Category Archives: Computers

tablets

6 Best Android Tablets For 2012

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android-tablet-device

Android tablets are the cost effective and best for people who are looking forward to get a new tablet and are not fancy about  iPad. Although, there are many other options to go like PlayBook from BlackBerry, HP Tablets and so on, Android is currently the best-selling tablet and it is on the way giving strong competition to Apple devices. Are you wondering to know the best Android tablets for the year 2012? The following Android tablet review list is as follows that help you acknowledge some details on best Android tablets for this year. Take a look after the break.

 

Continue reading 6 Best Android Tablets For 2012 →

tablets

Archos 97 Titanium HD Tablet Breaks Cover with Retina Display and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean On Board

archos-titanium-android-tablet

Another day, and yet another Android tablet announced by Archos. But this one is not as same as previous models. While the external look might suggest it is, the inner parts include a 9.7 inch IPS display with 2048 x 1536 pixels – same as the one you get on Apple’s latest and greatest iPad 4; although we may have good reasons to believe that the Archos 97 Titanium HD (yes, that’s how it is called) would probably cost you cheaper. As mentioned, the new release will run the most updated version of Android, the Jelly Bean, under the hood, alongside a 1.6GHz dual-core A9 processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, two cameras, the main camera is 5 megapixels and the front-facing camera is of 2 megapixels, and a microSD card expansion support (up to 64GB). Price and availability are yet to be determined, but this looks really interesting and one to certainly look out for.

Update1: Apparently the 97 Titanium HD tablet is only one of a whole new set of Archos tablets, called “Titanium” and  featuring four different slabs, including the Archos 70, Archos 80, Archos 97, and Archos 101. These names, as you may or may not noticed, refer to the actual size of the screens, that sport high-def IPS capacitive multi-touch technology, paired with a 1.6GHz dual-core processor, a quad-core GPU, And Android 4.1 Jelly Bean for the OS. Prices range between $119 for the smallest 7-inch version, and up to $199 for the 10.1-incher. Full PR after the break.

Update2: Archos has just released another series, under the Platinum” label” with a larger 11.6-inch, 1920×1080 IPS display, a quad-core 1.2GHz processor, eight-core GPU, and an Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) for the OS. In addition, there are two cameras (front and rear) in this pack, along with an HDMI out, and a microSD card reader. The price, if you guys are wondering, is at merely $349 and not a single dime more.

[Archos]

 

ARCHOS Introduces the New TITANIUM Line at CES
CES, Las Vegas – January 10, 2013 – ARCHOS, an award-winning innovator in consumer electronics introduces the Titanium line in its Elements range of tablets.

This range offers high-end specifications at an aggressive price and all tablets will feature:
High Definition IPS display capacitive multi-touch screen
Dual core CPU at 1.6 GHz with Quad core GPU, with 1080p video decoding
Sleek aluminum design
Android 4.1 ‘Jelly Bean’ with the 700,000 applications on Google Play and the Archos Media Center applications
The ARCHOS 70 titanium (7 inches), priced at 119€, $119, £99 offers similar features to competitors such as Amazon, at a better price point.

The ARCHOS 80 titanium (8 inches), priced at 169€, $169, £149 has been designed to offer similar user experience as the iPad mini, for a fraction of the price.

The ARCHOS 101 titanium (10.1 inches), priced at 199€, $199, £169, is around 30 per cent cheaper than competition with comparable features.

The ARCHOS 97 titanium HD (9.7 inches), with a resolution up to 2048 x 1536 pixels is priced at 249€, $249 and £199, and aims to be an alternative to the new iPad for half the price.
ARCHOS will have the full Titanium range and the recently announced ARCHOS TV connect on display at CES until Friday, January 11th, so stop by now and get your hands-on demonstration – Central Hall, booth number 15322. www.archos.com

tablets

7-inch Scroll Evoke Tablet with Jelly Bean OS To Launch In Europe

From time to time we get to hear of a new Android tablet, that is not one of  the top five names (e.g Apple, Google, Microsoft, Samsung or Asus), coming out of nowhere and making some noise. The latest and greatest in that category is the new 7-inch Scroll Evoke, which was recently announced by a company called Storage Options, in the UK, and is now available online for pre-order at £120. And while you may think that specs are the king, the average Joe Public doesn’t necessarily agree; look and feel are critical to the overall experience, and this Android Jelly Bean slate is well designed to excel in this area. But the internal parts ain’t bad either. The 7-inch slab comes equipped with a 1024 x 600 screen resolution (same as the iPad Mini’s), while other parts include a 1.6GHz dual-core Cortex A9 CPU, 8GB of internal storage, a microSD slot and a strong quad-core Mali-T604 GPU to push your Evoke performance to great new levels. Does this sound any good? In that case you should definitely click the short link below, find more details and read further information about it.

[Scroll Evoke]

Storage Options Unveils its Most Powerful Tablet
Scroll Evoke brings Android Jellybean to UK’s widest tablet portfolio

UK-based technology brand, Storage Options, has announced its most powerful tablet to date – the Scroll Evoke. In an exciting first for the award-winning Scroll portfolio, the Evoke will adopt Android’s 4.1 Jellybean – the latest operating system from Google – offering dramatically improved response times, performance and accessibility.

Retailing at just £119.99, the sleek and stylish Scroll Evoke features a new Dual Core Cortex A9 1.6GHz processor, enhancing performance and offering a crystal clear viewing experience. The 7″ tablet also offers 8GB of on-board memory (expandable by up to 32GB with a Micro SD card) ensuring plenty of room for e-books, music and movies, plus Bluetooth connectivity provides access to a range of wireless devices such as a keyboard or mouse.

Providing a truly portable experience, the Scroll Evoke comes with a brand new Mali-T604 quad core graphics processor, offering the user an impressive, polished display and rich viewing experience.

Paul Evison, Head of Brand at Storage Options, comments: “The Scroll Evoke is an exciting and important addition to our range and as the first device to run on Android 4.1, we are re-enforcing our commitment to offering the latest technology to our customers. Our Scroll range now offers a tablet to suit everyone, whether they are looking for an entry level device or something more sophisticated. With great features such as a Quad Core graphics processor and Bluetooth connectivity, we feel that the Scroll Evoke is the perfect addition. With an RRP of only £119.99, the Evoke is also one of the most cost effective tablets on the market which runs the latest Android operating system.”

The Android 4.1 Jellybean operating system is the fastest and smoothest version to date and introduces a new Google search experience. Everything in Jelly Bean is faster, more fluid and smoother. These new 4.1 features have improved performance throughout the Scroll device including faster orientation changes, quicker responses when switching between apps and more consistent rendering across the system through triple buffering.

Available to order from http://www.storageoptions.com, the Evoke is the newest tablet to join Storage Option’s award winning Scroll line up with tablets ranging from 4.3″ to 9.7″.

– Ends –
About Storage Options
Storage Options is a UK-based technology brand created with a vision of offering great value, high-performance products without compromising on quality or service.

Since Storage Options arrived in the UK in 2010, the brand has gone from strength to strength successfully growing its customer base and expanding its product portfolio into many new areas. The brand’s aim is to deliver great products that meet expectations, offer exceptional value for money and provide the good service and support expected by UK and Irish customers.

Further information is available on their website http://www.storageoptions.com or you can follow Storage Options on Twitter and Facebook.

tablets

Microsoft Surface with Windows 8 Pro Finally Gets Official, Ships In January

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The world has been waiting for this day to come for couple of months now (since Microsoft has launched the Surface RT tablet), and today, ladies and gents, it finally arrived, as the Redmond-based company officially announces a full-fledged Windows 8 Pro Surface for the masses. The new device, which claims to be a substantial upgrade to the ordinary Surface RT, starts at $899 for the “basic” 64GB version, and will go all the way up to $999 for the 128GB flavor. In addition, you’ll have to spend about a hundred bucks more if you want to have one of Microsoft’s latest and greatest add-ons, the Touch or Type Cover. Regretfully, they are not included in the bundle. Note, however, that the stylus pen does.

And while the overall design is similar to Redmond’s regular RT device, in many respects (same beautiful VaporMG casing and equivalent 10.6-inch display), some changes have been made inside. In that regard, we’re looking at a full 1920 x 1080 screen resolution instead of 1366 x 768, with the CPU power climbing up to a third-gen Core i5 processor, and the GPU is the Intel HD Graphics 4000, with 4 gigs of RAM. Good news in the battery department as well, according to Microsoft it will be strong enough to deliver “approximately half the battery life of Surface with Windows RT” (roughly 4.5 hours). In addition, you’ll find a Mini DisplayPort, capable upscaling your slate to 2560 x 1440 resolution, and a full-size USB 3.0 interface that is huge for data transfer speeds.

The Pro edition will be available sometime in January 2013, and is sure to be in popular demand.

[Microsoft]

tablets

Archos’ New 13.3-inch FamilyPad Tablet Wants You To Get All Your Family Together

Archos has just announced their plans to release a brand new Android tablet, scheduled to come out in time for the 2012 holiday season. Surely, the most busiest season of the year, where shoppers are hustling around trying to find the perfect gifts for their family and friends. Speaking of which, a family, as a family, is pretty much like a one big package during this particular period of time of the year, which best explains the rationale behind that recent tablet announcement – A 13.3 inch Android  Ice Cream Sandwich slab, dubbed the FamilyPad (no word regarding a Jelly Bean update). Yes, you got that right, Archos wants you to share your digital experience with your loved ones, and it’s doing so by launching a big-screen device, running  a 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 CPU under the lid, alongside a 1,280×800 HD display on top, 8GB of storage, two cameras with 2-megapixels each, HDMI out and a microSD card slot. Due for release in the UK first (with a US date to follow), the giant black slate will run you £274.99 ($438), which is more than you’d expect. Full PR after the break.

ARCHOS Brings Back Game Night and Puts a Digital Twist on Family Time with the Release of FamilyPad
The FamilyPad 13.3″ will revolutionise game night with digital board games that the family can play together, movie and picture sharing and a special digital family organiser
London – November 20, 2012 – ARCHOS, an award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, is proud to announce a new type of tablet for the entire family called the FamilyPad. Perfectly sized for a family to use together the FamilyPad, featuring an impressive 34cm HD screen, will become the must have family companion this holiday season. Families can sit down and play digital board games, watch movies, share pictures or connect to social networks together. The FamilyPad runs smoothly and displays everything on a large sharp color 1280*800 HD display. It also features a 10x multitouch screen that allows up to four people to play a game as if it’s a real game board. It can also be put on display in the kitchen, living room or family room as a family organiser. The FamilyPad will be first released in the UK for £274.99 starting in December 2012.

Play together

The FamilyPad brings a new meaning to family game night and recreates the traditional board game into a digital game that provides a complete interactive experience for the entire family. With its 10x Multitouch screen, families can play games with up to four people at time for a real game board experience. The FamilyPad features thousands of various games to choose from including a range of pre-installed games selected by ARCHOS for an instant out of the box gaming experience.

Perfect for sharing movies and pictures

Family members can load all their HD videos, pictures or movies on this tablet for a high quality 1080P HD resolution viewing experience. The FamilyPad features a special embedded animated slide show functions that make pictures come alive for an entertaining slide show on a 34cm screen.

Organise the family

Family members can use the FamilyPad as a complete family organiser by placing it on display in the kitchen, living room or common area. In addition, they can keep connected with friends and family anytime through social networking and chat applications. It also allows configuration of a variety of email accounts for each family member, access to newspapers, sport news, financial information, traffic updates, weather forecasts and more. The FamilyPad is the perfect sized display tablet that will help keep every family member informed and organisedeach day.

Technical Specs:

· Storage: 8GB flash memory and expandable via micro SDHC Slot up to 32 GB

· Operating system: ANDROID™ 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich”

· CPU: ARM Cortex A8 @ 1 GHz RAM: 1GB

· Display: 13.3″ inch (34cm), capacitive 10 points MultiTouch Screen, 16 million colors, 1280 x 800 HD screen resolution

· Interfaces: 1x Micro USB host 2.0 for external devices, Micro SD slot, HDMI output

· Camera: Front camera 2.0 MP (1600*1200) and back camera 2.0 MP (1600*1200)

tablets

Toshiba Announces New AT300SE Android Jelly Bean Tablet

Toshiba hasn’t been a major player in the Android world, and with their new iteration, they will not necessarily get more ground in the tablet industry, that until now has been largely dominated by Apple. That said, the company still has a lot to offer, and will continue to evolve and release more slates, mostly in the high-end, mid-range form. One tablet that falls in to this category is Toshiba’s latest and greatest Android Jelly Bean AT300SE which recently announced in the UK (US to follow), with a 10.1-inch 1,280 x 800 IPS display on top, a Tegra 3 chipset under the hood, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, a microUSB hub, and a microSD card slot. It has a 3MP camera on the back and a 1.2 MP FaceTime camera on the front, while battery on this slab is claimed to provide up to 10 hours of lifetime in a one single charge. Pricing is set for  £300 (which comes out to $476)  when it becomes available sometime before the end of the year. Full PR after the break.

 

[Toshiba]

Toshiba further expands its tablet range

· New Android™ powered 25.7cm (10.1″) AT300SE is ideal for everyday tablet users
· NVIDIA® Tegra™ 3 processor delivers incredible performance for enjoying games and multitasking
· Thin and lightweight design ensures convenient use on the move

London, UK, 15th November 2012 – Toshiba UK announced the newest model in its expanding range of tablet computers: the AT300SE. This Android™ powered 25.7cm (10.1″) computing device is ideal for consumers who want to utilize the most popular tablet features. Equipped with the fast and powerful NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 processor and offering a generous 16:10 wide viewing angle display, the AT300SE fulfils users’ main demands from a tablet – from watching videos and surfing the web to convenient e-reading and playing casual games.

Thin and light, stylish and sturdy

Based on the build quality of the Toshiba AT300 premium tablet, the new SE version was designed with everyday and cost-conscious consumers in mind. The AT300SE is easy to carry around when on the move. With a depth of only 10.5mm and weighing just 625 grams, it is almost as thin and light as the AT300. Moreover, its stylish textured design gives a sophisticated look whilst the dotted pattern on the rear provides a sturdy grip. Built for intensive use at home and on the go, the AT300SE delivers a respectable up to ten hours battery life*.

A plethora of apps

The Toshiba AT300SE tablet is powered by Android™ 4.1, Jelly Bean – the latest Android™ platform optimised for tablets. Video, music and photo files in a wide variety of formats can be opened and played instantly. Fast and easy access to Toshiba Places allows viewers to tailor their entertainment using a range of video portals, news services, and on-demand film and TV providers and then exchange preferences and opinions with friends. This cloud-based connected platform comes pre-installed and allows users to enjoy their favourite digital material from a TV, PC or tablet. Equally, users access to more than 700,000 apps and games through Google Play™. For fast offline enjoyment of to personal multimedia libraries, Toshiba has again equipped this new tablet with additional external HDD storage capacity via micro-USB port, microSD™ card slot with SDHC/SDXC support to 64GB and Bluetooth® 3.0.

AT300SE specifications:

Android™ 4.1, Jelly Bean
· 25.7cm (10.1″) LCD capacitive touch display, 1280 x 800, 16:10, CSV, IPS, Wide Viewing angle
· CPU: NVIDIA® Tegra 3 processor with Integrated Graphics Controller
· RAM: 1GB DDR3L-1333 (667 MHz) on Board
· eMMC: 16GB
· Ports and slots: 1x micro-USB, microSDTM with SDHC/SDXC support to 64GB, headphone/mic combo port
· Connectivity: combo WLAN/Bluetooth 3.0./GPS
· Cameras: 3.0. MPixel (back), 1.2 MPixel (front)
· Battery: two cell, 25.0Wh
· Dimensions: 261 x 180 x 10.5mm
· Weight: 625g
· Colour: Precious Silver with dot pattern
· Available accessories: Stand case, screen protector

The Toshiba AT300SE will be available from Q4 2012 starting at £299.99.

tablets

Nexus 7 3G Android Tablet Now For sale at $299

The Nexus 7 is already a big hit all over the globe, and it’s barely out of the factory doors. With top-notch specs (such as 1GB of RAM, a beautiful 7-inch display, NFC, GPS, Android Jelly Bean for the OS, a front 1.2MP camera, plus a Tegra 3 processor on board) and affordable $200 price point, the decision of buying this tablet is perhaps the easiest one to make, for so many people, both techy and non. Until now, the Nexus 7 was a WiFi-only device, as many of us with basic challenges prefer it. Today, however, the search engine giant is adding a 3G compatibility to practically all carriers across the US pond (and for use with GSM carries around the world), as the mobile data version will from now on be available with SIM unlocked form. The new Nexus flavor is offered in a 32GB storage capacity only, and it comes priced at $299, or about $50 more than the regular Seven slate is. Click through the link to read the original Google source.

