While Chrome OS continues to be Google’s OS of choice for laptops, we’ve seen several device manufacturers push out laptops and laptop-tablet hybrids running on the power of Android. Depending on their form factor, some of these devices have come with price tags well over $400, while others like the Lenovo A10 aimed for Chromebook-like pricing at $250. Now Archos is getting into the Android laptop game as well, with its $169.99 ArcBook.
As you’d expect from Archos, the specs here leave a lot to be desired. On the processor front we have a 1.2GHz RK3168 dual-core ARM Cortex A9 with a piddly 1GB of RAM. Other specs include a 10.1-inch multi-touch display with a 1024×600 resolution, 8GB storage, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and an 8000 mAh battery.
So who would buy a laptop with just 1GB RAM, a dual-core CPU and such a low resolution? That’s a good question. While the ArcBook has multi-touch support and is a whole $50 cheaper than the entry-level Acer C720 Chromebook, it’s hard to see why anyone would choose this Archos laptop over the Acer when it comes to actual productivity.
On the positive side, the ArcBook does provide access to Google Play and therefore has many more traditional apps than you’ll find on a Chromebook — even if the laptop’s specs mean it will probably struggle to use many of them. In addition to Google Play apps and Jelly Bean, the laptop also includes OfficeSuite Pro 6 for all your document writing needs. While we’d personally rather get a Chromebook, we admit this could be of value for younger students looking for a basic and extremely affordable netbook-like device that can also play Angry Birds and other basic Android games.
What do you think, can you think of any scenarios where such a device would come in handy? If you’re at all interested in the device, you’ll be able to pick it up online starting in June.
When we first learned about OnePlus’ plans to switch up device distribution by forgoing preorders in favor of a unique invite system, the move was quickly met with mixed reception. While some folks liked the idea, others felt that there were just too many hoops users would have to jump through in order to get hands on the OnePlus One.
Now that the dust has settled a little, there’s still plenty of confusion about when the OnePlus One will be available and how the invite system will work exactly. Over the weekend, OnePlus updated their original post announcing the invite system with a short FAQ that helps better clarify how everything will work.
First, they address how getting an invite works. Simply put, you can get invites from real OnePlus One owners. As for how these folks get invites in the first place? In addition to the Smash the Past contest (which has since ended), OnePlus is also selectively inviting members of its forums.
The first mass batch of invites should surface starting in late May for the 64GB Sandstone Black version
Furthermore, OnePlus says that the first real batch of mass invites, outside of the Smash event, will start surfacing late May for the 64GB Sandstone Black version. In other words, up until this point, invites will be extremely scarce. After that? You’ll at least have a slightly better chance of getting your hands on the phone. OnePlus also reveals that you have 24 hours to accept an invite before it “returns to the sender”. Those who have invites to give away, will have a few weeks to send them out before expiration.
As for when you will be able to simply head to OnePlus’ website and grab the phone, without worrying about having an invite? OnePlus hasn’t given us a solid date for this just yet — though they previously indicated increased general availability will occur in late June. It remains unseen whether this simply means even easier ways to get invites or an actual way to buy without an invite.
So is the OnePlus One worth the trouble (and waiting) you have to go through to get it? The answer to that will obviously be up to your personal opinion, but, as we noted in our official review, this is one hell of a phone. Even at a higher price point, the OnePlus One would be a solid device, but at its $300 (16GB) /$349 (32GB) pricing, it’s an absolute steal.
For more details on the OnePlus One’s invite system, you’ll want to head on over to their official website. What do you think, still planning on picking up the OnePlus One even if you need an invite to get it?
