Tablets galore!

With the phenomenal success of the Apple iPad, computer companies have recognized the potential of the Tablet PC market. Many have started developing their own Tablet PCs and the specifications of a few have even leaked online. Here’s a list of devices that consumers can expect in the market soon.

Asus EEE Pad

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Asus has announced that it will display its own Tablet PC, the Asus EEE Pad at the Computex event due to be held in June 2010. The gadget will employ the Google Android operating system and will aim to offer more than the Apple iPad with obvious additions like the USB port, mysteriously absent in the iPad. Flash support as well as an integrated camera is also likely to be available on the device. The EEE Pad is likely to hit stores in the third quarter of 2010.

Dell ‘Looking Glass’

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The ‘Looking Glass’ from Dell will signal the company’s arrival in the Tablet PC market. Specifications of the device leaked all over the internet reveal that it will have a 7-inch 800×480 resolution display. It will also be powered by a Tegra 2 processor and will operate on the Android 2.1 platform. While internal RAM is expected to amount to 4 GB, an additional 4 GB flash along with a SDHC slot that can support up to 32 GB will also be packed into the Tablet. The ‘Looking Glass’ will also feature a 1.3 megapixel camera.

Toshiba Protégé M780

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Users of the Protégé M780 will be able to use their fingers or a digital stylus to write on its 12.1-inch screen. The performance of the device will be managed by the latest Intel Core i3 processor. The ToshibaEasyGuard features as well as the connectivity option on the gadget promise easier mobile networking. The battery can power the device for upto five hours and the display can fit in the clamshell form as well. Toshiba has not announced the pricing for this device, which will feature a lightweight aluminium chassis.

Velocity Micro CruzReader

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The CruzReader from Velocity Micro, a company based in Richmond, USA, is one of two Tablet PCs announced for release by the company. Running on the Android 2.1 platform, the device will have a 7-inch multi-touch screen and an 800 MHz processor with Flash support. The device will also integrate a headphone, mic, speaker and a USB port. Along with features like a web browser and an accelerometer, it will also support video playback. Apps for the gadget can be downloaded from the Apps store along with e-books. Device memory can also be expanded owing to a SD card slot in the gadget. The company has revealed this product to be priced at $199.99.

Velocity Micro CruzTablet

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The CruzTablet may have the same 7-inch screen, 800 MHz processor and Android 2.1 OS as the CruzReader, but it is also equipped with a 2 megapixel camera in its front side. Kobo Book Reader software is integrated into the Tablet, allowing e-books to be downloaded from the Kobo website. Features like dictionary, notepad, alarm clock and calendar are built into the device. The mini dock available with the product allows it to be used as a picture frame during the charging process. The additional features will make the CruzTablet pricier at $299.99 , when in launches in the third quarter of 2010 with the CruzReader.

Acer’s Kindle killer

ACERtablet

Acer has also hinted on launching a “Kindle competitor”, although there is no information regarding the name or specifications of this device. The company should not find it hard it too hard to break into the new market owing to its compelling presence in the consumer PC market.

With so many Tablet PCs set for launch, will there be a device that finally gives the iPad a run for its money? Or will the iPad still continue to draw in the crowd? We will have to wait for the devices to hit the market, for the rest of the story to unfold.

Further Reading