fits today’s mobile lifestyle.
 
With its wireless 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth® connectivity the ViewPad 7 supports instant messaging, VoIP, and all the web browsing and USB connectivity functions of a capacitive multi-touch device. The ViewPad 7 features 2 built-in cameras: a 3-megapixel, auto focus camera in the rear and a 0.3 megapixel camera in the front. In addition to the integrated 512MB of memory, the ViewPad 7 offers up to an additional 32GB of storage capacity via the micro SD card slot, along with battery life of up to 10 hours. The result is the ultimate device for connected fun and multitasking – in a compact size easier to carry than a netbook and with better media performance than a smartphone.

The ViewPad 7 will be available in late Q4 2010 for an ESP of $479. Third-party accessories and ViewCare™ extended warranties will also be available at launch.

ViewPad 10 – Innovative and productive, this 10.1” dual-boot Wi-Fi device gives users a choice between Windows® 7 Home Premium and Google Android 1.6 within the same device. With a high performance, high speed Intel® Atom™ 1.66GHz processor, integrated 1GB of memory, 16GB SSD hard drive and expandable micro SD slot, the ViewPad 10 is ideally designed to view Flash-based content and Office programs with Windows, and for an optimized mobile entertainment experience with Android. Additionally, the 1024x600 LED backlit panel includes a G-sensor and capacitive multi-touch for intuitive navigation across multiple applications. Teamed with a 1.3-megapixel webcam with built-in microphone, the ViewPad 10 is great for videoconferencing as well.

The ViewPad 10 with dual-boot OS will be available in Q1 2011 for an ESP of $629. Third-party accessories and ViewCare™ extended warranties will be available at launch.

For further information on ViewSonic products, please visit ViewSonic.com or follow ViewSonic on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. 

T-Mobile Introduces Their Latest And Lowest Cost Android Device Yet, The T-Mobile Comet

T-Mobile has just announced their new T-Mobile Comet, their latest and lowest cost Android device yet. This is quite a feat considering they recently released their new LG Optimus T for just $30, and that it is available from some third part retailers for free. The Comet is pretty much T-Mobile's version of the Huawei Ideos. Although the T-Mobile Comet is T-Mobile's lowest cost Android device, it doesn't mean that it isn't fully featured. The T-Mobile Comet features a 2.8 inch capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 240x320, a 3.2 megapixel camera, 3G connectivity with HSDPA speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps, a microSD card slot supporting cards of up to 32 GB, an FM radio, WiFi 802.11n connectivity, aGPS, and a Qualcomm processor with a clock speed of 528 MHz. This is all on top of Android 2.2 Froyo. Another feature on the software side is built in Swype. The big and perhaps only downside of the T-Mobile Comet is the 2.8 inch display, and perhaps the 528 MHz processor, which could cause Android to run slowly on the device, but we are not sure on that one yet as the device has not been released. Aside from the small screen the T-Mobile Comet has all the features you could ever want, and at a price point that is sure to fight off most dumb phones. Now, the moment that you have all been waiting for, the price. The T-Mobile Comet will be available for just $10 with a two year contract and a smartphone data package. The required data package is the only thing standing in the way from of T-Mobile Comet and beating off dumb phones completely. Of course, now that T-Mobile is offering a 200 MB smartphone data package for just $10 a month more customers might be willing to pay that small fee for the benefit of a decent Android device for a low price, plus 200 MB of data. The 200 MB data package could also appeal to those users who would like a higher end Android device, but are planning to use it mostly on WiFi or just don't want to dish out a hefty sum of cash for a data package. Now, back to the T-Mobile Comet. The Comet launches on November 3 for just $10, and is available in black. The Comet will also be available prepaid for less than $200. The press release is below.



T-Mobile Kicks Off the Holidays With a Compelling Lineup of Affordable Android-Powered Smartphones and new Low-Cost Data Service Plans

T-Mobile Is Making It Easier for Families to Stay Connected This Holiday Season and Beyond

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Nov. 1, 2010 PDT T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced new products and service plans designed to help families stay connected without busting their holiday budgets.  Beginning Nov. 3, T-Mobile is planning to offer a variety of new Android™ smartphones, including the T-Mobile® Comet™, LG Optimus T™ with Google™ and Motorola DEFY™ with MOTOBLUR™, each for less than $100. 
 
“We’re heading into this holiday season with our strongest and most affordable lineup ever of Android-powered smartphones,” said Cole Brodman, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA.  “Combine that with low-cost data service plans and even easier ways to give T-Mobile products as gifts, and we believe families will make the move to smartphones -- enriching how they communicate in the new year.”