 [Google Play]

tablets

8-Inch Dual Core Archos 80 Cobalt Tablet Announced

You didn’t honestly think that a company like Archos would sit aside and let the big moguls (e.g Google, Amazon, apple) play the game all by themselves, did you? Good, because the French tablet maker has just announced a new addition to its Elements line, dubbed the Archos 80 Cobalt. Right from the beginning  one can sense that this tablet has an 8-inch capacitive display on top, crammed with 1024 x 768 pixels and 1080p video playback support. Other than that I couldn’t find anything out of the ordinary. There’s a dual-core 1.6GHz processor under the lid, tucked with a quad core GPU, Ice Cream Sandwich for the OS, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage (Expandable via micro SDHC Slot up to 64 GB). If you’re into it, there’s also a 3.5mm jack for your headphones/speakers and a Micro USB slave 2.0 port, alongside a rear 2-megapixel webcam and a 0.3 shooter on the front. Again, there’s no pricing or availability yet, but if Archos wants to win, it will have a lot to do to catch up with the competition.

[Archos]

tablets

Google Nexus 10 Tablet Leaked With Android 4.2 and Super AMOLED Screen (Update: Now Official)

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Google’s Samsung 10-inch joint venture tablet, the Nexus 10, just leaked ahead of launch (which was scheduled for October 29 but postponed due to weather conditions). Of course you should take all this with a little grain of salt, but the pictures and video footage (after the break) speak a million words. Not to mention Google’s Senior VP of Engineering, Vic Gundotra that was posting some images the other day (taken with a Nexus 10 device) on a Google Plus page of his own.

So basically, there’s something in the new horizon. What is it? According to the guys over at BriefMobile, we’re looking at a 1.7GHz Samsung Exynos 5250 dual-core slate, powered by a strong Mali-T604 GPU and paired with 2GB of RAM, about 16GB of internal storage, a 5MP camera on the back and some top-notch connectivity features like NFC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.0. The screen on this slab works with a very exceptional 2,560 x 1,600 HD resolution, and this new iteration is claimed to be running an Android 4.2 Jelly Bean on board. 

For now, let’s just hope it will go live as expected, and will do just as well as the Nexus 7 model 

Update1: It sure didn’t take long for Google to officially announce the Nexus 10, a 10.055-inch tablet made in partnership with Samsung. As already stated, the new device will indeed pack a whopping 2,560 x 1,600 screen display at 300 ppi – a Retina-level display that is impressively thin and stylishly designed. Moreover, it will also include a 1.7 GHz Cortex A15-based Samsung Exynos 5250 processor inside, as well as a Mali T604 GPU, 2GB of RAM,  a 1.9-megapixel front facing camera plus a 5-megapixel rear shooter, microUSB, Pogo Pin, microHDMI, Android 4.2 for the OS and some cool built-in features that we all have come to know. 

It will be available starting November 13th for $399 (16GB) and $499 (32GB), in countries like the US, UK, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Canada and Japan.

Update2: We have just added a chart, comparing the Nexus 10 to some of the most popular tablets available in the market

[via BriefMobile]

 

[youtube id=”-4zeAyxCmNY”]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The table is courtesy of engadget.

tablets

Apple Reveals 4th Generation iPad With A6X Processor

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It took only 2 years for Apple to sell more than 100 million iPad devices around the world. Two years. And today [drum-roll… please] the company officially announced its next iteration of the glamorous device, also known as the iPad 4. Mind you, this is a second major upgrade to this wonderful tablet, in less than a year – which may be frustrating for those who recently bought the iPad’s 3rd-generation – but obviously that’s how the story goes.  

This way or another, Apple’s 4th-generation iPad includes a new A6X processor, which has double the graphics and processing power of the A5X CPU. Furthermore, you’ll also find dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi connectivity, as well as that tiny Lightning cable connector, expanded LTE, a 720p FaceTime camera up front, paired with a 5-megapixel rear shooter, and a 10 hours battery life that will deliver power for a long period of continuous work. Of course, there’s the same stunning 9.7-inch Retina display as that of the iPad 3, and you will get to choose between these two compelling black or white colors.   

Apple has decided to stick with the same price tags as the earlier iPad models, which basically means that it will cost you $499 for a 16GB WiFi version, and up to $629 for similar capacity with 4G LTE  with cellular data support.

Hit the jump to get the full PR.

 

Apple Introduces iPad mini
Unveils New Fourth Generation iPad with Retina Display, Faster A6X Chip, FaceTime HD Camera & Ultrafast Wireless

SAN JOSE, California―October 23, 2012―Apple® today introduced iPad® mini, a completely new iPad design that is 23 percent thinner and 53 percent lighter than the third generation iPad. The new iPad mini features a stunning 7.9-inch Multi-Touch™ display, FaceTime® HD and iSight® cameras, ultrafast wireless performance¹ and an incredible 10 hours of battery life²―every inch an iPad, yet in a revolutionary design you can hold in one hand. Apple today also announced the fourth generation iPad featuring a gorgeous 9.7-inch Retina™ display, new Apple-designed A6X chip, FaceTime HD camera and ultrafast wireless performance. Both iPad mini and fourth generation iPad come with iOS 6, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features.

“iPad mini is every inch an iPad. With its gorgeous 7.9-inch display, iPad mini features the same number of pixels as the original iPad and iPad 2, so you can run more than 275,000 apps designed specifically for iPad,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “iPad mini is as thin as a pencil and as light as a pad of paper, yet packs a fast A5 chip, FaceTime HD and 5 megapixel iSight cameras and ultrafast wireless―all while delivering up to 10 hours of battery life.”

iPad mini comes in a beautiful new aluminum and glass design that is just 7.2 mm thin and weighs only 0.68 pounds. The 7.9-inch Multi-Touch display delivers the same iPad experience users have come to expect, in a design that has 35 percent more screen real estate than 7-inch tablets and up to an astonishing 67 percent more usable viewing area when browsing the web. The dual-core A5 chip delivers responsive graphics and a fast, fluid Multi-Touch experience, while still providing all-day battery life.

iPad mini features a front-facing FaceTime HD camera and a 5 megapixel iSight camera on the back with advanced optics for taking sharp still pictures and recording full 1080p HD video. The iSight camera includes video image stabilization and both cameras feature backside illumination to let users capture great pictures in low light. iPad mini also allows easy sharing of photos with friends and family using iCloud’s Shared Photo Streams.

iPad mini features dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi support for speeds up to 150 Mbps,³ which is twice the Wi-Fi performance compared to previous iPad models. iPad mini is available in Wi-Fi + Cellular models which are world-ready with built-in support for ultrafast wireless standards, including LTE¹ and DC-HSDPA, so you can browse, download and stream content fast from wherever you are. iPad mini data plans will be available with no contract so you can simply sign up and activate service directly from your iPad.⁴ The Personal Hotspot feature means you can share a fast cellular data connection via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB with up to five other devices such as MacBook® Pro, iPod touch® or another iPad.⁵

The new fourth generation iPad features the amazing 9.7-inch Retina display and includes a new Apple-designed A6X chip that delivers up to twice the CPU performance and up to twice the graphics performance of the A5X chip, all while delivering an incredible 10 hours of battery life in the same thin and light iPad design. Other new features include a FaceTime HD camera, twice the Wi-Fi performance when compared to previous iPad models and support for additional LTE carriers worldwide.⁶

iPad mini and fourth generation iPad both feature support for the Lightning™ connector that is smaller, smarter and more durable than the 30-pin connector. Lightning connector accessories are available to support cameras, SD cards and VGA or HDMI digital video.⁷ Existing iPad Smart Covers and the iPad Smart Case are compatible with fourth generation iPad, and new polyurethane Smart Covers custom-designed for iPad mini are available in pink, green, blue, light gray, dark gray and (PRODUCT) RED for $39.

iPad runs over 700,000 apps available on the App Store℠, including more than 275,000 apps designed specifically for iPad, from a wide range of categories including books, games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel. iPad also supports the more than 5,000 newspapers and magazines offered in Newsstand and the more than 1.5 million books available on the iBookstore℠. The iTunes Store® puts the world’s most popular online music, TV and movie store at your fingertips with a catalog of over 26 million songs, over 190,000 TV episodes and over 45,000 films. The new iBooks® app for iPad lets users read ebooks in over 40 languages. iBooks also lets users experience an entirely new kind of ebook that’s dynamic, engaging and truly interactive. Ebooks created with Apple’s new iBooks Author offer gorgeous, fullscreen ebooks with interactive animations, diagrams, photos, videos, custom fonts, mathematical expressions and much more.

Pricing & Availability

iPad mini with Wi-Fi models will be available in black & slate or white & silver on Friday, November 2, for a suggested retail price of $329 (US) for the 16GB model, $429 (US) for the 32GB model and $529 (US) for the 64GB model. The fourth generation iPad with Wi-Fi models will also be available on Friday, November 2, in black or white for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) for the 16GB model, $599 (US) for the 32GB model and $699 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad mini and the fourth generation iPad will be sold through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores, and select Apple Authorized Resellers in the US, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

iPad mini with Wi-Fi + Cellular and fourth generation iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular will start shipping a couple of weeks after the Wi-Fi models, beginning in the US on AT&T, Sprint and Verizon. iPad mini with Wi-Fi + Cellular will be offered for a suggested retail price of $459 (US) for the 16GB model, $559 (US) for the 32GB model and $659 (US) for the 64GB model. Fourth generation iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular for AT&T, Sprint and Verizon will be offered for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model. Additionally, iPad 2 is available at $399 (US) for the 16GB Wi-Fi model and just $529 (US) for the 16GB Wi-Fi + 3G model where they are sold now.

Customers can begin pre-ordering all models of iPad mini and all models of the fourth generation iPad on Friday, October 26 through the Apple Online Store in the US, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

¹LTE is available through select carriers. Network speeds are dependent on carrier networks. Check with your carrier for details.
²Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.
³Based on theoretical speeds, actual speeds may vary.
⁴Only available on some carriers.
⁵Personal Hotspot requires supporting data plan. Customers should check with their carrier for availability.
⁶LTE is available through select carriers.
⁷Sold separately.

Computers, tablets

Apple’s Mini iPad Official, Smaller, Thinner and Lighter

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The late CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs was not in favor of a 7-inch tablet; he repeatedly stated that “this size is useless unless you include sandpaper so users can sand their fingers down to a quarter of their size.” Fast forward couple of years later, the growing interest in small, cheap and simple tablet devices has now brought his  long-time company to finally release one of its own. At an event today in San Jose, California, Apple finally officially unveiled its new line of Mini iPad products.

The Mini iPad features the same casing we’ve already seen around its bigger brother, the iPad 3. In addition it boasts the same Lighting dock connector which has already been implemented into Apple’s latest iPhone 5 mobile phone. So what’s different, you’re asking? The size, ladies and gents, the size. Running Apple’s latest and greatest iOS 6 on board, the new Mini device features a 7.85-inch 1024X768 display, measures ONLY 7.2mm thick (.75-inch) and weighs 3.5 pounds. That’s small, and ridiculously thin for a portable slab, isn’t it?

As far as CPU goes, the iPad Mini ships with Apple’s A5 processor under the lid, alongside a 5MP camera, about 10 hours of battery time, Facetime capabilities, Apple’s brand new Lightning connector and last but not least, 4G LTE Network support.

Technically this isn’t a Retina display device, but that doesn’t appear to be stopping Apple from trying to sell this thing at high prices. Come November 2, the WiFi-only iPad Mini will hit your local shelves, at a $329 price point for the 16GB model, while the 32GB flavor runs at $429, and the 64GB $will set you back $529; pre-orders begin Oct 26th.

In addition, Apple will be selling what it is calling the “iPad Mini Smart Cover” in green, red, blue, dark gray, light gray, and pinkcolors.

Full PR after the break.

Update1: Cellular models to kick off only few weeks later, on AT&T, Verizon and Sprint, starting at $459 for the 16 gigs and up to $659 for the 64GB flavor.

Update2: We’ve just added a couple quick hands-on video after the break.

Update3: Make sure to checkout the comparison chart after the break: The iPad mini vs. the competition

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Videos courtesy of The Verge and Laptopmag.

 Chart via Engadget 

 

Apple Introduces iPad mini

Unveils New Fourth Generation iPad with Retina Display, Faster A6X Chip, FaceTime HD Camera & Ultrafast Wireless
SAN JOSE, California―October 23, 2012―Apple® today introduced iPad® mini, a completely new iPad design that is 23 percent thinner and 53 percent lighter than the third generation iPad. The new iPad mini features a stunning 7.9-inch Multi-Touch™ display, FaceTime® HD and iSight® cameras, ultrafast wireless performance¹ and an incredible 10 hours of battery life²―every inch an iPad, yet in a revolutionary design you can hold in one hand. Apple today also announced the fourth generation iPad featuring a gorgeous 9.7-inch Retina™ display, new Apple-designed A6X chip, FaceTime HD camera and ultrafast wireless performance. Both iPad mini and fourth generation iPad come with iOS 6, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features.

“iPad mini is every inch an iPad. With its gorgeous 7.9-inch display, iPad mini features the same number of pixels as the original iPad and iPad 2, so you can run more than 275,000 apps designed specifically for iPad,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “iPad mini is as thin as a pencil and as light as a pad of paper, yet packs a fast A5 chip, FaceTime HD and 5 megapixel iSight cameras and ultrafast wireless―all while delivering up to 10 hours of battery life.”

iPad mini comes in a beautiful new aluminum and glass design that is just 7.2 mm thin and weighs only 0.68 pounds. The 7.9-inch Multi-Touch display delivers the same iPad experience users have come to expect, in a design that has 35 percent more screen real estate than 7-inch tablets and up to an astonishing 67 percent more usable viewing area when browsing the web. The dual-core A5 chip delivers responsive graphics and a fast, fluid Multi-Touch experience, while still providing all-day battery life.

iPad mini features a front-facing FaceTime HD camera and a 5 megapixel iSight camera on the back with advanced optics for taking sharp still pictures and recording full 1080p HD video. The iSight camera includes video image stabilization and both cameras feature backside illumination to let users capture great pictures in low light. iPad mini also allows easy sharing of photos with friends and family using iCloud’s Shared Photo Streams.

iPad mini features dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi support for speeds up to 150 Mbps,³ which is twice the Wi-Fi performance compared to previous iPad models. iPad mini is available in Wi-Fi + Cellular models which are world-ready with built-in support for ultrafast wireless standards, including LTE¹ and DC-HSDPA, so you can browse, download and stream content fast from wherever you are. iPad mini data plans will be available with no contract so you can simply sign up and activate service directly from your iPad.⁴ The Personal Hotspot feature means you can share a fast cellular data connection via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB with up to five other devices such as MacBook® Pro, iPod touch® or another iPad.⁵

The new fourth generation iPad features the amazing 9.7-inch Retina display and includes a new Apple-designed A6X chip that delivers up to twice the CPU performance and up to twice the graphics performance of the A5X chip, all while delivering an incredible 10 hours of battery life in the same thin and light iPad design. Other new features include a FaceTime HD camera, twice the Wi-Fi performance when compared to previous iPad models and support for additional LTE carriers worldwide.⁶

iPad mini and fourth generation iPad both feature support for the Lightning™ connector that is smaller, smarter and more durable than the 30-pin connector. Lightning connector accessories are available to support cameras, SD cards and VGA or HDMI digital video.⁷ Existing iPad Smart Covers and the iPad Smart Case are compatible with fourth generation iPad, and new polyurethane Smart Covers custom-designed for iPad mini are available in pink, green, blue, light gray, dark gray and (PRODUCT) RED for $39.

iPad runs over 700,000 apps available on the App Store℠, including more than 275,000 apps designed specifically for iPad, from a wide range of categories including books, games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel. iPad also supports the more than 5,000 newspapers and magazines offered in Newsstand and the more than 1.5 million books available on the iBookstore℠. The iTunes Store® puts the world’s most popular online music, TV and movie store at your fingertips with a catalog of over 26 million songs, over 190,000 TV episodes and over 45,000 films. The new iBooks® app for iPad lets users read ebooks in over 40 languages. iBooks also lets users experience an entirely new kind of ebook that’s dynamic, engaging and truly interactive. Ebooks created with Apple’s new iBooks Author offer gorgeous, fullscreen ebooks with interactive animations, diagrams, photos, videos, custom fonts, mathematical expressions and much more.

