DataMind posted preliminary pics and specs for the Archos 5 IT’s bigger younger brother, the Archos 7 Android.

Availability was given as March of 2010 and price for the 8GB model (the only model listed thus far) was £149.99 (including 17.5% UK VAT) and they are apparently accepting pre-orders here..

Differences form the current A5 IT include a user-facing webcam, a DC charger, a sliding and locking on-off switch, either dual speakers or a microphone that is no longer situated right next to the speaker as on the A5 IT and of course the 7″ screen.

Software changes also appear to be in store for the Archos Media Center app.  Song lyrics support is new and the addition of the high-quality APE codec will please audiophiles.

Still no hardware buttons, so this does not look like it will meet the current guidelines for Google Experience apps (Market, Maps, Gmail, etc.).  Does Archos know something we don’t about Google changing it’s mind?  It seems they’re still betting on Google changing their minds and relaxing hardware standards to let the A7 (and the A5) Android models get in on the Google App goodness.

Also of interest?  The Archos Media Center widget is conspicuous in it’s absence from this screen mockup.  Could this be a simple omission or is the Media Center (or at least it’s widget) perhaps getting a much needed graphical overhaul that will be revealed in March?  Only time will tell!

You can discuss the Archos 7 Android in the forum: http://forum.archosfans.com/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=30077

-Michael P