Affordable Android Smartphones for All

T-Mobile’s compelling suite of affordable Android smartphones appeals to each member of the family, even first-time smartphone users. In addition to providing access to the mobile Web while on the go, Android-powered smartphones provide customers with one-click access to their favorite Google services, such as Google Maps™, Gmail™, YouTube®, and over 100,000 applications in Android Market™. For less than $100 with qualifying rate plan on a two-year agreement (plus taxes and fees), T-Mobile customers can purchase any of the following devices during the holiday season:

The T-Mobile Comet offers a compact form factor, 528 MHz processor, 2.8-inch full touch screen display and a 3.2 megapixel camera. Perfect for customers who are ready to make the affordable transition to their first smartphone, the T-Mobile Comet is also available for prepaid customers at less than $200 (plus taxes and fees), the lowest-priced 3G Android smartphone in the T-Mobile portfolio. The T-Mobile Comet is available in a black finish.
The LG Optimus T is an easy-to-use smartphone with a user customizable home screen, 600 MHz processor, 3.2-inch full touch screen display and a 3.2 megapixel camera with video capture. Featuring Voice Actions for Android pre-loaded on the device, the LG Optimus T allows customers to perform commands through voice entry, such as calling, texting, e-mailing and navigating to a specific destination. The LG Optimus T is available in a burgundy or titanium finish.
Slim and pocket-able, the Motorola DEFY is equipped to withstand all that life throws your way. The DEFY is scratch- and water-resistant, as well as dust-proof, combined with MOTOBLUR™, an 800 MHz processor, a 3.7-inch full touch screen and a 5-megapixel camera with flash and video capture. The Motorola DEFY is available in a black and linen finish.
The Motorola CHARM with MOTOBLUR features a full QWERTY keyboard for easy messaging, a 2.8-inch touch screen paired with a BACKTRACK™ pad for simple navigation, and MOTOBLUR, making it easy to keep up with family and friends. Also featuring a 600 MHz processor and a 3 megapixel camera, the Motorola CHARM is available in a golden bronze or cabernet finish.
Services Families Can Afford

In addition to affordable Android-powered smartphones, T-Mobile is delivering new low-cost data service plans expected to be available this holiday season, making data even more accessible for families. New value offers include these:

Mobile data plans. With T-Mobile data plans, customers will have two options for data: the Web – 200MB plan or the Web – Unlimited plan. The Web – 200MB plan will be available for $10 per month with a new two-year service agreement or contract extension for a limited time or for $15 per month, which will not require a two-year contract extension. The Web – Unlimited plan will be available for $30 per month. Both data plans will be sold paired with a new or existing voice and text message plan. 
Tethering and Wi-Fi Sharing service plan. T-Mobile is offering a new tethering service plan that enables select smartphones to function as wireless modems for connecting devices, such as laptops, tablets and netbooks to the Internet through the T-Mobile network. Customers can add the Tethering and Wi-Fi Sharing plan to their Web – Unlimited $30 monthly plan for an additional $14.99 per month. 
Availability

The T-Mobile Comet, LG Optimus T and Motorola DEFY are expected to be available starting Nov. 3 at T-Mobile retail stores, select dealers and online at http://www.t-mobile.com. The T-Mobile Comet will also be available as a prepaid Android smartphone at Best Buy, Radio Shack and Target. T-Mobile expects its new mobile data plans and tethering service plan will be available this holiday season.

Making it even easier for consumers to give T-Mobile devices and accessories to their friends and families this holiday season, T-Mobile Gift Cards can be purchased and redeemed at select T-Mobile retail stores nationwide.

For more information on T-Mobile products and services, visit http://www.t-mobile.com.

LG Optimus T Priced At Just $30, Hitting T-Mobile on November 3

T-Mobile has just announced the release date and pricing of their newest Android device, the LG Optimus T. Our previous post had all the specs but for those of you who haven't seen it the Optimus T features a 3.2 inch HVGA touchscreen display, which is most likely capacitive, a 3 megapixel camera, and Android 2.2 Froyo. $30 for a decent device like the Optimus T is a pretty good price, especially since it is probably the cheapest Android smartphone available. Of course, to qualify for the $30 price of the LG Optimus T you have to sign up for a qualifying data plan and wait for the $50 mail in rebate to come in. The Optimus T could be a huge contender to dumbphones with its low price point. You can get the LG Optimus T for just $30 on November 3, available in black or burgundy.