Pricing & Availability
iPad mini with Wi-Fi models will be available in black & slate or white & silver on Friday, November 2, for a suggested retail price of $329 (US) for the 16GB model, $429 (US) for the 32GB model and $529 (US) for the 64GB model. The fourth generation iPad with Wi-Fi models will also be available on Friday, November 2, in black or white for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) for the 16GB model, $599 (US) for the 32GB model and $699 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad mini and the fourth generation iPad will be sold through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores, and select Apple Authorized Resellers in the US, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

iPad mini with Wi-Fi + Cellular and fourth generation iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular will start shipping a couple of weeks after the Wi-Fi models, beginning in the US on AT&T, Sprint and Verizon. iPad mini with Wi-Fi + Cellular will be offered for a suggested retail price of $459 (US) for the 16GB model, $559 (US) for the 32GB model and $659 (US) for the 64GB model. Fourth generation iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular for AT&T, Sprint and Verizon will be offered for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model. Additionally, iPad 2 is available at $399 (US) for the 16GB Wi-Fi model and just $529 (US) for the 16GB Wi-Fi + 3G model where they are sold now.

Customers can begin pre-ordering all models of iPad mini and all models of the fourth generation iPad on Friday, October 26 through the Apple Online Store in the US, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

 

tablets

Acer To Release The Iconia Tab A110 Stateside On October 30

acer-iconia-tab-a110-android-tablet

Acer has officially announced it will release its latest 7-inch Iconia Tab A110 tablet in the US at the end of October. Powered by Android Jelly Bean OS, the A110 is expected to hit the already-crowded “mini-tablet” market, priced at $230 for the 8GB version – which isn’t as cheap as the Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire – and equipped with Nvidia’s powerful Tegra 3 Quad Core CPU under the lid, along with a microSD slot expansion, 1GB of RAM, a camera, Bluetooth 3.0 and micro-HDMI to connect the slate to your flat HD TV. Now, my fellow readers, it’s up to you to decide which tablet you will have, and how much are you willing to pay. Full PR after the break.

 

Pocket Size Power Player: Acer Introduces Iconia A110 Tablet

Editor’s Summary:
• Acer Iconia Tab A110 is a lightweight, pocket-sized 7-inch multi-touch tablet available Oct. 30 for $229.99
• Powered by the latest Android™ 4.1 “Jelly Bean” operating system and NVIDIA’s Tegra™ 3 quad-core processor
• Provides up to 7.5 hours of battery life for enjoying movies, books, games and more

SAN JOSE, Calif., (Oct. 18, 2012) Acer America today expanded its Iconia™ Tab lineup with the A110, a lightweight, pocket-sized 7-inch multi-touch tablet. Available Oct. 30 in the United States and Canada, the compact and stylish Iconia Tab A110 is perfect to tote around at all times to read, browse, play games and enjoy media.

“Today’s consumers are increasingly mobile and want easy and instant access to entertainment at all times,” said Paul Tayar, senior director of product marketing for connected devices, Acer America. “The Iconia Tab A110 is another example of how Acer is meeting the needs of consumers, by providing tablet form factors that combine portability and performance for fun and gaming, at affordable prices.”

More comfortable to browse on than a smartphone, the trim A110 tablet is just 0.86 pound and less than a half-inch slim. Easy to hold in one hand for hours of comfortable enjoyment and slender enough to fit in a pocket or handbag, the tablet delivers bright and crisp images for movies, photos, books and games. Featuring a vibrant capacitive multi-touch display with 1024×600 resolution, the A110 ensures optimal screen viewing from every angle – up and down and left to right.

Powered by the latest Android™ 4.1 “Jelly Bean” operating system, the A110 tablet provides faster and smoother performance for applications and widgets. Users can customize and expand their tablet experience with ease using the Android™ Market to choose from hundreds of thousands of apps to enjoy the A110 any way they want. Also preloaded on the A110, Google Play provides users with an entertainment hub and allows one place to find, enjoy and share apps, music, movies and books from across the web. Google Currents provides free online magazines from hundreds of publishers and online.

The A110 comes equipped with the NVIDIA® Tegra™ 3 quad-core processor, delivering industry-leading performance and responsiveness for running multiple apps, smooth HD video, fast web browsing and console-like gaming. The tablet’s NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor features a unique Super 4-PLUS-1™ Quad Core CPU design with a fifth Battery Saver Core, which handles less demanding activities, ultimately using less power and improving battery life. The A110 supports long battery life with smart power management providing up to 7.5 hours of battery life .

Offering superior expansion and connectivity, the Iconia Tab A110 has a micro-USB 2.0 port for hooking up other devices, and a MicroSD slot providing additional storage up to 32GB and easy file transfers. For showcasing entertainment in a larger format, users can easily connect to an external LCD or HDTV via the A110’s MicroHDMI output, with dual display support.

For added enjoyment, a two megapixel front-facing web camera enables face-to-face chats or quick snaps for still photos. Bluetooth® 3.0 technology allows users to wirelessly connect to other devices such as Bluetooth printers, keyboards, headsets or speakers. The A110 also includes 1GB of memory and 8GB internal storage .

Pricing and Availability

The Acer Iconia Tab A110 will be for sale on October 30 at leading U.S. and Canadian retailers with pricing beginning at $229.99 USD and CAD.

tablets

Apple iPad Mini Event To Take Place October 23rd

Rumors have been floating around lately that Apple is about to release a smaller version of the iPad tablet, dubbed iPad Mini. Today, the Cupertino-based company has officially confirmed that it will indeed launch the slab on October 23rd. In addition, we just have some vague speculations which suggest that we might see a new version of the iPad 3 tablet equipped with Apple’s new Lighting cable on board, as well as a 13-inch Macbook Pro version, packed with the great Retina display on top. But these are just speculations, you know. The real thing is only one week away. Stay tuned.

[Apple]

tablets

Microsoft Surface RT Pricing unveiled, $499 or $599 with Touch Cover keyboard

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We were quite pleased when Microsoft announced their long awaited Windows 8 tablet, the Surface, back in June. But one thing that was missing was the price, and today this secret information has finally been revealed (surprisingly, Microsoft has already pulled the page a few minutes after publishing it). Powered by a Windows RT operating system and equipped with a stunning 10.6-inch display, the new tablets will go on sale on October 26th, starting at $499 for the basic 32GB configuration without Touch Cover, and up to $699 for  the 64GB version with a Touch Cover keyboard bundled in the box.

Though Microsoft has since taken the page down, the original product listing revealed that pre-orders will start soon, with Touch Cover prices set to run at $119, and Type Cover for $129.99, independently.

Hop past the break for the “secret” webpage screenshot.

Update: Looks like Microsoft has officially confirmed the prices above, with additional info about specs and shipping dates. Apparently, the Surface will be available for purchase “at all Microsoft Store locations” in the United States and Canada, while online orders to start at the very same date in 8 different countries, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the United States.

[Microsoft]

tablets

$800 Acer Iconia W700 Windows 8 Tablet To Hit Market Later This Month

Acer-ICONIA-W700-tablet-windows8

Would you like to get the latest and greatest in tablet technology? We assume the answer is yes, in which case you must check out Acer’s upcoming 11.6-inch Windows 8 tablet, Iconia W700, that will be launched later this month. A reminder of what we’re looking at — This is a Full HD slab, anyone would be happy to have, with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution screen, either Core i3 or Core i5 Ivy Bridge processor at your choice, a rear 5-megapixel camera and a front-facing 720 shooter. A nice silver docking cradle with USB 3.0 ports is also bundled with the tablet, as well as a Bluetooth keyboard and an HDMI-VGA dongle.

W700 battery is claimed to last for up to eight hours of work, and the line will be available in trio of specification levels, starting with the basic Core i3 CPU, 4GB of RAM and 64GB SSD which run for $800, while the stronger flavor, which packs a Core i5 CPU (same RAM and storage), will set you back $900, and the third, that costs $1,000, includes  a Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. Full PR after the break.

 

Acer America Debuts Iconia W700

Tablet PC: High-Performance Windows 8 PC in Tablet Form

Editor’s Summary:
-Sleek Acer Iconia W700 tablet PC delivers impressive performance in a portable design for
mobile productivity
-Full HD 1080p IPS 11.6-inch display boasts stunning 1920 x 1080 resolution
-Versatile design ensures efficiency: touch and keyboard for input; cradle secures tablet PC
in several positions
-Up to 8 hours of battery life delivers all-day productivity
-Product available Oct. 26 with starting MSRP of $799.99
SAN JOSE, Calif., (Oct. 4, 2012) Acer America, the number two notebook provider, today
announced that the Acer Iconia W700 tablet PC, a high-performance mobile PC in a tablet PC form factor, will be available for the U.S. market. Acer’s first Windows 8 tablet PC for the
U.S., the Iconia W700 features a versatile, portable design that delivers a first-rate touch and typing experience for productivity-focused PC users.

The Acer Iconia W700 Windows 8 tablet PC delivers excellent performance using responsive and fast Intel Core i3 and Core i5 (Ivy Bridge) processors, enabling the system to take on
spreadsheets, presentations, and more with ease. The powerful processors allow customers to use the Iconia W700 as their main PC for all of their everyday computing tasks, such as content creation, running multiple apps, and sharing multimedia.

Acer Iconia W700’s 11.6-inch IPS display boasts a Full HD 1080p (1920×1080) resolution.
Photos and video are vibrant and stunning, while text, documents and websites are crisp and clear. The Intel HD Graphics 4000 further improves the clarity and realism, while the highbrightness display enables viewing even in sunlight. The touch-screen display allows 10-point touch for easy navigation through websites, music and media files, as well as all the new apps available in Windows 8.

The tablet PC’s first-rate performance is complemented by its versatility. The Iconia W700
comes with a multipurpose cradle that securely houses it in several different positions. When using it in landscape, the cradle can be tilted up to 70 degrees for enhanced viewing, or 20 degrees for convenient touch. It can also be used vertically in portrait mode for easy browsing and reading.

“The Acer Iconia W700 brings the performance and productivity of a high-end PC to the tablet category,” said Sumit Agnihotry, vice president of product marketing, Acer America. “Sporting a new style, innovative design and aluminum unibody construction, the new tablet PC is designed to reach new standards in ergonomics and user-friendliness, while providing the ideal platform for customers to take advantage of the many new features of Windows 8.”

Users will appreciate that the Acer Iconia W700 is incredibly portable; it measures less than
half an inch thick and weighs only 2.3 pounds. It provides up to eight hours of battery life for all-day productivity.The W700’s 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi provides a quick and reliable
connection to hotspots. In addition, the Iconia W700 tablet PC can take advantage of locationbased and travel applications with its integrated G-Sensor, E-Compass and Gyro-Meter.

The Iconia W700 features a 128GB or 64GB SSD for powering on the device and retrieving data quickly and securely. With it, the Iconia W700 features the unique Acer Green Instant On technology to provide a fast boot time of just six seconds, as well as instant-resume functionality in 1.5 seconds. Acer Always Connect gets users online to previously used hotspots in as little as 2.5 seconds for better productivity. Plus, AcerCloud makes digital content easy to access and share between their Iconia W700 and other PCs anytime, anywhere.

Capturing images and staying in touch with others is easy thanks to the built-in Acer Crystal Eye webcam. The HD 5MP rear camera captures full HD 1080p video and first-rate photos with auto focus. The front-facing HD 720p camera is ideal for video conferencing and photo-taking for social networks. Dolby Home Theater v4 boosts sound for headphones as well as built-in speakers. Plus, the dialogue enhancer makes audio capture even more crisp and clear for video conferencing and video emails.

The versatile new Iconia W700 comes loaded with the accessories that will make savvy consumers even more productive. The Bluetooth keyboard provides more convenient content creation and editing on Windows 8 programs. Plus, the tablet PC comes with a MicroHDMI to VGA adapter for a convenient and quick connection to a projector. Since customers will want to take it everywhere, the Iconia W700 also comes with a protective case.
The Acer Iconia W700 will be available on Oct. 26 at leading retailers across the U.S. in severalconfigurations. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices range from $799.99 to $999.99. Acer corporate customers in the U.S. can purchase the Acer Iconia W700 backed by an extended two-year warranty and Windows 8 Pro priced at $1,049.99 CAD.

 

tablets

Barnes & Noble Announces Nook HD and Nook HD+ Android Tablets

Hot on the heels of Amazon announcing plans to release the 8.9-Inch Kindle Fire HD, popular book retailer Barnes and Noble have just revealed their latest line of Android Ice Cream Nook tablets, the NOOK HD and NOOK HD+. This isn’t the first time the company has jumped the line with a NOOK. The last time was about a year ago, when Amazon officially announced its 7-inch Kindle Fire and B&N has replied with a slate of its own. Today, we are pretty much back in the same place for similar reasons.

And so without further ado, let’s dive into the nitty gritty details. The first in this family of tablets is the 7-inch  Nook HD. Weighing around 11.1 oz (319 grams), this nice gadget is available in Snow or Smoke colors and has a high-def 1440 x 900 screen resolution (243 ppi) for both 8GB and 16GB capacities which will run you $199 and $229, respectively. In addition, it boasts a 1.3GHz Dual-Core TI OMAP4470 processor under the hood, and likely to include 1GB of RAM, a tweaked version of Ice Cream Sandwich, and a microSD slot providing additional capability of memory storage expansion.

The second in that series, and the better model between the two, is the NOOK HD+ that sports many of the same specs, only slightly bigger and stronger, to improve its performance. The screen in here is a 9-inch Full HD display, with 1920×1280 resolution (256 ppi), and the CPU was upgraded from 1.3GHz to 1.5GHz dual-core processor. And while RAM remains the same at 1GB, the tablet offers 16GB of internal storage to start with ($269), and up to 32GB ($299) for the larger version. There’s also a micro USB port, and HDMI out function via an adapter.

Both devices are set to start shipping in late October, with B&N to give NOOK users easy access to its video-on-demand service, that houses many HD movies and TV shows for streaming and download. 

Hands-on video after the break.

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Video courtesy of The Verge.

[BARNES & NOBLE (PDF)]

 

tablets

Ainol Novo 7 Crystal Tablet Gets the Jelly Bean Treatment and The Dual-Core Processor

Chinese company Ainol is expected to release a new iteration of its Novo7 tablet devices, which we have heard about previously in the past few months. The new slate, officially dubbed the Novo 7 Crystal, has been confirmed to receive the Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean OS out-of the-box, a surprising change from the standard ice cream sandwich. In addition, we’re looking at an Amlogic 8726-M6 Cortex A9 processor under the lid, paired with a Mali 400 GPU, 1GB of RAM, a 7-inch IPS touchscreen with 1,024 x 600 resolution and 8GB of internal storage, to house your bits and files for portable use. This WiFi-only package, which is one of the entry level tablets you’d find around the net these days, at the price range of $139, measures 0.4 inches thick and weighs about 0.72 pounds. In terms of ports, there’s a mini-HDMI out inside, as well as a mini-USB and a microSD card slot. The Novo 7 Crystal is due out September 28 in black or white colors. Surely this will heat up the low cost tablet market worldwide, don’t you think so? 

 [via Notebook Italia]

tablets

Amazon Announces New 7-Inch and 8.9-Inch Kindle Fire HD Tablets

5 Comments

At  Santa Monica, Amazon reveals a new line of Kindle Fire tablets, set to go live in Q4 this year, with 20 percent of extra speed and some other screen resolution and sizes. Amazon announcements always make a big splash, and this year was no exception. Jeff Bezos, the CEO, creative force and founder of Amazon stepped on stage to introduce the world his latest and greatest Android-powered devices.

Besides a new iteration to the good ‘ol Kindle Fire device (which now offers a 7-inch screen, 1GB RAM, bigger battery, and 44 percent more powerful capabilities than the last), the company has launched a whole new Kindle Fire HD series to rival the more recent competition in the mini-tablet market.

First in that group is the 7-inch Kindle Fire HD flavor. A 1280 by 800 high-def resolution device, with 16GB of internal capacity, about 11 hours of battery life, an integrated WiFi and $199 retail cost (ships September 14).

Up next is the 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD version, that boasts a 1920 by 1200 resolution, alongside a 1GB of RAM, WiFi with two antenna (dual-band MIMO technology), improved battery life results, and a TI OMAP 4470 processor (a Texas Instrument CPU claimed by Bezos to outperform the Tegra 3 Nvidia chip). If you look around the 8.8 millimeters slate, there are two speakers built into the chassis, as well as an HDMI input, and a laminated touch sensor. The 8.9-inch model priced at $299, and ships November 20th.

Last but not least, is the Kindle Fire 4G LTE, Amazon’s $499 tablet that sports a similar 8.9-inch full HD screen, alongside the TI OMAP 4470 CPU, and with 32 gigabytes of internal storage. Amazon is also giving away, as part of the deal, an AT&T data plan of $50 per year in exchange for 250 megabytes of monthly mobile internet data, when this release ships in November 20th.

Additional features on all models, include Whispersync for voice that syncs audio books and text e-books, FreeTime parental control app,  New email app with Exchange support, and X-Ray for movies that brings the power of IMDb directly to your tablets.

