[wvenable]

I think there's room in the market for an inexpensive web-only tablet. Before the Chromebook's came out, I had assumed that was what Chrome OS was for -- a real stripped down inexpensive tablet with almost no local flash, a small amount of RAM, etc. Most tablets right now are attempting to match the iPad in every way: capability, size, weight, etc. So, of course, they're in the same price range.

[roc]

People are trying to match the iPad because even a stripped-down tablet is still going to have to cost ~$400. The extra RAM and Flash add what to the bill-of-materials? $25?

If you could put together a $200 tablet, Negroponte would be declaring victory in the press, rather than quietly rolling back the date of the XO-3 over and over again.

[sciurus]

Archos is selling their 10" tablet for $270. The 7" is $240. I've used one of the 10" models and found it fine for web browsing. Sadly, their new models coming out in September are said to cost $300 and $370.

https://store.archos.com/archos-internet-tablet-p-5005.html

[roc]

Are they clearing inventory at the lower price, or were they ~$300 the whole time?

[sciurus]

Looking back, I think the original price was $299. I hadn't realized it earlier, but Archos also has a low-end series that runs from $99 to $199. I doubt the hardware is very good in that price range.

http://arnovatech.com/home.html?country=us&lang=en