Hmm. It looks like the Archos 704 WiFi could turn out to be a viable alternative to, say, the Pepper Pad 3 (PP3) or some other Linux-based Internet tablet or handtop. There’s still no word from Archos, but the latest bit of information shows that at least some of the device’s specs meet the hardware requirements of a UMPC: 7-inch touchscreen, 800 x 480 resolution, and WiFi. It’s also got two USB 2.0 ports (host and client) and at least a 40GB hard drive (possibly even 80GB).
Web browsing on the 604 WiFi is actually quite good (gotta love that Opera!), so the 704’s increase in screen size and resolution should really give that assessment a boost.
There’s no consensus on pricing yet, but it’s ranging between an oddly specific $528 and $717, which is at least in the same ballpark as the PP3. The devices aren’t meant to be competitors, I know, but they do have quite a lot in common.
[
Engadget]