Hands on video after the break.

Update: The brand new Kindles are all now available for pre-order from Amazon.

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Video courtesy of laptopmag

tablets

Lenovo IdeaTab A2107 and IdeaTab S2110 Android 4.0 Tablets Officially Announced

Lenovo has officially taken the wraps of their latest Android tablets, unveiling the IdeaTab A2107 and IdeaTab S2110 at IFA in Berlin, Germany. And while availability dates are still particularly vague, prices should range somewhere between $200 to $500.

Specs for the IdeaTab A2107 include a 7-inch 1024 x 600 touchscreen (same size as the Nexus 7 and the  Kindle Fire), alongside a 1GHz dual-core MTK Cortex A9 CPU, either WiFi-only models or 3G+WiFi configuration, with storage capacities range between 4GB to 16GB at most. There’s also a Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity under the hood, as well as an FM radio, a Micro-USB, an SD card expansion and WCDMA plus GSM network support.

Up next is the IdeaTab S2110, a  10.1-inch Ice Cream Sandwich device, running a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm chip inside, tucked with a 1280 x 800 IPS display that can feature up to 10-finger multi-touch support. This machine is basically a hybrid between a tablet and a laptop, that were technically combined together by an optional keyboard dock, which naturally helps you out with the typing, extends your battery life with additional 10 hours, and sports a full-size SD card slot. The tablet itself comes with a choice of 16GB or 32GB flavors, while the camera shooters are at 5-megapixel on the back and a a dual 1.3-megapixel up front. Out of the box, you also get micro-USB and micro-HDMI ports.

 

tablets

Samsung ATIV Tab Windows RT Tablet Revealed

At IFA 2012, we were expecting an explosion of new Windows 8 tablets, and the show certainly didn’t disappoint. Samsung ‘s 10.1-inch ATIV Tab is probably the latest newcomer in that scene. It offers a 1.5GHz dual-core processor under the lid, paired with a 1,366 x 768 display, 2GB of RAM, your choice of either 32GB or 64GB of storage capacities, internal Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth 4.0. The 20.1 ounces slab you are watching straight down, at the picture below, will run the Windows RT operating system onboard, while the chosen battery pack is the 8,200mAh. In addition, the slate is equipped with a 5MP rear camera and a 1.9MP front-facing shooter, as well as a standard USB 2.0 port, a micro-HDMI and near-field communication (NFC) support. No word on price/availability yet. Hands-on video after the break.

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Video, courtesy of  unleashthephones

tablets

Sony Xperia Tablet S Now Official, Tegra 3 and ICS Onboard

They say that every rumor has some truth to it, and the one that was talking about a new Sony slate, has also succeeded to live up to its claims. In other words, those leaked slides were spot on to the inch, as the Japanese corp officially announces the Xperia S tablet – A very powerful Tegra 3 quad-core device, with up to 64GB of internal storage, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth 3.0, a gyroscope, accelerometer, a full-size SD card slot, HDMI out, and a Google Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich platform for the OS. In that regard, the company promised that a Jelly Bean update will be made available as soon as possible.

While Sony managed to preserve most of the Tablet S exterior design, the internal parts, however, were greatly enhanced. The storage capacity substantially increased, the chip, as mentioned earlier, was upgraded from Nvidia Tegra 2 to the latest and greatest Tegra 3, battery is now at 6,000mAh, or somewhere around 10 working hours. But the wonderful TruBlack Bravia screen, that was first shown at IFA last year, remained untouched at 9.4-inches with 1,280 x 800 resolution.

Sony has always been a leading TV brand, and as such the new Xperia S can also be used as a universal remote control when watching TV, with programmable shortcut keys (up to 6 macros) and an integrated IR emitter.

The tablet comes with preloaded apps like Watch Now, which lets you watch live TV and share your thoughts with other online users (either via Facebook or Twitter), get recommendations, or any other related info. There’s also a “Guest Mode” feature that enables apps control or surfing limitations. All in all, a good privacy keeper, we’d say. And, of course, some multitasking capabilities were tossed in, alongside Sony’s multimedia apps, the Video Unlimited and Music Unlimited, where you can browse and purchase some digital content.

The Xperia Tablet S launches September 7, in three different Wi-Fi only flavors: 16GB ($399.99), 32GB ($499.99) and 64GB ($599.00).

You may also buy yourself a wide range of handy accessories for the Xperia Tablet S, including a cover plus keyboard ($99.99), docking stand ($99.99), simple stand ($24.99), carrying cover ($50.99 – $79.99), charging cradle ($39.99) and speaker dock ($129.99, available in November).

Official video plus a quick hands-on footage:

[youtube id=”9mkhSQtanAE”]

[youtube id=”40HHnAR3EMk”]

Second video, courtesy of TechRadar  

IFA, tablets

Asus Vivo Tab and Vivo Tab RT Windows 8 Tablets Officially Announced

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Asus has already showed off its latest flagship Windows 8 tablets, ASUS Tablet 810 and the ASUS Tablet 600, at a press conference back in Computex, but today the show floor at IFA 2012 opens to the vast crowd, with the Taiwanese corp unveiling the Vivo Tab and the Vivo Tab RT, which remain identical to those 600 and 810 models that we’ve seen, only this time with a different moniker.

For those who missed out on the spec details for the Vivo Tab (previously known as the Tablet 810), this high-end device runs an Intel Atom CPU with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, while the IPS screen is 11.6 inches with 1,366 x 768 resolution, 10-point multitouch capabilities, along with a Wacom digitizer input support. The 1.5 pound tablet sports two cameras on board, an 8-megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash on the back, and a 2-megapixel unit up front. We’re also expecting an NFC chip inside, as well.

As for the Vivo Tab RT (previously known as the Tablet 600), the IPS screen is a bit smaller in here, at 10.1-inches with a 1,366 x 768 resolution. There are 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of internal storage. The new tablet uses a Tegra 3 processor, alongside a 12-core GPU, two cameras, and that same NFC technology running under the hood.

The bonus is that you’re also getting the optional keyboard dock and trackpad, that has become very popular lately. It is a full-fledged island-style keyboard which adds two additional USB ports to the main frame, and another lithium ion battery for near double usage time of work.

Both prices and availability dates are yet to be determined, but you can find more details in the full PR that’s sitting after the break.

Update: ASUS VivoTab RT tablet will be available on October 26th, with prices to start at $599 for the 32GB model (including the keyboard), and $699 for a 64GB version plus the docking station.

 

ASUS Announces the Incredible Vivo Tab and Vivo Tab RT tablets at IFA

Two new tablets with a dual-purpose design that combines a high-resolution multi-touch display and a detachable QWERTY keyboard dock for a great Microsoft® Windows 8 experience.

IFA, Berlin, Germany, (August 29, 2012) – ASUS, a global leader in the new digital era, today announces two incredible new tablets intended to run Windows 8. First unveiled at Computex in June, the ASUS Vivo Tab and ASUS Vivo Tab RT (formerly known as the ASUS Tablet 810 and ASUS Tablet 600 respectively) open up a new world of mobile possibilities and transform expectations about what tablets can do.

Meet Vivo
With a name taken from the Latin verb “to live”, Vivo is designed as a constant companion that blends the familiar elegance of ASUS tablet design with Microsoft Corporations’ new touch-enabled Windows 8 operating system.

Vivo has a dual-purpose design that combines a high-resolution multi-touch Super IPS+ display with a detachable QWERTY keyboard dock to provide a great Windows 8 experience. ASUS TruVivid technology with Corning® Fit Glass gives improved colour clarity and superior scratch resistance, while the keyboard not only transforms Vivo into a convenient clamshell ultraportable, but also provides a secondary battery for prolonged mains-free use.
With an 11.6″ screen backed by high-precision Wacom digitiser stylus technology, the Vivo Tab is designed with productivity in mind, while the ultra-light Vivo Tab RT is ideally suited to entertainment on the go. Get more done, enjoy new experiences and connect with others in exciting new ways – Vivo makes it all possible.

ASUS Vivo Tab

The ASUS Vivo Tab features the Next Generation Intel® Atom™ processor and has 2GB RAM with 64GB eMMC (embedded multimedia card) user storage. An incredible Windows 8 experience makes it a smart choice for professional and personal use. With support for 1024-level Wacom digitizer for precise work and navigation, ASUS Vivo Tab maximizes productivity and provides the best input experience.

Key to the Vivo Tab’s recipe for Windows 8 is the supplied mobile dock. This instantly transforms the tablet into a compact clamshell ultraportable, complete with full QWERTY keyboard, trackpad, two USB ports and second battery for extended use away from the mains.

The 11.6″ display with a 1366 x 768 resolution uses Super IPS+ technology to deliver superior visual clarity both indoors and out, and its 10-point multi-touch is complemented by Wacom digitiser stylus technology for high-precision stylus input and a more natural writing experience.

Despite its compact dimensions and ultra-thin 8.7mm and 675g profile, the Vivo Tab still delivers superlative sound quality, thanks to the same SonicMaster technology used on ASUS’ award-winning notebooks. High-quality photographs can also be captured with the 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, along with a 2-megapixel front-facing camera for video chats. The Vivo Tab also features a built-in NFC sensor, enabling the device to easily sync with other NFC-enabled devices.

ASUS Vivo Tab RT

The ASUS Vivo Tab RT has a slim and light profile that’s 8.3mm thin and 520g light. It features the NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core processor and 12-core GPU for outstanding mobile graphics performance, along with 2GB RAM and 32GB eMMC user storage. Supplied with Windows RT, tablet users with entertainment in mind will find a great partner in the Vivo Tab RT.
The Vivo Tab RT also has the same innovative Transformer design as the Vivo Tab and is supplied with its own mobile dock that provides a QWERTY keyboard, track pad, USB port and built-in battery.

Windows 8 apps, games and movies will look incredible on the Vivo Tab RT’s 10.1″ display with 1366 x 768 resolution and Super IPS+ technology, while ASUS SonicMaster technology ensures top-quality audio. The Vivo Tab RT has the same high-quality front and rear cameras as the Vivo Tab too, making it an excellent all-round multimedia performer. It also features a built-in NFC sensor, enabling the device to easily sync with other NFC-enabled devices.

tablets

Unannounced Sony VAIO Duo 11 Hybrid Tablet Leaks, Runs Windows 8 With Keyboard Station (Update: Now Official)

We have already had a chance to see some random images of Sony’s purported Xpreria hybrid device, in the past few weeks. But surprisingly, it looks like there is yet another viable option, we’ve never heard of, that’s likely to join the company’s lineup. At least that’s what the cool PocketNow guys are claiming. And while details are scarce at the moment, the only thing we can all be sure about, when it comes to this brand new VAIO Duo 11 (or whatever they call it), is that it will run on Windows 8 OS and not Android (if the photos do indeed exist and are real). As for the slab itself, it is likely to go out in the form of a tablet-laptop convertible machine, paired with a sleek detachable keyboard dock for optimal typing, as well as a handy mini stylus pen that you use to draw freely on screen, which according to sources will probably match the size of the tablet name (11-inch). Other specs, price and availability are still unknown.

Update: Sony has just made an official introduction of the VAIO Duo 11 slider tablet, at IFA 2012. The screen is confirmed to be 11.6-inch at a 1080p resolution, with the launch date set for October 2012. This isn’t your usual tablet, my dear fellows, it’s more like an ultrabook than your average day-to-day slab. Inside, you’ll find Intel’s newest Core i3, Core i5 or Core i7 chip, with all the latest technology around (e.g GPS, NFC), while storage capacity is at 128GB or 256GB SSD. Be sure to checkout the hands on video after the break.

[youtube id=”jIEVdRh_v4g”]

[via PocketNow]

tablets

Archos 101 XS Tablet With Built-in Keyboard Station Will Go on Sale in Early November

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Archos has been quite the little busy bee in these past few months, considering their long-term strategy and efforts to gain more market share in the oh-so-crowded slates business. And while the primary focus seems to rest with the entry level priced devices, the multi-media French corporation has officially announced it has plenty to offer. The new revelation is the 10-inch (1,280 x 800 screen resolution) Archos 101 XS tablet, which is due to come out in November.

The tablet itself will almost definitely include the Android OS, although we don’t know if this will be the Ice Cream Sandwich or the newer Jelly Bean version, by the time it will be released (Update: According to Archos the 101 Jelly Bean upgrade will be delivered by October 2012). Under the hood, we’re also looking at a 1.5GHz dual-core TI OMAP-4470 processor, alongside a 1GB of RAM, 1.3-megapixel camera, and 16GB of internal storage.

But the biggest benefit of this XS tablet, which is set at $399, is of course the keyboard dock (AKA: Coverboard) that serves both as a full-fledged typing surface and a nice protective cover case — That sticks magnetically to the chassis. In addition, it will be sporting a standard USB 2.0 hub, mini-HDMI and a microSD card slot.

To wrap this one up, Archos also announces a couple of docking solutions for added optional features, like the Boombox speaker dock, or the Cradle audio output, with a bunch of USB sockets and some other type of ports. Hit the break for the full PR and a quick look video.

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Denver, CO – (August 22, 2012) – ARCHOS, an award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, is pleased to announce the unveiling of its Gen10 XS tablet line. The ARCHOS 101 XS, a 10.1-inch tablet that weighs only 21 ounces and measures 0.31 of an inch thin, will be the first of this new line of extra slim AndroidTM tablets to debut mid-September followed by the release of the ARCHOS 97 XS and ARCHOS 80 XS later in 2012.

In addition to creating a new standard of thin for tablets, ARCHOS continues to push the technological boundaries with the innovative Coverboard, a unique magnetic keyboard conceived for each tablet model that will offer protection, a kickstand, docking and easy typing. The Coverboard is included in the box with each tablet.

The entire Gen10 XS line is GoogleTM certified, features Android 4.0 and allows full access to Google PlayTM featuring over 600,000 apps. The range will be upgradable to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean in Q4 2012.

“As the pioneer in the Android tablet market, we strive to continually push the technological boundaries of tablets and user experience,” says Henri Crohas, ARCHOS Founder and CEO. “We are taking our

tablets to the next level by releasing an entirely new design that will redefine thin while providing more functionality and a better price than any current Android tablet in the market.”

Magnetic Coverboard: 4 Steps Ahead

The ultra-thin magnetic Coverboard included with all Gen10 tablets enables users to protect, stand and dock the tablet as well as type with a full-size QWERTY keyboard.

Protect

The 0.2″ thick protective cover is secured to the tablet with magnets. To open, the Coverboard simply twists to separate and reveal the full keyboard and magnetic kickstand.

Stands

The magnetically guided docking system enables perfect alignment on the keyboard, eliminating the need for clips or stands. The integrated magnetic kickstand holds the tablet to the Coverboard as one solid unit, allowing users to sit back and enjoy their music and movies comfortably.

Docks

When docked the Coverboard is powered by the tablet providing hours of productivity. The Coverboard also has a DC in, so when it’s plugged into a power outlet the keyboard functions like a dock and charges the tablet.

Types

The Gen10 XS series come fully equipped with a chicklet-style QWERTY keyboard and a complete version of OfficeSuite Pro 6, a $14.99 value. This critically acclaimed application allows you to view, create, edit, print and share Word, Excel and PowerPoint files as well as open attachments and read PDF files. Combine that with a full QWERTY keyboard that also has intergrated Android shortcut keys for direct access to main tablet functions for the ultimate in productivity.

Play Anything and Share Wirelessly with the ARCHOS Media Center

ARCHOS Gen10 XS tablets come with tailor-made Media Center apps for full HD video, complete codec and format support, jackets & meta-data for your music, videos and wireless sharing over your home network. In addition, each tablet features a Video Carousel for a video library experience like no other including automatic jacket download and an easy to use search tool for finding title, series, actor, subtitle or other information. Other media center functions include:
• Wireless streaming, home file sharing and read media from external storage
• ARCHOS remote control app
Pure Android experience
Certified by Google, ARCHOS Gen10 tablets include full access to Google PlayTM, including DRM support for downloading books, music and movies.
• Play Apps and Games: Over 600,000 apps and games
• Play Music: Access millions of tracks and artists
• Play Books: Over 4 million books to choose from
• Play Movies & TV: Thousands of movies including HD titles, new releases, award-winning films
or your favorite classics.
Powered by an unskinned version of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, ARCHOS Gen10 tablets deliver a pure AndroidTM experience and will be upgradable to Android’s next OS, Android 4.1 or Jelly Bean. Additional features include:
• 1.5 GHz smart multi-core processor and 1GB of RAM
• Google’s suite of mobile applications including GmailTM, Google TalkTM, YouTubeTM and
Google+TM.
• Google MapsTM with Street View and Navigation
• Google DriveTM with 5GB of free cloud storage
Gen10 XS Series Accessories

The ARCHOS Gen10 XS series has an assortment of designed accessories including a Speaker Dock, Docking Station and protective carrying Pouches.

