Are competent non-phone Android devices in the making?

[neely615]

Not to double post, android central, but does anyone have any idea about whether makers like Sony, Dell, Samsung, HTC, etc. will start offering non-phone Android hand-helds, similar to how the Ipod Touch is to the Iphone? Kind of like a MID/DAP/PMP (i.e., small, pocketable, plays media and can surf net)?

I don't want this in a phone (the beach would destroy it), just a device with android functionality using off-line google apps and hopefully some of the cooler android apps. a camera would rock, and GPS would be great if it happened too. I realize the Archos 5 fits the bill, but do you think non-phone versions of devices like XPERIA X3 (X5) might be coming out soon?

Thanks for the input.

 

[TheBrit]

I think there will be some Android netbooks appearing but I would expect that they will be 'connected' to allow browsing and updates etc.

 

[neely615]

Anything other than netbooks though (not too pocketable)?

I think there will be some Android netbooks appearing but I would expect that they will be 'connected' to allow browsing and updates etc.

 

[justjimjpc]

Anything other than netbooks though (not too pocketable)?

Do a Search on Android Archos ...

also here are a couple of results from a TAG search on this site ...

Android Forums - Threads Tagged with archos

 

[neely615]

The Archos 5 is what started me down this line of thinking. Basically wondering what other small non-phone android devices might be in the works. IMO something like the Arcos 5 blended with the OLED and capacitive screen of Sony's X-series walkmen would rock. Of course that describes most of the newer desirable android phones too; I just don't want a nice phone (too hard on them).

 

[Ssssschwartz]

The Zii Creative Egg is also interesting. It's a little expensive now, but it's a developer model, and the "stem cell" CPU looks interesting to say the least.

I think it looks like a very capable PMP.

 

[neely615]

Well that's just crazy talk. I knew about the other Creative device, but this is pretty insane sounding. Is this something that should come out soon beyond developers you think?

EDIT: Is this a custom android distro they are talking about? Just the way they are pitching it makes me wonder.

The Zii Creative Egg is also interesting. It's a little expensive now, but it's a developer model, and the "stem cell" CPU looks interesting to say the least.

I think it looks like a very capable PMP.

 

[Ssssschwartz]

I heard about an October release... but I'm not sure how credible that is. I would say definitely by the end of Q1 2010. It looks like a very capable PMP and with Android it will have plenty of apps and maybe add some more with the people it draws.

(Great if you like Android and just want a PMP, or want a dedicated Android device for music and media.)

 

[neely615]

Read a bit more and most of my questions were answered. Seems like quite a few people/sources think it is unlikely that it will actually be released, which stinks. Also, the beta aspect is definitely beta:
Creative Zii EGG: Hi have received my Zii Egg. - gdgt
It does answer my question overall that there are some killer devices coming down the line, they will probably just be masked as PMPs. Waiting isn't too bad...

Thanks again for the heads up, guess I missed it and assumed it was the Xi-F2.

 

[UniversityOfPi]

There's a bunch now

just google it

 

[Aaronneyer]

What are some good ones? I have googled it plenty and have really looked into it a lot but I can't find anything good. All I have seen is the Archos 5, and that has a resistive touch screen and you can't use the Android Market on it.

 

[UniversityOfPi]

What are some good ones? I have googled it plenty and have really looked into it a lot but I can't find anything good. All I have seen is the Archos 5, and that has a resistive touch screen and you can't use the Android Market on it.

you can use the Android Market on it with a hack

a lot of new 10 inch touchscreen devices (slates/tablets) have android on them

like the Camangi WebStation

the entourage edge is an ereader with 2 screens one is ereader and the other is android and the interact

 

[Aaronneyer]

I'm looking more for an Ipod touch like device. I've been looking at the Zii Egg but they're still just selling the developer edition.

 

[UniversityOfPi]

I'm looking more for an Ipod touch like device.

We are all

the A5 android is currently the best option

 

[blinky]

Yea, what about the Barnes & Noble Nook?

 

[UniversityOfPi]

Yea, what about the Barnes & Noble Nook?

not quite ipod touch enough

ereaders are more like netbooks than itouches

and at that point entourage edge beasts over the nook