It’s interesting to see how a lot of manufacturers are turning towards cheap tablets for the general public, tablets that sell for a lot less than your usual suspects like the iPad 2 that starts at $500. Maybe ‘a lot’ is a little bit of an exaggeration, but after Archos (with its Arnova 8 and Arnova 10 tablets) another brand name, one that’s not that well known to be fair, Coby Kyros has announced availability of the Coby Kyros MID7024, a cheap Android tablets with a 7 inch screen, Android 2.2 Froyo and an ARM Cortex A8 CPU running at 1 GHz.

    As you can see the specs of Coby KYROS MID 7024 are not something to brag about, but wait till you hear the price: $170. That puts this 7 inch tablet a nice comfortable price advantage zone where I don’t see why you wouldn’t buy one. There is one reason, to be fair, and that is the lack of Android Marketplace support, something you’ll find missing on a lot of cheap Android tablets, but in the Coby KYROS situation you get access to Aldiko E-Book store and the AppsLib marketplace. I know it’s not even close to what you were expecting, but it’s a start and I’m sure you can find ways to install apps from the Google Marketplace somehow.

    Coby Kyros MID7024 cheap Android tablet

    Coby Kyros MID7024 cheap Android tablet

    Anyway, here are the most important specs of the Coby KYROS MID7024 tablet:

    Processor
    CPUSamsung S5PV210 (Cortex A8) @1GHz
    Hard Drive
    StorageBuilt-in 4GB Flash memory expandable up to 32GB
    Display
    Display Size7 inch
    Display TypeResistive Touchscreen
    Display Resolution800 x 480 (WVGA)
    Aspect RatioWidescreen 16:9
    Networking
    WLAN TypeWiFi 802.11 b/g
    Connections
    Audio InputMic
    Audio Output3.5mm Headphone & Integrated Speakers
    Video OutputHigh Speed HDMI, type C (mini), Supports 1080P and 720P
    USB Port2.0 Hi-speed
    Media/Format Support
    Media SupportMicroSD/SDHC
    Text Format SupportePub
    OS
    VersionAndroid 2.2 Froyo
    Power
    Battery TypeRechargeable Li-Poly
    Battery Capacity7.4V, 2000mAh
    Dimensions and weight
    Unit Dimension (WHD)4.75″ x 0.53″ x 7.68″
    Unit Weight (LB)0.87

    As you can see the only thing not to like about the Coby KYROS MID7024 is the resistive touchscreen. The rest of the specs include nice features like HDMI output, WiFi, low weight (under 1 pound) and a high speed USB 2.0 port. It’s not much you can want from a $170 Android tablet. For those on a budget the Coby KYROS is a great way to browse the web, view some high def videos and read eBooks, all without having to pay an arm and a let for the privilege. Sure it can’t compete with more expensive tablets, but it’s not that bad either.

    Standard Android 2.2 user inferface for Coby KYROS MID7024

    Standard Android 2.2 user inferface for Coby KYROS MID7024

    And if you think you want something different, Coby has plans for 7, 8 and 10 inch models with 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratio screens running versions up to Android 2.3, all around the same base price of under $200. I’ll keep you updated one I find out more about the upcoming models form Coby KYROS. Hope to get one for review soon to set things straight about things like performance, construction and battery life, things that matter even with cheap tablets.