ARCHOS Speaker Dock: The perfect musical companion for your Gen10 tablet easily combines a sleek design with remarkable sound and quick charging station.

Archos Docking Station: An ingenious little product allows you to charge your tablet while providing a great viewing solution. It also includes USB ports and audio ports for easy connectivity to a hard drives and existing stereo system from your tablet.

ARCHOS Pouches: Provide protection and an easy carrying solution for tablet and Coverboard. They will be available in a large selection of colors and finishes.

Availability

The first tablet in the Gen10 series to be released will be the ARCHOS 101 XS. The 101 XS tablet, which is 15 percent thinner than the new iPad3, weighs only 21 ounces and measures 0.31 of an inch thin and will be in stores and online in North America starting in November with a suggested retail price of $399.99.

Additional specs for the ARCHOS 101 XS include:
• OMAP 4470 CPU with PowerVR SGX544 GPU
• 10.1-inch screen with 1280 x 800 resolution
• 16GB Flash Memory
• Micro USB, MicroSD (SDXC up to 64 GB), Mini HDMI
• WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0

For more information about the ARCHOS Gen10 XS tablet series and accessories, visit www.ARCHOS.com .

tablets

Acer Iconia Tab A110 Spotted Running Android Jelly Bean On Board

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The 7-inch tablet episode is gonna be the best show of this autumn. From one side, Google is already rockin’ with the Nexus 7 slate, while on the other hand, Apple is rumored to launch a mini iPad, this coming fall (and lets not forget the Dell Streak 7 and the Kindle Fire). Between the two hill company giants, there’s a middle course with plenty of players hanging around. One of them is Acer, a Taiwanese brand that has been known in the slabs market for quite some time. The latest rumored addition from the Asian corp is the Iconia Tab A110, another 7-inch device that was initially supposed to be released with an Ice Cream Sandwich platform pre-loaded on board. Instead, we’re hearing from online shop Ebuyer, that it will soon go live equipped with Google’s recent Jelly Bean OS out-of-the-box. In addition, it will boast a powerful Nvidia Tegra 3 Quad Core processor inside, paired with 1 GB of RAM, “only” 1024 × 600 screen resolution, eithr 8 or 16GB of flash memory to choose from, and an HDMI output alongside a microSD card slot. Price is going to be very competitive (if this turns to be true), at £179.99 or just above 200 bucks.

[via Netbooknews]

tablets

Lenovo’s Windows 8 ThinkPad Tablet 2 Gets Official, Coming in October

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Lenovo have already shown us (at Computex 2012) a glimpse of things to come in the Windows 8 area. And thankfully, it wasn’t long till things got underway. As much as we look forward to Lenovo’s next-gen ThinkPad device, it’s Microsoft’s brand new operating system that makes us interested and curious; and the Thinkpad tablet 2 actually has it. Scheduled for release in October, the 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen slate runs an Intel Atom processor under the 1,366 x 768 IPS display. In addition, it will pack a micro-HDMI output, alongside  a 10-hour battery, a rear 8MP camera and a front 2MP for your video chats, optional 3G / 4G connectivity, NFC radio capabilities and  HSPA+ cellular support.

Other cool features of the ThinkPad 2 include a fingerprint reader, a quality stylus pen, a lavish black 9.8mm-thick design, an optional keyboard, and a portable docking station with a myriad of ports such as USB, HDMI-out and an Ethernet socket, on board. No word yet on pricing, but you can hit the jump for the full PR release and a very early hands-on video.

Update: Lenovo has recently announced the Tablet 2 will start at $649, with shipping to begin later this month (e.g October).

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Video courtesy of booredatwork

 

Lenovo Announces New ThinkPad Tablet 2 for Windows 8

Debuts premier table built for professionals and designed for life

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – AUGUST 9, 2012: Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today unveiled its first tablet specifically designed for Windows 8, the ThinkPad Tablet 2. The multi-use tablet boasts differentiators that matter, including an optional digitizer and pen for precision input, 3G wireless with Lenovo Mobile Access pay-as-you-go plans and 4G models, along with security features like a Fingerprint Reader, IT manageability technologies, and corporate-level service and support.

“Customers want a versatile device that fits their lifestyle and the many ways they use technology,” said Dilip Bhatia, vice president and general manager, ThinkPad Business Unit. “Our new ThinkPad Tablet 2 marries incredible hardware and software to give consumers a great device for office, home or travel while also offering companies and IT managers the oversight they need to help secure and manage their company’s networks and data. “For the next generation of Lenovo PCs, designed to be great with Windows 8, we’re working closer than ever with Microsoft Corp. and our silicon partners. Today we are excited to reveal the fruit of this collaborative co-engineering, the ThinkPad Tablet 2, a joint effort between Lenovo, Microsoft and Intel.”

ThinkPad Tablet 2: New Power to Create
Technology like the multi-use ThinkPad Tablet 2 helps manage the increasing overlap between personal and work life today. Based on the upcoming Intel® Atom Processor-based mobile platform and Windows 8 Pro, the ThinkPad Tablet 2 works the way users do across their varied environments. It has an exceptionally thin and light design measuring 9.8 mm thin and weighing less than 600 grams (1.3 pounds), all in a 10.1-inch screen. The versatile tablet supports multiple input methods: multi-finger touch and an optional digitizer and pen, especially good for note taking, capturing signatures and completing forms. The optional ThinkPad Tablet 2 keyboard and dock can be paired with the tablet for more PC-like computing in the office. With an array of ports including a full-size USB port, workers easily can attach existing devices like monitors and printers.

Suited for commuting and in field scenarios, the tablet offers virtually anywhere connectivity and productivity with 3G and 4G wireless models. The tablet serves lifestyle computing uses just as well as business tasks with its package of communications and entertainment features: HD display, front and rear-facing cameras for video conferencing and uploading photos, noise canceling microphones, HDMI port and wireless video streaming.

While users will like the tablet for its aesthetics and powerful features, IT managers will particularly enjoy its security-enhanced and manageability technologies. With the optional Fingerprint Reader, passwords are biometrically stored. The encrypted internal and external storage meet the highest levels of security requirements. Using Windows 8 Pro and the Intel x86 architecture, IT managers can provide for VPN access, utilize existing Windows management tools, manage application deployment and block users from installing certain apps. In addition, Lenovo Services offer a complete suite of packages, including sealed battery warranties, accidental damage protection and custom imaging.

Availability
The ThinkPad Tablet 2 will be available when Windows 8 launches in October.

tablets

Samsung’s 10.1-Inch Galaxy Note To Go Live in August

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Oh! What do we have in here? No, this isn’t the Microsoft Courier, in case you were wondering. As a matter of fact, we didn’t really expect it to be released, at all. But because the overall look closely resembles the Redmond version, we thought it was definitely worth a mention. So what the heck is it? Well, It’s Korean, has a 1.4 GHz Exynos quad-core processor, a very handy stylus pen, and it’s called… (drums) the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1; which, as the name might indicate, features a 10.1-inch display on top. Other than that, we’re looking at a 3G-enabled tablet, packing a 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi connectivity, 2GB of RAM, Android Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0) for the OS, and LTE wireless network support. It also has a rear 5MP shooter, and a 1.9MP front-facing camera, Bluetooth 4.0, a USB 2.0 hub and either 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of storage, at your choice. But what makes the new Galaxy Note device so special is the S Pen and the “multiscreen” feature which make everything run so nice and smoothly, thanks to the use of  Wacom’s built-in digitizer technology that comes to hand, out of the box. At this point, while we’re still waiting on official pricing, Samsung is planning to hold a US launch event that will take place on August 15th. Until then, you can peep the video and full PR after the break. 

Update: Quad-core Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet will be officially available on August 16, for $499 (16GB) or $549 (32GB). Please be sure to checkout the hands-on video after the break.

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SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 10.1 AVAILABLE GLOBALLY IN AUGUST

Samsung inspires a culture of active content creation, productivity and learning

London UK, August 6 2012 – Samsung today announced the launch of the Galaxy Note 10.1, an extension of the Galaxy Note category. The Galaxy Note 10.1 offers the functionality and precision of a pen and paper on a 10.1-inch large display, which will enable people to amplify their creativity, productivity, and learning ability.

Providing an intuitive experience and armed with a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM for enhanced performance, the Galaxy Note 10.1 is designed to simplify the process of capturing ideas, accessing information and multi-tasking, making each easier and faster and allowing people to express their ideas in an efficient way.

Simon Stanford, Vice President, UK & IRE Telecommunications & Networks Division, Samsung UK and Ireland said: “Following the success of the very first Galaxy Note which we launched at the end of last year, we’re delighted that our UK customers will now be able to experience the evolution of this device for themselves. The Galaxy Note 10.1 is a product we are very excited about and will offer our customers a new way to use and experience a tablet device. As well as being able to consume content such as videos, photos, document and the Internet, the Galaxy Note 10.1 also gives them the power to produce, create and customise that same content – something they won’t get from any other product on the market.”

The Galaxy Note 10.1 incorporates key intuitive features and capabilities such as side-by-side multitasking. This is thanks to its ‘Multiscreen’ on a 10.1-inch large screen; unique S Pen with a variety of S Note templates and productive tools (Shape Match and Formula Match); Learning Hub* for accessing educational curricula and Adobe’s premium creative application Photoshop® Touch.

True Multi-Tasking with Multiscreen feature

With the Galaxy Note 10.1’s Multiscreen feature, it’s possible to use two different applications side-by-side simultaneously. So Web pages and videos can be viewed, or applications launched using one half of the screen, at the same time as the other half is used for writing or sketching ideas with the S Pen. What’s more, customers can capture and crop images, and paste them onto the other screen to make personal notes. The Multiscreen feature allows people to be more productive and efficient whilst also enjoying multimedia content. Galaxy Note 10.1 brings a new culture of creation through the owner’s own notes, and enables an entirely new experience to improve productivity and enjoyment.

S Pen & S Note for Personalised and Organised Note-taking

Featuring its advanced 6.5mm S Pen, the Galaxy Note 10.1 is optimised for the creation of personalised and expressive content in the most natural and intuitive way. The S Pen’s feel and functionality are specifically designed for an optimal experience on the 10.1-inch screen. The S Pen is embedded directly in the device and, when removed, automatically launches specially optimised applications, including S Note, S Planner, Crayon physics, Adobe® Photoshop® Touch, and Polaris Office.

Alternatively, people can easily set their preferred application to be launched instantly. For example, S Note can be launched instantly when the S Pen is taken out from the device. Owners can also tap the screen twice while pressing the S Pen button for quick S Note access via the S Note-dedicated widget, which can be easily moved anywhere on the display, never hindering or obstructing creativity or productivity.

The S Note is a unique tool that enables notes and sketches to be combined with other digital content in ready-to-use templates. The Shape Match and Formula Match features help correct and digitise geometric shapes and solve numeric formulas hand-written with the S Pen. The S Note is also integrated with knowledge search engines so that content can be searched for and information obtained, and then easily drag and dropped onto S Notes without having to switch between screens. Exclusively pre-loaded on Galaxy Note 10.1, the Adobe® Photoshop® Touch application means owners can professionally edit photos with the ease and precision of the S Pen.

Active Learning Experience
The Galaxy Note 10.1 is an ideal learning tool that allows students to take notes directly on an eTextbook whilst in lectures, or research the Web at the same time as writing an essay. Samsung’s Learning Hub service is optimised for Galaxy Note 10.1 allowing owners to access extensive multimedia educational content whatever their age. This content includes eTextbooks, video lectures, interactive coaching and much more, and can be shared with multiple Samsung devices. Furthermore, Learning Hub comes with a learning management system providing schedule management and performance and achievement management tools so students of any age can learn at their own pace.

Superior Hardware Performance
Galaxy Note 10.1 is designed with advanced hardware technology, including a 1.4GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of internal RAM. Seamless multi-tasking, high-standard graphics, and blazing-fast performance without any lag are essential features of the device. The Galaxy Note 10.1 also includes a 5- megapixel main camera and a 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera.

Several other features have been added to the Galaxy Note 10.1, including Smart Stay, which tracks the owner’s eye to ensure that the screen is always on while being looked at; and Pop Up Play, which allows a video to be watched anywhere on the screen while simultaneously running other tasks. With AllShare® Play, content can be shared with a large group in real-time by connecting the Galaxy Note 10.1 to Samsung HD TVs, mobile tablets, laptops, and other consumer electronic devices on the same network. With AllShare Group Cast, people can also share and collaborate on documents, presentations, or images without loading the files separately.

The Galaxy Note 10.1 comes in three connectivity options: WiFi-only and WiFi-and-3G HSPA-Plus connectivity, which are both available at launch, and WiFi-and-LTE which will be available later this year.

tablets

$450 Sony Xperia Tablet Appears In The Wild

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So, Sony is planning a new tablet. While it’s currently unofficial, German news site, Mobiflip is reporting that the Japanese corp is hard at work on a new iteration of the Sony S Android tablet; or at least that’s what a few slides prove. And if this turns out to be true, then we can all expect a new generation of slim and light Android 4.0 (or later) Xperia Sony Tablet. What else can be expected? A Tegra 3 quad-core processor, a choice of 16, 32, and 64GB of storage, 3G connectivity, a 6,000mAh battery with up to 10 hours of Wi-Fi browsing, and a folded-magazine design made of durable 8.8mm-thick materials (which are 42 percent thinner than previous model).

The leaked slides also suggest the next-gen Sony Xperia device will feature a portable keyboard, similar to the Microsoft surface, only with a full-fledged “smart” cover. In addition, there’s one doc that covers the “tentative suggested retail prices” which currently stand at about  $99.99 for the keyboard case, and $450, $550 and $650 for the slabs (depends on the size). There’s one more picture after the break, and we are hopefully going to hear a lot more about, in the coming weeks!

[via The Verge]

tablets

Huawei’s Ice Cream Sandwich MediaPad 7 Lite Tablet Introduced

The Android tablet scene is changing quickly, and flush with new arrivals. Is it going to stop anytime soon? Likely not. We’ve recently seen Google’s Nexus 7 making a splash around the globe and today, Chinese group Huawei is said to be launching their very own seven inch version, also known as the MediaPad 7 Lite. As you may have guessed, it packs a standard 7-inch 1280 x 800 touchscreen atop the center stack, and likely to run an Ice Cream Sandwich platform under the lid. There will be a WiFi and 3G connectivity inside, as well as a sleek -black metal unibody and a rear camera of unknown resolution. At this point, we are still waiting to hear on pricing and availability in Asia, and if you’ll see the Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) update, or not. So stay tuned folks.

[Huawei]

tablets

Archos Launches Ice Cream Sandwich 97 Carbon Tablet

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It’s been  awhile since we’ve heard from Archos, but now they are planning to return strongly, with a new line of cheap Android ICS tablets, dubbed “Elements.” Basically, we’re looking at three different versions in that series, at three completely different sizes. The first one, the 97 Carbon, is said to include a 9.7-inch IPS display, along with a 1GHz processor, two cameras, 16GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD slot. The 0.45-inch thick aluminum tablet will also have an HDMI output to increase the TV connection options for users, as well as a full-sized USB hub and an Ice Cream Sandwich platform for the OS. Prices range from $230 to $250 USD, with 7 inch and 8 inch tablet devices to follow in the coming future. Full PR after the break.

 

ARCHOS Releases New ELEMENTS Line; Introduces First in the Series, the 97 Carbon

ARCHOS, an award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, is pleased to introduce the ARCHOS 97 carbon, the first of its new tablet range called “ELEMENTS”, an entry-level line up of 7, 8, and 9.7 inch tablets that combine ARCHOS design and engineering with full access to Google PlayTM and a full suite of Google apps at an affordable price.

Equipped with the latest mobile technology and an elegant aluminum finish, the ARCHOS 97 Carbon is only 21.8 ounces and 0.45″ thick. Its sharp and clear IPS multi-touch screen delivers amazing vivid colors and impressive wide viewing angles. For the smoothest interface experience, ARCHOS has powered this tablet with a fast 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM while running AndroidTM 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich”.

Combining very high performance hardware, intuitive software and affordability, this Google PlayTM supported device will be available starting in July 2012 for $229.99 – $249.99 SRP.

