The Tablet UMPC is going to be relevant again, with the announcement of the Archos9, the first 9-inch Tablet UMPC running Microsoft’s Windows 7 OS. This sexy little machine is billed by Archos as a MiniPC that does away with keyboards in exchange for a virtual on-screen keyboard and stylus support on a resistive touchscreen display. As it comes pre-loaded with Windows 7, multi-touch is going to be one of its top features, though we’re not exactly sure if that’s such as good idea with the screen being resistive and all. It still looks like a pretty interesting offer, though, as the Archos9 is equipped with Intel’s new Atom Z515 processor, 80GB hard drive, built-in Bluetooth and two DVBT TV tuners with “diversity reception,” as Archos puts it in its press release. Besides on-screen controls, it also has several hard buttons on its sides for easier access and controls. Archos hasn’t announced a price or release date, but from the looks of it, we’re betting a lot of people are going to save up for one. Watch out for additional details here.

Via UMPC Portal

A little over 2 months ago, Acer’s first 10-inch netbook went on sale on Amazon for $350 USD. This, of course, is the Acer Aspire One D150, which we’ve had the chance to review just recently. Over the weekend, its successor just became available in the Philippines, and I believe it’s going to be available in other markets across Asia (if it isn’t already) as well as Amazon and other online stores that sell netbooks very soon.

In the Philippines, I know of at least one local retailer that is already selling these netbooks, and I was informed that the AAO D150 would be phased out already in favor of this new 10-inch model. What makes the Acer Aspire One D250 so great? Well, for starters, it comes with an Intel Atom N280 processor, which has been proven to be generally faster (though only by a little) than the Atom N270 which has been the norm for netbooks for quite some time now. Besides which, you can consider the Aspire One D250 as just an Acer Aspire One D150 with a better processor and sleeker design. Some of the ports have been rearranged to be positioned evenly between the left and right sides, but the overall look and feel is basically the same.

The price Acer is asking for an Aspire One D250 is the same as the price of an Aspire One D150: 23,995 Pesos or about $507 USD. Right now, I’m a little wary if this model is really worth the upgrade/price increase, but I’ll be spending time with it later today to find out. I’ll let you know what happens then.

Via Electronic Pulp

Many have asked why there is no integrated Bluetooth in Asus EEE PCs, I dont have a good answer but now there is a a extremly small Bluetooth-adapter that (almost) fits in the USB port.

The price is small as well: $24 (£13/€17).

Read more at Register Hardware.