Now, even putting quality aside, competitors can’t match Apple’s prices.The only Archos device that is shipping and comparable to an Apple product (the iPad) is this: http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/02/archos-70-internet-tablet...
This is not something that can be easily compared to the iPad. Yes it is cheaper, but the two devices aren't the same. The three biggest (and easily measured) differences are the screen size, screen resolution, and storage. I can't find a price for the Achos 10.1, but please feel free to link it if you have it.
no one else can afford to match the iPad’s price with a comparably sized touchscreen display
See above and below.
iPods, iPhones, iPads. Across all of them, Apple’s prices are either comparable, or lower, than their competition.
The other Archos devices available for sale are indeed cheaper, but also fail to have comparable specs to the Apple devices.