“We wanted to introduce a new series that not only combines affordability with a new slim design, but features the best that Google has to offer,” says Henri Crohas, ARCHOS Founder and CEO. “With the ELEMENTS series we have done just that. It’s the perfect balance of hardware, software optimization and content through the Google PlayTM ecosystem.”

tablets

High-end Asus Transformer Pad TF700 Coming to The U.S in July

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Asus is gearing up to break into U.S high-end tablet market with the whole new 10-inch Transformer Pad TF700, which was announced last February in Barcelona, at  the Mobile World Congress. Known as the Transformer Pad Infinity, the new TF700 is of all-Gorilla Glass construction on top, housing a 1920 x 1200 IPS display under the hood, and rocking 600 nits of brightness, at max. In addition, you will find 1GB of DDR3 RAM inside, paired with a quad-core Tegra 3 SoC, and in the 4G case, a dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor. As for operating system, the TF700 ships preloaded with Android 4.0, the latest portable OS from Google. Moving forward, there’s also a built-in Bluetooth 3.0 for speedy wireless connectivity, and a pair of cameras, including an 8MP f/2.2 rear facing camera capable of 1080p video recording, and a 2MP secondary camera up front for video chat.

Word is it’s due to be released Stateside July 16th, and will cost about $499 for the 32GB model and $599 for the 64GB flavor. While the docking cradle will set you back $149. But if you already have any previous version, we’d recommend you keep it, they’re very compatible with each other.

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tablets

Google’s 7-Inch Nexus Tablet Leaked (Update: Now Official)

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Google rumored to be making a new Android tablet, under the name Nexus, for quite some time now. And now, we finally get a chance to see what the slate is all about thanks to the good Aussie guys over at Gizmodo who’ve managed to obtain an in-house training document that shed more light on the super hyped project. Basically, we’re looking at a 7-inch device, running a 1.3Ghz quad-core Tegra 3 processor under the lid, tucked with an Android Jelly Bean platform for the OS ( Android 4.1), 1 GB of RAM and a 9 hours battery pack. The document also claims the existence of an IPS display with high-def screen resolution of 1280 by 800, a GeForce 12-core GPU, a 1.2 megapixel front-facing camera, a Google Wallet integration, and a U.S only NFC support. In addition, the new slate that appears to be targeting Amazon’s low-priced Kindle Fire, will offer a variety of storage options – 8GB and 16GB – that will run you $199 and $249, respectively. We are expecting to hear a lot more about this one during this year’s Google I/O which takes place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from June 27th – 29th, so stay tuned.

Update1: And Google has officially introduced the Nexus 7 tablet running Jelly Bean for the OS. So what’s inside? Pretty much everything we have talked about: A 7-inch 1280×800 HD display, Tegra 3 quad-core cpu , Front-facing camera, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, 9 hrs of HD video and up to 300 hours standby time. Prices were right on spot as well, The 8GB will go for $199 with the 16GB version priced at $249. Shipping expected in two-three weeks (mid-July), while early adopters will enjoy a $25 credit in Google Play store.  Nexus 7 is the first device to ship with Chrome as a native browser, it boasts every possible sensor available on the market, such as accelerometer, magnetometer, and a gyroscope. It measures 198.5 x 120 x 10.45mm and said to feature wide range of detailed games, and new apps/software.

Update2: Apparently, there is a new version of the Nexus 7 tablet device, crammed with 32GB of internal storage and available for a  grab at $249 (while 16GB-based prices slashed to $199), from U.S retailer, Office Depot. Good bargain for those who are looking to get some Android love. The new iteration will also be offered with 32GB of internal capacity alongside an HSPA+ mobile data support at $299 and not a single dime more. Get your slab, November 13th, 2012.

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tablets

Samsung Galaxy Tab Devices to Get Ice Cream Sandwich Update in July

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Samsung Galaxy Tab’s new range of tablets to get an Ice Cream Sandwich update this coming July. According to a SamMobile report, Google’s latest and greatest Android 4.0 OS will show up early next month and lucky Tab owners who happen to have either Galaxy Tab 10.1, Tab 8.9, Tab 7.7 or Tab 7.0 will get the firmware upgrade the moment it is released, while most other devices will be getting it in August. Hit the break for the full list of which Android tablets are getting the upcoming update.

  • GT-P6210 Galaxy Tab Plus 7.0 WIFI
  • GT-P6200 Galaxy Tab Plus 7.0 WIFI + 3G
  • GT-P6810 Galaxy Tab 7.7 WIFI
  • GT-P6800 Galaxy Tab 7.7 WIFI + 3G
  • GT-P7310 Galaxy Tab 8.9 WIFI
  • GT-P7300 Galaxy Tab 8.9 WIFI + 3G
  • GT-P7510 Galaxy Tab 10.1 WIFI
  • GT-P7500 Galaxy Tab 10.1 WIFI + 3G

 

[via SamMobile]

tablets

Microsoft Unveils The Surface, a 10.6-inch Windows 8 Tablet

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Microsoft has just unveiled a Windows 8 tablet, called Surface. In a late night press conference from Los Angeles, CEO Steve Ballmer stunned the world when he officially announced that his company is making a brand new slate running an Intel i5 CPU on board and powered by the all-mighty NVIDIA ARM processor. The 9.3mm thick device that will come out sometime before the end of 2012, is said to include a 10.6-inch Gorilla Glass 2 HD display on top, along with two 2×2 MIMO antennas for better WiFi connectivity, 32GB or 64GB of storage at your choice, and a slew of common ports such as micro HDMI, microSD and USB 2.0. The surface is made from high-quality elements and coated with VaporMg magnesium materials. Such process and specs require great efforts to adapt, but nonetheless, the retail cost will continue to remain very attractive, says Ballmer, very similar to those other ARM tablet machines available in the market.

But that’s not all, ladies and gents… Let me direct your attention to additional stuff the Redmond team has recently introduced. Yes, there’s another tablet configuration out there, and if the first model was built to be compatible with the very basic Windows RT OS version, the latter – A Premium Device – is said to be strong enough to support Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 8 Pro. So what does it pack inside? First and foremost, an Ivy Bridge Core i5 processor, that is tucked with a bigger 42 W-h battery, either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, a similar batch of micro SD, micro HDMI and Mimo WiFi installations, and last but not least, the latest USB 3.0 ports. The 10.6-inch ClearType touchscreen is claimed to feature a higher 1080p resolution and the tablet itself will boast a dedicated pen with a special “Palm Block.” No word on price or availability yet, but we’ll keep you posted. In any case, they’ll be “on par with Ultrabook-class PCs” and out roughly 3 months after the Windows 8 official release.

Accessories wise, Microsoft has partnered with a group of aftermarket suppliers to develop both cover and keyboard accessories to the Surface line of tablets. Yesterday, the company has officially introduced two of those futuristic peripherals, Touch Cover and Type Cover. The first, is a 3mm thick cover made of Polartec materials, which hooks to the Surface with those Smart Cover-like magnetic attachments. No, that ain’t original but if it works, it works, right? Well, that’s your decision. Anyway, the Type Cover is the kind of things we’re used to seeing over the last couple of years. In general, we’re looking at a 5mm-thick keyboard docking station product that turns your tablet into a hybrid netbook/tablet machine. As simple as it seems.

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Second video by laptopmag

 

Microsoft Announces Surface: New Family of PCs for Windows

Microsoft-made hardware to be available starting with release of Windows 8 and Windows RT.

LOS ANGELES – June 18, 2012 – Today at an event in Hollywood, Microsoft unveiled Surface: PCs built to be the ultimate stage for Windows. Company executives showed two Windows tablets and accessories that feature significant advances in industrial design and attention to detail. Surface is designed to seamlessly transition between consumption and creation, without compromise. It delivers the power of amazing software with Windows and the feel of premium hardware in one exciting experience.

Advances in Industrial Design

Conceived, designed and engineered entirely by Microsoft employees, and building on the company’s 30-year history manufacturing hardware, Surface represents a unique vision for the seamless expression of entertainment and creativity. Extensive investment in industrial design and real user experience includes the following highlights:

Software takes center stage: Surface sports a full-sized USB port and a 16:9 aspect ratio – the industry standard for HD. It has edges angled at 22 degrees, a natural position for the PC at rest or in active use, letting the hardware fade into the background and the software stand out.

VaporMg: The casing of Surface is created using a unique approach called VaporMg (pronounced Vapor-Mag), a combination of material selection and process to mold metal and deposit particles that creates a finish akin to a luxury watch. Starting with magnesium, parts can be molded as thin as .65 mm, thinner than the typical credit card, to create a product that is thin, light and rigid/strong.

Integrated Kickstand: The unique VaporMg approach also enables a built-in kickstand that lets you transition Surface from active use to passive consumption – watching a movie or even using the HD front- or rear-facing video cameras. The kickstand is there when needed, and disappears when not in use, with no extra weight or thickness.

Touch Cover: The 3 mm Touch Cover represents a step forward in human-computer interface. Using a unique pressure-sensitive technology, Touch Cover senses keystrokes as gestures, enabling you to touch type significantly faster than with an on-screen keyboard. It will be available in a selection of vibrant colors. Touch Cover clicks into Surface via a built-in magnetic connector, forming a natural spine like you find on a book, and works as a protective cover. You can also click in a 5 mm-thin Type Cover that adds moving keys for a more traditional typing feel.

An Amazing Windows Experience

Two models of Surface will be available: one running an ARM processor featuring Windows RT, and one with a third-generation Intel Core processor featuring Windows 8 Pro. From the fast and fluid interface, to the ease of connecting you to the people, information and apps that users care about most, Surface will be a premium way to experience all that Windows has to offer. Surface for Windows RT will release with the general availability of Windows 8, and the Windows 8 Pro model will be available about 90 days later. Both will be sold in the Microsoft Store locations in the U.S. and available through select online Microsoft Stores.

Contributing to an Expanded Ecosystem

One of the strengths of Windows is its extensive ecosystem of software and hardware partners, delivering selection and choice that makes a customer’s Windows experience uniquely their own. This continues with Surface. Microsoft is delivering a unique contribution to an already strong and growing ecosystem of functional and stylish devices delivered by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to bring the experience of Windows to consumers and businesses around the globe.

Additional Product Information

Surface for Windows RT

OS: Windows RT

Light(1): 676 g

Thin(2): 9.3 mm

Clear: 10.6″ ClearType HD Display

Energized: 31.5 W-h

Connected: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae

Productive: Office ’15’ Apps, Touch Cover, Type Cover

Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand

Configurable: 32 GB, 64 GB

Surface for Windows 8 Pro

OS: Windows 8 Pro

Light(1): 903 g

Thin(2): 13.5 mm

Clear: 10.6″ ClearType Full HD Display

Energized: 42 W-h

Connected: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae

Productive: Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block

Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand

Configurable: 64 GB, 128 GB

(1), (2). Actual size and weight of the device may vary due to configuration and manufacturing process.

Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC. OEMs will have cost and feature parity on Windows 8 and Windows RT.

For more information about Surface, visit http://www.surface.com.

Computex, tablets

Lenovo Shows Off a 10.1-inch Windows 8 ThinkPad Tablet

1 Comment

Another day, another Windows 8 tablet demo over at Computex 2012. This time a Lenovo Thinkpad prototype, spotted around the Intel booth, running a full-fledged Win 8 software behind the lid, and said to include a 10.1-inch 1366 x 768 screen, sitting on top of a 9.7mm black sturdy body that packs two cameras (8MP rear, 2MP front), a docking connector, a volume rocker, and a micro-HDMI port. At this point in time, we are looking at one of the very early-stage devices out there, and the final product might look just a little different – And that’s probably why most specs are scarce right now. As far as CPU goes, it’s mainly some sort of an Intel Clover Trail processor, while the battery is rumored to deliver around 10 hours of continuous and reliable performance to each and every charge. And make no mistake, this is a Windows 8 slate and not an Android 4.0 device – It is a bit confusing and does take time to get used to, we know. The overall look seems to be more thought out and reserved, you get a typical Thinkpad design around the slab, with a softy scratches-free plate covering the upper hood. But as we’ve mentioned it’s still early days, so please keep a look out for more details and info.

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Video by netbooknews

Photo by CNET

Computex, tablets

ASUS Introduces Tablets 600 and 810 with Tegra 3 and Windows 8

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Alright, I get it, the hybrid tablets trend is my personal bet on what will become the next big thing in portable computing. We have already seen the Asus Transformer lineup making a splash all over the world in the past few months, Acer has just released its very own Iconia hybrid tablets series, and the Taiwanese corp, Asus, is coming back again this term to launch the forthcoming new iteration, with Windows 8 on board. The new lineup includes two refreshing flavors, the Transformer Tablet 810 and the Transformer Tablet 600, both running Microsoft’s latest and greatest software under the hood, while the 600 is an ARM-based model with Windows RT for the OS, and the 810 packs a stronger Intel processor with full Windows 8 pre-loaded  inside.

The first tablet in that group, the Transformer Tablet 600, comes out of the box with a quad-core Tegra 3 chip, tucked with a 10.1-inch 600-nit 1366×768 Super IPS+ panel, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of internal storage. There’s a micro HDMI port around the chassis, and a microSD card slot for extended storage. In addition, you will find  an eight-megapixel camera plus LED flash on the back, a two-megapixel camera up front for video conferencing, WiFi  b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, eCompass and NFC support.

The second, the Transformer Tablet 810, uses the same Super IPS+ 1366 x 768 touchscreen, with a bigger 11.6-inch display on top. Other than that, we’re looking at a 64GB Windows 8 device, boasting Intel’s Medfield CPU (Atom’s next gen), along with 2GB of RAM and a Wacom digitizer pen support. The rest of the specs are pretty much similar to the 600 version (i.e WiFi, Blouetooth, cameras and GPS).

 

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Videos by netbooknews

Image by notebookitalia

ASUS Presents a Complete Solution for the Ubiquitous Cloud Computing Era
Chairman Jonney Shih unveils ASUS Open Cloud Computing, integrating software, services and the ultimate ASUS transformation devices into one seamless platform

Taipei, Taiwan (4 June, 2012) – At ASUS’ pre-Computex press event “Incredible Innovation Endless Possibilities”, Chairman Jonney Shih unveiled the company’s total solution for the ubiquitous cloud computing era, ASUS Open Cloud Computing (A.O.C.C.).

“At ASUS we have been incubating for the arrival of this exciting era for several years. We believe that an open and balanced architecture can provide the best, ultimate solution for the new ubiquitous cloud computing era,” said Mr. Shih as he introduced A.O.C.C. and unveiled an entire line of incredibly innovative products including ASUS TAICHI, Transformer AiO, Transformer Book, Designo MX monitors and RT-AC66U router which took transformation into a whole new level.

ASUS TAICHI
The ASUS TAICHI is a slim and stylish ultraportable with an astonishing double-sided LED-backlit IPS/FHD display. With a touch screen on the outside of the lid, the TAICHI opens up a whole host of new mobile possibilities as it plays the role of both notebook and tablet. With the lid open, it’s just like any other notebook computer, but with the lid closed the TAICHI instantly becomes a multi-touch tablet computer with stylus support. Better still, the two screens are completely independent of each other and can be used simultaneously for a host of innovative new applications. Available in both 11.6″ and 13.3″ screen sizes, the TAICHI is as light and thin as the ASUS ZENBOOK™ and delivers uncompromised mobile performance, with 3rd generation Intel® Core™ processors, fast SSD storage and dual band 802.11n Wi-Fi.

ASUS Transformer AiO
Part tablet, part All-in-One PC, the Transformer AiO is an innovative device that can seamlessly switch between both, and features dual operating systems to give users the option of switching between Windows and Android to suit their needs. Engineered to work with Windows 8, the Transformer AiO features an extended 18.4″ 10-point multi-touch LED-backlit display which can be easily removed from its base station to become a wireless display for the AiO PC, extending the range of the PC and allowing users to continue with their work anywhere in the home. The display can also be converted into an Android-based tablet for the home with the press of a button.

ASUS Transformer Book
The ASUS Transformer Book is the world’s first convertible notebook – allowing users to instantly switch between a notebook and a tablet by simply detaching the screen. It is aimed at users who prefer the portability of a multi-touch tablet computer for leisure, but still want access to a more traditional Windows-based notebook for productivity use. Thanks to 3rd generation Intel® Core™ processors and discrete graphics, along with SSD and HDD storage, 4GB DDR3 dual-channel RAM and USB 3.0, the Transformer Book delivers performance that rivals other notebooks on the market. It also features ASUS SonicMaster technology to deliver crystal-clear sound with deep rich bass through its integrated speakers.

ASUS Tablet 810 (Windows 8) ASUS Tablet 600 (Windows RT)
The ASUS Tablet 810 (Windows 8) features the Next Generation Intel® Atom™ processor and 2GB of RAM with a 64GB eMMC for user storage. The 11.6″ display with 1366 x 768 resolution uses Super IPS+ technology to deliver superior visual clarity both indoors and out, while its 10-point multi-touch is complemented by Wacom digitizer stylus support.