T-Mobile Introduces Their Latest Android Device, The LG Optimus T

T-Mobile has just introduced their latest Android device, the LG Optimus T. The Optimus T is supposed to be an affordable and easy to use Android device. T-Mobile hasn't released many details but we do know that the LG Optimus T will feature a 3.2 inch HVGA touchscreen display, which is rumored to be capacitive, a 3.2 megapixel camera with video capture, Android 2.2 Froyo, and much more. The Optimus T will also come pre-loaded with a 2 GB microSD card, but will support cards up to 32 GB. From the pictures it looks like the UI isn't stock Android, but it also isn't changed beyond recognition. There are no pricing details available yet, but T-Mobile has said that the Optimus T will be released sometime in the holiday season. No exact date has been released, but hopefully it will be soon. The device will be available in black and burgundy. The LG Optimus T should be a great device for those of you looking for a budget Android Device on T-Mobile's network. Below is the official press release and a picture of the burgundy version.

Exclusive to T-Mobile customers, LG Optimus T offers Android 2.2, Voice Actions for Android and one-touch access to popular Google services to keep customers connected while on the go

Bellevue, Wash. — Oct. 6, 2010

T-Mobile USA, Inc. and LG Mobile Phones today announced the latest easy-to-use and affordably priced smartphone to join T-Mobile’s extensive Android™ portfolio, LG Optimus T™. Equipped with the latest Android platform, LG Optimus T features a responsive touch screen sleek form-factor and deep integration of Google™ services, including Voice Actions.

LG Optimus T makes staying connected to friends and family while on the go a quick, one-touch process. Using Voice Actions for Android, customers can control their Android-powered phone by speaking commands to call, text, e-mail and even find directions on a map, among other tasks. LG Optimus T also offers customers close integration with popular Google services, such as Google Search™ (also by voice), Gmail™, Google Talk™ and Google Maps™.

“This holiday season, Android smartphones will be at the top of the wish list for multiple members of the family,” said Saj Sahay, director, product management, T-Mobile USA. “With the LG Optimus T, T-Mobile is helping customers who have not yet made the transition to the world of smartphones with an easy-to-use and affordable option.”

With access to Android Market™, LG Optimus T customers can download and personalize their phone with thousands of free and paid applications. In addition, the customizable home screen, expandable up to seven panes, on the Optimus T keeps life simple by bringing what matters most upfront and center, including favorite applications and widgets. The Optimus T comes equipped with a 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera with video capture, as well as pre-installed 2 GB microSD card and support for up to 32 GB of removable memory.

“LG Optimus T allows T-Mobile users to create a smartphone experience unique to their lifestyle and everyday needs,” said Ehtisham Rabbani, corporate vice president of marketing and innovation for LG Mobile Phones. “With Google features and a stylish design, LG Optimus T is the ideal device for first-time smartphone users ready to explore the Android world.”

Availability

Offered in a Burgundy or Titanium finish, the LG Optimus T is expected to be exclusively available to T-Mobile customers this holiday season. For more information about T-Mobileproducts and services, please visit http://www.T-Mobile.com.

All Major US Carriers Get Samsung Galaxy S Phones, Android 2.2 Froyo Coming to Them All

All of the four major US carriers are now getting Samsung Galaxy S phones, and the only differences between the four of them are their names, their frequencies, and the carriers which they are on. The Samsung Galaxy S is also one of the very few phones to be available on all four major US cell phone carriers. Personally, I think that cell phone manufacturers that make their phones available on all four major US carriers are extremely smart, because they are reaching the most users. I think that all cell phone manufacturers should sell their phones this way, but they don't. They decide that it would be better to get some cash from exclusivity contracts. Cell phone manufacturers have probably put a lot of thought into this, but maybe they should rethink how they sell their phones for the sake of their customers. On another note, all of the Samsung Galaxy S phones will also be getting Android 2.2 Froyo.

Google's Obsession With Naming Android Releases After Desserts, Latest is Froyo

Google has named all of their Android releases to date after desserts, and will probably continue to do this for many years to come. Along with naming the release after a dessert they also get a giant sculpture of that dessert and put in on their lawn, which I think is awesome. Soon enought they will probably have a mile-long stretch of grass full of android desserts. Along with all of the desserts they also have an Android and a gigantic Nexus One on display. The newest addition to Google's giant dessert display is a giant frozen yogurt sculpture, for the Android to eat.

Froyo