The ASUS Tablet 600 (Windows RT) utilizes the NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core processor and 12-core GPU for outstanding mobile graphics performance; it also has 2GB RAM and a 32GB eMMC for user storage. The 600’s 10.1″ display with 1366 x 768 resolution features Super IPS+ technology for excellent readability both indoors and out.

Key to both the 810 and 600, however, is the supplied mobile dock that instantly transforms the tablets into compact clamshell ultraportables, complete with full QWERTY keyboards, a trackpad, additional USB expansion and a second battery for extended usage away from the power socket. Both tablets also include ASUS SonicMaster technology for supreme audio and built-in NFC sensors for easy syncing with other NFC-enabled devices.

ASUS Designo MX279H and MX239H monitors
ASUS’ displays are industry leaders when it comes to vibrant colors and elegant design. With their attractive looks and bezel-free matte IPS panels with LED-backlighting, ultra-wide 178° viewing angles and outstanding color reproduction, the new Designo 27″ MX279H and 23″ MX239H displays ensure customer happiness with their slim and stylish design which exudes beauty. Dual HDMI inputs provide flexible connectivity options, while ASUS SonicMaster technology, co-developed with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower® audio delivers incredible audio fidelity.

ASUS RT-AC66U router
The ASUS RT-AC66U router integrates dual-band Gigabit wireless with fifth generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology, also known as 5G WiFi, which enables speeds up to three times faster than existing 802.11n. As one of the first routers to achieve this, it tops Gigabit wireless requirements with a combined 2.4GHz/5GHz bandwidth of 1.75Gbps. This massive data rate makes it an excellent high speed router for demanding online applications, coupled with exclusive ASUS AiRadar signal amplification and shaping technology. Easy ASUSWRT setup, multiple SSIDs, and IPv6 support further enhance networking, while strong USB-based capabilities turn the RT-AC66U into a 3G, FTP, DLNA, and printer server for genuine multi-role functionality.

Computex, tablets

Acer Announces 11.6-inch Iconia W700 and 10.1-inch W510 Windows 8 Tablets

3 Comments

At Computex 2012, Acer has just unveiled a new line of Windows 8 tablets under its Iconia family, the Iconia W700 and Iconia W510. In general, it feels like we’re at the early beginning of a very exciting time for Microsoft and Windows 8 tablets, and Acer’s recent introduction was quite a fine start.

The first model that we’re going to see from Acer in the coming months is the sturdy 11.6-inch W700, which has a 1920 x 1080 full HD screen display on top, with up to 10 fingers support. In addition, it offers three USB 3.0 ports, along with up to 8 hours of battery life and an integrated Dolby Home Theater audio system that lets you share your music directly with others. Other than that, the W700 comes with a dedicated keyboard and a proprietary cradle attachment solution that enables quick and easy mounting at 70 degrees for landscape, or 20 degrees of viewing mode. The brand new tablet is also equipped with a built-in Thunderbolt video/storage connection, paired with a micro HDMI, two speaker grills on the back, headphone and power jacks around the chassis and of course, a set of volume controls. A rear five-megapixel autofocus camera is also included in this fancy schmancy package, tucked with the usual VGA shooter that sits on the front.

Up next, is the Iconia W510 which sports a 10.1-inch IPS touchscreen, crammed with a bunch of stereo speakers on both sides, and a slew of integrated ports, such as microSD, micro-USB, HDMI and a SIM card slot. There’s also a detachable apple-like keyboard dock goodness included in the bundle, that can stretch your tablet’s battery life up to 18 hours of continuous work. But it’s not just the extended battery at stake, the dock houses a full-size USB 2.0 port, paired with a proprietary connector, etched into the left side of the object.

Regretfully, there are no further details as to devices specifications, price, or availability, so stay tuned or hop the break to see the full breakdown.

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Videos by netbooknews.com

 

Acer Presents Windows 8® Tablets

Featuring multipurpose viewing on Full HD touchscreens

TAIPEI, TAIWAN (June 4, 2012) – Acer presents two of its newest Windows® 8 tablets at Computex Taipei. The ICONIA W510 evolves the computing experience with three different modes of touchscreen operation, while the ICONIA W700 is the best-performing Windows 8 tablet with the added versatility of a cradle. Both designed to set new standards in ergonomics and user-friendliness.

The most unique part of the W510 tablet is the tri-mode, allowing users to touch, type and view. Aside from the conventional tablet mode, it can be used in productivity mode. A detachable keyboard dock can be connected to the tablet for optimal typing as well as extending the battery life up to 18 hours. Rotating the tablet 295 degrees allows it to be used in presentation mode, which is excellent for watching a video, browsing a webpage or viewing a PowerPoint presentation.

In addition, the W510 has Always On, Always Connect technology, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen, providing a wider viewing angle with more vibrant, consistent and accurate colors. It is an everyday tablet with convertible functions, smartly designed for modern day explorers whose primary needs are freedom of usage for slate, keyboard and hands-free touch.

Acer’s W700 comes with a multipurpose cradle that allows for several viewing options. When using it in landscape, it can be tilted up to 70 degrees for better viewing, or 20 degrees for convenient touch. Furthermore, it can be used vertically like a portrait for easy browsing and reading. The W700 also has three USB 3.0 ports for expansion.

The W700 is equipped with an 11.6-inch Full HD touchscreen as well as Dolby® Home Theater® for multimedia pleasure; it is set to become the optimum-performance Windows 8 tablet for modern day explorers on-the-go, at home or in the office.

tablets

Lenovo IdeaTab S2109 To Make Official Stateside Debut In June

Lenovo has already made the leap into the Ice Cream Sandwich Android tablets market by launching the 9.7-inch IdeaTab S2109 slate couple of months ago, and now it appears the Chinese corp is making moves Stateside, offering the 8.9mm slab with 1024 x 768 IPS panel, dual-core, 1GHz TI OMAP 4430 processor, four speakers, micro USB/HDMI extensions for only $349 through Lenovo’s online hub and Office Depot’s retail division. Let’s see if the price is attractive enough, as it is a really tempting light.

[Lenovo]

tablets

Dell Latitude 10 Tablet Spotted Running Windows 8

We all know that tech world is changing directions every year or so. But what about Dell? Do they plan on switching to another OS? It’s hard to tell at the moment, but according to a document obtained by the good guys over at NeoWin, the US-based computers giant is seriously considering a Windows 8 tablet. Whether it’s true or not, we’re looking at a Dell Latitude 10 running Microsoft’s latest and greatest platform on board. The slate is listed with a 10.1-inch 1366×769 touchscreen, and said to include Intel’s dual-core Atom processor under the hood. In addition, it will be offering a fingerprint reader, paired with 2GB of RAM, and up to 128GB SSD in storage capacity. You’ll get to choose between a smaller battery that delivers between six to eight hours, or a bigger one with an estimated 12 hours of  working life. No announced price or availability yet.

[via The Next Web]

Computers, Hardware

Android 4.0 MK802 PC on a Stick Can Fit in Your Pocket

Size isn’t everything when it comes to portable computers. On the contrary, the smaller the merrier. In the past decade, we have all seen technology shrink down dramatically, from room sized computers to pocket sized devices. One such product is the all-new MK802, a Chinese-made computer-on-a-stick that crams inside a 1.5-GHz Allwinner A10 CPU, alongside 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage. The 7-ounce magic runs the latest and greatest Android 4.0 OS on board, while ports include HDMI, two USB 2.0 (Full and Mini) and a microSD card slot. This tiny little thing will also offer 802.11 b/g WiFi connectivity out-of-the-box and a full 1080p HD native resolution support. It is already offered online by Aliexpress for exactly $74 and dealextreme for $78 and will ship for FREE to most regions around the world. Nice, isn’t it?

[via Netbooknews]

tablets

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 Officially Live In The US

1 Comment

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 has now officially launched Stateside. Announced back in February, at MWC Barcelona, Samsung’s latest tablet device offers a plethora of good features and hardware, including a 1Ghz dual-core processor,  Bluetooth 3.0, 1GB of RAM, Android 4.0, two cameras – rear and front, plus a big display, supporting 1280 x 800 screen resolution on top. The South Korean officials say it’ll be sold through Best Buy, Amazon, Tiger Direct and some other various channels, while the price tag of a 16GB wifi-only version is $400, which is quite steep for this kind of slate, especially when there are other strong options, available on the market. But the only way to decide what’s best for you is to do the math on your own. Full PR after the break.

 

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2™ 10.1 and 4.2 Galaxy Player™ to be available for purchase nationwide this weekend

Samsung Electronics America Inc., today announces that its newest additions to the Galaxy Family, Galaxy Tab 2™ 10.1 and Galaxy Player™ 4.2, will be available for purchase nationwide beginning Sunday, May 13.

The Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 will be available for $399.99 SRP, and the Player 4.2 will sell for $199.99 SRP. These complement the already available Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and Galaxy Player 3.6.

Retailers carrying the devices include Amazon, Best Buy, hhgregg, Tiger Direct, WalMart, Office Depot and others. (Not all models available from all retailers).

For additional retail outlet availability, visit http://www.samsung.com

Key highlights include

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1

Control, Watch and Share Your TV Content
· The perfect TV companion, use your Tab as a universal remote, multitask on the web while watching and wirelessly stream the live feed from your TV to your Tab.

Your Movies, Videos and Games Will Come Alive
· Everything’s more exciting on a bigger screen. Browse the web, explore over 450,000 apps from Google Play and Samsung Apps, and access thousands of TV shows and movies via WiFi.

Built to Power Your Entertainment
· A big 10.1″ entertainment machine The Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is powered by Android™ 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, a dual-core processor with a microSD™ card slot and more.
Samsung Galaxy Player 4.2

Listen to your favorite music on the go
· Get instant access to your music with WiFi; as simple as drag and play.

Personalize your player. So many options to make it your own
· Discover a large collection of apps to customize your player.

One single device for all your entertainment needs
· The Galaxy Player 4.2 includes premium EA games. Experience seamless multimedia playback and much more!

tablets

HP Slate 8 Tablet Pops Up In The Wild With Windows 8 On Board

3 Comments

HP is trying to diversify its business beyond PCs, to include other regions, such as tablets for example. Now, we all remember how the previous attempts ended – The company has discontinued selling its most promising TouchPad series. However, It still kept a team of engineers working on some other projects (in that area). The Slate 8 is allegedly HP’s latest foray in the contemporary tablet market. With the brand new Windows 8 OS running on board, the unconfirmed 10.1-inch business device, is rumored to pack an eight to ten hours battery inside, alongside a digital pen, some sort of a docking station, an outdoor viewing option, and a bunch of security features, tucked with some HP protection tools preloaded. It is very thin, measures only 9.2 millimeters thick, and about 0.68kg of weight. Finally, assuming the image below is correct, we’ll most likely have to wait just a bit longer to find out more about the pricing and availability, so stay tuned, will you?

 

[via ZDNet]

tablets

Toshiba Launches Excite 10, 13 and 7.7 Android Ice Cream Sandwich Tablets

We’ve already heard a few details about Toshiba’s upcoming Excite tablets lineup (both in January and March of this year) but it is only now that the new series has been officially confirmed. Generally speaking, there are three new Excite flavors included: The 7.7-inch, the 10-inch, and the 13-inch (!). And while the Japanese Corp. hasn’t really made a big splash in their previous attempts to enter the market – Mainly for launching bulky, cheap looking, plasticy models – This time, though, it’s going to be different. Why? It’ll be different because this time Tosh is rolling out remarkably thin bunch of slates, powered by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for the OS, 1GB of RAM, and NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 quad-core chipset.

The largest and most interesting slab out of the three versions being offered, is naturally the 13.3-inch Excite 13 tablet. A very courageous attempt by the Japs to go against the odds and toss in a massive device, bigger than anything that had been built so far in this very crowded category. Under the lid, you’ll find a 1600 x 900 pixel backlit LED display, made of Gorilla Glass materials, alongside a 13-hours battery, a full-sized SD slot expansion and duo cameras on the back (5MP) and up front (2MP). This one measures approx 10mm thick and weigh 2.2lbs in total. It will go on sale starting June 10, for $650 (32GB) and $750 (64GB).

The mid-size version is the Excite 10, which surprisingly features a 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 display, paired with an 8.9mm chassis, similar camera aspects and the same full-sized SD card slot. this one will be equipped with a 10-hours battery and said to go live May 6th, priced at $500 for 16GB, $530 for 32GB, or $650 for the 64GB.

The smallest candidate, the Excite 7.7, packs a brilliant AMOLED screen display sized at the 7-inch range. It is certainly very thin and measures only 7.6mm thick and weigh JUST 0.84lbs. Nonetheless, it sports 1280×800 screen resolution, a quad-core Tegra 3 processor, and a micro-SD slot expansion. Toshiba officials say it will hit the shelves June 10th as well, with prices starting at $500 for the 16GB handset and $580 for the 32GB option.

 

TOSHIBA SET TO EXCITE THE TABLET MARKET WITH NEW 10-, 13- AND 7.7-INCH TABLETS
Toshiba Introduces Three New Android-powered Tablets, Giving Consumers More Choice
IRVINE, Calif. – Apr. 10, 2012 – Toshiba’s Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the expansion of its Excite™ family of Android™-powered tablets with three new display sizes – 13.3-inch, 10.1-inch and 7.7-inch. The new Excite tablets boast thin-and-light designs, brilliant displays, quad-core performance as well as a full range of essential ports and smart features.

“One size does not fit all, so we are carefully considering how and where people are using tablets and designing form factors to best suit various needs,” said Carl Pinto, vice president of product development, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. “With amazingly thin and light designs, our new Excite family of tablets continues to incorporate what consumers have come to love about Toshiba tablets: essential ports for a more complete tablet computing experience plus durability that ensures they can go the distance.”

Powered to Perform, Built to Last and Designed to Excite
The three new tablets – Excite 10, Excite 13 and Excite 7.7 – feature elegant and sturdy aluminum shells and scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass displays, making them not only stylish, but also durable. Powered by Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, which builds on the things people love most about Android – the tablets offer a simplified UI, easy multitasking, customizable home screens, resizable widgets and a full suite of familiar Google™ mobile services applications – as well as powerful new ways of communicating and sharing.
From scrolling and swiping the web, to the fast action of the latest games, the Excite tablets’ all-new NVIDIA® Tegra™ 3 processorsi deliver amazing multitasking, web, gaming and video. This innovative mobile processor features the world’s only 4-PLUS-1™ mobile quad-core CPU, providing users outstanding performance for even the most demanding applications. Apps run faster, games are played at console-quality, HD video is smoother, plus it features a unique 5th battery-saver core to handle everyday apps – extending battery lifeii.

Each tablet is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera on the back, along with a 2-megapixel front-facing shooter for convenient photography, video capture and chat. The tablets also include stereo speakers with exclusive sound enhancements by Toshiba and SRS® Labs, as well as Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® connectivity.

Excite 10: Smart, Speedy, Durable
An all-around tablet designed for home and away, the Excite 10 tablet delivers an exceptional visual experience, featuring a bright, high definition 10.1-inch diagonal AutoBrite™ LED Backlit display with 1280×800 resolution and 10-finger multi-touch support, making it an ideal choice for web browsing, reading, games and apps. Measuring just 0.35 inches thin and weighing just 1.32 poundsiii, the Excite 10 tablet is extremely portable and delivers up to 10 hours of battery lifeiv and seven days of stand-by.

Delivering more performance than previous generation tablets, the Excite 10 tablet is powered by a quad-core NVIDIA® Tegra™ 3 processorv with GeForce graphicsvi and 1GB of RAMvii, opening up new possibilities for everyday multi-purpose use and next generation mobile games. Built to do more than the average tablet, users can enjoy easy syncing and sharing between all of their favorite devices, with a selection of built-in ports, including Micro USB, Micro HDMI® and a full-size SD card slot.

Excite 13: More Screen for More of Everything
Delivering more screen real estate than any other tablet on the market, the Excite 13 tablet offers a big, bright, higher resolution display, while delivering more room for everything else – from sharing photos and web browsing to playing games and watching movies with a group. Ideally suited for the home, from growing families to empty nesters, the Excite 13 tablet is only 0.4 inches thin and weighs 2.2 poundsviii, so it is still easy to carry.

With a 13.3-inch diagonal AutoBrite™ LED Backlit display with 10-finger touch support, the tablet boasts a cinematic 16:9 aspect ratio and 1600×900 native resolution, perfect for watching HD movies and videos. A four-speaker sound system with exclusive sound enhancements by Toshiba and SRS Labs delivers amazing audio and an included tablet stand makes it easy to prop up on a table, kitchen countertop or coffee table to share videos with friends and family.

Not only great for movies, the Excite 13 tablet can power through the latest games and multitask with ease. Powered by the quad-core NVIDIA Tegra™ 3 mobile processorix with GeForce graphicsx and 1GB of memoryxi, the large display tablet offers smooth, console-quality gaming plus the performance for high definition entertainment. Extremely power efficient, the Excite 13 tablet is targeted to deliver up to 13 hours of battery lifexii and seven days of stand-by. The Excite 13 tablet includes Micro USB, Micro HDMI® ports and a full-size SD card slot for syncing and sharing content.

Excite 7.7: A Brilliant AMOLED Display
Toshiba’s first tablet to feature an AMOLED display, the Excite 7.7 tablet is ideal for consumers on the go and is perfect for the mobile gamer and movie lover alike. The tablet’s brilliant 7.7-inch diagonal display brings games, movies, books and photos to life like never before with rich colors, deep contrast and amazing sharpness. Extremely thin at just 0.3 inches and light at only 13.4 ounces, Excite 7.7 fits easily into a bag or jacket.

Exceptionally powerful and able to tackle the latest games and HD content, the Excite 7.7 tablet is powered by a quad-core NVIDIA® Tegra™ 3 processor with GeForce graphicsxiii and 1GB of memoryxiv. The tablet includes a Micro USB port and a Micro SD card slot for syncing and sharing content.

The Convenience of Android and Exclusive Toshiba Apps
The new Excite tablets include a full suite of familiar Google™ Mobile Service applications, including Google Play™, YouTube™, Gmail™ and Google Maps™. Additionally, the tablets come pre-loaded with a useful mix of Toshiba software and third-party applications, including TOSHIBA Book Place, which offers more than 3 million e-books, the TOSHIBA Media Player that supports content sharing, TOSHIBA File Manager, as well as Netflix™ and Zinio™, the ultimate app for magazine lovers and more.

Pricing and Availability
The Excite 10 tablet will be available for purchase on May 6, 2012 for $449.99 MSRPxv for the 16GB model, $529.99 MSRPxvi for the 32GB model and $649.99 MSRPxvii for the 64GB model.

The Excite 7.7 tablet will be available for purchase on June 10, 2012 for $499.99 MSRPxviii for the 16GB model and $579.99 MSRPxix for the 32GB model.

The Excite 13 tablet will be available for purchase on June 10, 2012 for $649.99 MSRPxx for the 32GB model and $749.99 MSRPxxi for the 64GB model.

These tablets will be available at major retailers, e-tailers and direct from Toshiba at ToshibaDirect.com.

Image Gallery: http://bit.ly/excitetablets.
Connect with Toshiba on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ToshibaUSA, on Twitter at twitter.com/ToshibaUSA and on YouTube at youtube.com/ToshibaUS.

tablets

Lenovo IdeaTab S2109 Quietly Introduced With Ice Cream Sandwich On Board

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Lenovo has finally jumped on the Ice Cream Sandwich bandwagon. That’s right folks, the Chinese Corp. just quietly unveiled (on YouTube ) a 9.7-inch tablet, and claims it will launch with an Android 4.0 OS on board. And while price and availability are yet to be determined, the 8.9mm-thick device, called IdeaTab S2109, is said to be including some sort of a TI OMAP chipset, alongside a 1024 x 768 IPS screen display, a microSD memory card expansion, microUSB plus micro-HDMI ports, quad speakers on the back and a 1.3 megapixels shooter up front. Right now, there are no capacity details to share, but the battery life would approximately last up to 10 hours of work. So without further ado, hit the jump and watch the video.

[youtube id=”__5DlnyEsy4″]

[via SlashGear]

tablets

ASUS Transformer Prime To Get a GPS Add-On Fix

The Wall Street Journal reports that Taiwanese Corp. Asus has officially confirmed that it plans to begin the roll-out of a special kit in order to fix, once and for all, those GPS issues that’ve recently plagued its most powerful Transformer Prime tablet. According to a Friday announcement from Asus, the company will soon offer Transformer Prime users to register online their personal slates (on a dedicated members site) and secure themselves an external dongle that “may help improve signal reception and optimize the user experience.” In that regard, the GPS Extension Kit is scheduled to be released somewhere around mid-April of this year, and will be given away to all customers as a free hardware solution. Not bad Asus, not bad at all.

Update1: Looks like Asus has officially opened up doors to Prime users from across the world, to register their “Pads” and have the dongle shipped over. And while there’s no exact date on when this GPS add-on will be delivered, the offer will expire on July 31st.

tablets

Motorola Xoom WiFi Finally Gets The Android 4.0.4 Update

If by chance you happen to be a proud owner of the 10.1-inch Xoom Wifi tablet, there is a new update coming your way, so you can start getting excited about that – It’s the long awaited Android 4.0.4 version. According to the good guys over at Droid-Life, Motorola users are likely to get the Ice Cream Sandwich software just about now, over-the-air, with a few improvements including a quicker screen rotation, immediately lock-the-screen feature, a better camera and some other minor changes and bug fixes. If preferred, you may choose the manual path by simply going to Settings > About tablet > System update, and make the magic happen. Happy updates!

 

[via Droid-Life]

tablets

Acer Iconia Tab A510 Officially Coming Stateside with Tegra 3 and Android 4.0 On Board

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The Acer Iconia Tab A510 was out and about at CES 2012, back in January, but it’s only today that we’re getting an official announcement from the Taiwanese corp. The 10.1-inch Android 4.0 tablet that is powered by Nvidia’s Tegra 3 processor, was specifically designed to replace the company’s Iconia A500 variant, and compete with top-notch tablets already available in the market. As of now, the A510 is up and available for pre-order in the US and Canada, in black or white flavors, starting at $450. Inside, you’ll find the most recent specifications, including that 1280 x 800 screen resolution, paired with a quad-core chip, 1GB of RAM, microSD slot expansion, 32GB of storage, a 5 megapixel shooter on the back plus another one at 1 megapixel up front. The battery inside is claimed to provide up to 12 hours of continuous work, and the new tablet device will feature the Olympic Games logo engraved at the center of the rear coat. As we’ve already mentioned, it will launch with an Ice Cream Sandwich OS out of the box, but meanwhile until something else happens, you can hop past the jump to read the official word from Acer.

Update: It looks like the Iconia Tab A510 has finally gotten its hooks into Internet sales. The 10.1-inch Ice Cream Sandwich slate is now apparently available for purchasing at Acer’s US online store, and will set you back about $450.

 

Acer Iconia Tab A510 Tablet Delivers Quad Core Performance for High-End Entertainment and Productivity

Editor’s Summary:
* Acer first tablet with Quad Core Tegra 3 Processor
* Provides long battery life of up to 12 hours for video playback
* Pre-installed productivity solution: mobile office suite Polaris™ 3.5 and wireless printing app
* New tablet is first Acer Olympic Games Edition, exclusive design features Olympic rings
* Pre-sale starts now at $449.99 for 32GB Iconia Tab A510 in U.S. and Canada

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 22, 2012 – Acer America today debuts its first quad-core tablet in North America, the Acer Iconia Tab A510 with an NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor. It is designed to deliver outstanding performance and a visually rich experience for mobile game playing and entertainment such as enjoying video and lifestyle apps.

In addition, the new 10.1-inch tablet Acer Iconia Tab A510 goes beyond what most people expect of their tablets to enable heightened productivity. The new tablet comes with the full suite of Polaris™ Office 3.5, which is compatible with Microsoft Office and allows reading and editing of various document formats for mobile access to important information. The new Acer tablet also includes Acer Print, so customers have a convenient and seamless way to print wirelessly from their tablet.

The first rate tablet experience is heightened with Android™ 4.0 OS (Ice Cream Sandwich) which features a more intuitive interface and improved overall performance for faster browsing, better multitasking, as well as enhanced app and folder management.

“The new Acer Iconia Tab A510 will exceed the expectations of customers who are ready to embrace using their tablets for more fun, entertainment and a first-rate mobile gaming experience,” said Paul Tayar, director of product marketing for connected devices, Acer America. “Our second-generation Acer A510 builds on the success of its award-winning predecessor with notable improvements in performance, responsiveness and ease-of use, elevating it to the status of ultimate mobile companion. Plus, the tablet will really surprise people with its comprehensive suite of productivity apps that will enable them to remain productive and connected on-the-go.”

Ultimate Performance with NVIDIA Tegra™ 3 Quad Core Processor, Extended Battery Life
The Acer Iconia Tab A510 provides blazing speed and responsiveness powered by the NVIDIA Tegra™ 3 Mobile Processor and high-performance 12-Core GeForce NVIDIA GPU. This processor provides a unique Super 4-PLUS-1™ Quad Core CPU design with a fifth Battery Saver Core that allows up to four cores to be dedicated to demanding tasks such as watching video and playing the next generation of graphics-intense mobile games.

These four cores provide up to 2.6 times the performance and up to three times the graphics performance compared to previous generation processors, making the tablet incredibly responsive with life-like and crisp visuals for mobile entertainment and console-quality gaming on-the-go. The processor also provides up to four times faster web-browsing, smooth navigation, and hardware-accelerated support for Adobe Flash 11, which comes pre-installed on the tablet.

When the tablet takes on everyday tasks, the fifth Battery Saver Core becomes engaged in place of the other four cores, ultimately using less power and improving battery life. The 9800mAh battery, one of the highest capacity models in the industry, further improves battery life, so customers can enjoy their tablet for up to 12 hours(1) of video playback.

Productivity Suite, Printing, Make A510 Tablet a Mobile Workstation
The Acer A510 tablet is packed with a full suite of productivity apps optimized for use on a tablet that will give any road warrior a much needed boost. The anchor of the suite is Polaris™ Office 3.5, which provides customers a premium way to read and edit various popular documents while providing enhanced integration with other tablet apps. It also features Evernote, the easy-to-use personal assistant that keeps customers organized by allowing them to capture and save web pages, photos, ideas and documents and then store them to the cloud for access from other devices.

With Acer Print, customers can print wirelessly from the convenience of their Acer tablet, unlike some tablets that require confusing or costly apps that don’t support a wide range of printers. Acer Print is compatible with 87 percent of brand name printers on the current market. In addition to supporting a variety of printing formats (doc, pic and browsers), Acer Print also shows the exact print layout on the screen, no matter if it’s a spreadsheet for work or coupons for grocery shopping.

Additionally, the Acer A510 can be taken to a meeting to deliver a presentation; it supports HDMI to VGA for quick connection to projector.

Thrilling Extras for Entertainment, Connectivity
The Acer Iconia Tab A510 highlights lifelike and compelling 720p visuals thanks to the gorgeous 10.1-inch WXGA (1280×800 resolution) HD display. The Acer A510’s 16:10 aspect ratio and wide 85-degree viewing angle ensure an optimal viewing experience that is further improved by Dolby™ Mobile 3 audio. Plus, the display is a 10-point touch capacitive screen, so it delivers a remarkable degree of accuracy and responsiveness.

In addition, customers can share video stored on Acer Iconia Tab A510 with other devices via the tablet’s built-in micro HDMI port. Blu-ray™ quality 1080p video in 30fps can be streamed from the tablet to an external display. Plus, the micro USB 2.0 port enables quick content transfers to and from the tablet. Plus, the new tablet has been enhanced with the ability to conveniently charge it from its USB 2.0 port via another USB 2.0 device.

The Acer A510 is packed with features customers want in a tablet. Its 1GB of RAM(2) contributes to its fast mobile performance. The new tablet comes with an integrated 32GB of flash storage(2) for ample storage of photos, music and videos. The Acer A510 also has a Micro-SD card reader that supports up to 32GB Micro-SD cards(2) that can access additional digital content.

The Acer Iconia Tab A510 keeps consumers connected to Wi-Fi networks with reliable Acer 802.11a/b/g/n wireless technology. Plus, the integrated Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (enhanced data rate) allows consumers to connect the tablet to a variety of other devices, such as headsets and printers.

The 1MP fixed-focused front-facing camera has an improved zoom, making it ideal for video conferencing. The 5MP rear-facing camera is auto-focusing, and provides the ability to take snapshots while recording HD video. Video clips and photos can be enhanced on the fly, stored and searched for based on various tags, and conveniently stored on Google+™.

The Acer Iconia Tab A510 is ready for hours of entertainment with popular pre-loaded apps such as Kindle™ for reading and Netflix™ for instant movie enjoyment. Google™ Music allows customers to create and enjoy their own personal playlists on their tablet. The preloaded Tegra Zone Android™ app brings customers direction to the best Android™ games that are optimized for NVIDIA Tegra powered tablets.

Intuitive Experience with Android™ 4.0 and Acer Ring, clear.fi
The Acer Iconia Tab A510 runs on Android™ 4.0 OS to deliver faster browsing, enhanced app and folder management options, more intuitive navigation, and a more polished design with enhanced holographic effects. Customers can easily customize their Acer tablet and will enjoy improved integration with Gmail™ email and calendar functions as well as improved multitasking and switching between tasks.

The Iconia Tab A510 features the unique interactive Acer Ring interface that can be customized to launch favorite apps, programs and websites. The Acer Ring one-touch button is always at the bottom of the display, so customers are always only a single touch away from what they care about most. It also features Screenshot, which can be used in any app to capture images of a web site, high score on a game, map and even a still from a video call.

Acer clear.fi is installed on the Acer Iconia Tab A510 to connect with any other DLNA-compliant device to quickly and easily share digital media. Clear.fi automatically connects all Acer devices on a network (smartphones, notebooks, desktops, HD media plays and storage devices) and gathers and organizes media files by type (video, music, photos, pre-recorded TV).

Olympic Edition Highlights Sleek, Usable Design
The Acer Iconia Tab A510 is a special Olympic Games Tablet Edition of the Acer Iconia Tab line. It features the Acer and Olympic logos on the chassis to celebrate the company’s sponsorship of the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games. The new tablet was designed with on-the-go usability in mind. The chassis’ soft-touch finish is comfortable to hold and buttons such as volume and screen lock are well-placed. It easily fits in a purse, briefcase or book bag, as it measures only 10.2(w) x 6.9(d) x 0.43(h) inches and weighs just over 24 ounces.

Available in U.S. and Canada Starting at $449.99
The new Acer Iconia Tab A510 is available for pre-sale starting today at national electronics retailers in the United States and Canada at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $449.99 USD and CAD. The premiere models are the Acer A510-10s32 (silver) and Acer A510-10k32 (black).

Customers can purchase the sleek protective case to protect the Acer A510 tablet. The snug-fitting design prevents slipping on surfaces and props it up for improved access for game-playing and typing. It also allows convenient access to the connectors and ports. It is available through Acer at a price of $39.99.

tablets

Sharp RW-T110 Gingerbread Tablet Unveiled with NFC Support

Sharp’s Galapagos line of tablets hasn’t really found traction in the market, which continues to be defined by Apple’s iPad. Nonetheless, it has been confirmed that the Japanese corp will be adding a whole new media device to its burgeoning array of Android products. The 10.1-incher, formally known as the RW-T110, sports a 1280 x 800 display, alongside a 1GHz TI OMAP processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage capacity, Gingerbread for the OS, and the new NFC transaction platform for mobile tablets and phones. There is also a 6,240mAh battery under the lid, which provides about 9 hours of back-up power supply for video watching and audio playback. Other than that, Sharp expects the RW-T110 to go on sale March 27th, in Japan, at an undisclosed price, without further plans to expand in the international market. At least not yet!

 

[via Akihabara News]

tablets

Archos Officially Unveils The G10 XS Series, World’s Thinnest Tablets

French multimedia company Archos has just shown the world a glimpse of its upcoming G10 xs tablets lineup. According to journos who were briefed on the issue, the company plans to launch three new flavors, sized at either 7, 8, or 10-inch diagonally, and priced between 200 to 400 Euros, respectively. There still isn’t much information from Archos about the handsets’ Android OS, although it’s likely to launch with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) running on board. Furthermore, the 7.6mm (thick) metal devices which will become available later this year, are likely to be offered alongside an optional keyboard docking station; the same kind you’d find in ASUS’ Transformer Prime models. And for the record, the size of the two components attached, is not greater than 12mm (The New iPad measures 9.39mm, in case you wondered). To get a better idea, just click the source link below, or watch the video teaser after the break.

[youtube id=”n4ixn6h_gfg”]

[via ArcTablet]

tablets

The New iPad Gets The Unboxing Treatment

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If you are running out of patience and desperately want to get your hands on Apple’s New iPad, there’s still couple of days before the official release. But in the meantime, until the new Retina display iPad officially goes live, a group of Vietnamese bloggers has managed to snag a white flavor of the purported iPad 3 device, and have slapped together an unboxing video. Unfortunately, we hardly speak their language, but the 4G evidence is all over the  place. Not to mention the high-def 9.7-inch touchscreen on top, and the 5-inch camera on the back. Wanna take a closer look? Just hit the jump and watch the video, or click on the source link below to see more detailed images.

[youtube id=”9FCm_ggEhPQ”]

[via Tinhte.vn]