Archive for tablet computer

OpenPeak Partners with AT&T for the OpenTablet7

Thanks to CTIA Wireless 2010 – a lot of tech goodness from carriers such as AT&T are being released in a grand manner. Some are already available for purchase while some are vaguely describe as “to be available later this year”. One of those “later this year” gadgets is the OpenTablet7.

The OpenTablet7 is OpenPeak’s answer to the boom of tablet computers brought about by the iPad. While Apple’s tablet computer is about to be released in the market in about a week, this baby isn’t getting out yet until around November – the holiday shopping craze might be a reason. Another factor could be to allow a wait-and-see period for OpenPeak to probably upgrade its offering according to the public demand.

Anyway, the OpenTablet7 will be a convergence of multimedia and communications device. The partnership with AT&T will provide access to the fastest 3G network. This partnership will not only mean cellular data transfer, but also on WiFi and even voice and messaging services.

The tablet will only weigh 1.15 pounds and about half an inch thick or 0.59″ to be exact. The 7″ glass touch screen goodness would provide access to applications such as web browser, music player, video player, contacts, and other downloadable apps in the future. There will be an integrated high definition camera for video capture of still pictures. Home management capability is an added feature of the OpenTablet7. It would serve as an all-in-one dashboard for control freaks who wants to monitor household information such as electricity usage and even control the thermostat.

Archos Home Tablets

Archos took a different strategy with their home tablets. They priced the Archos 7 and Archos 8 at a significantly low price of $179 whereas other tablet devices cost as much as a netbook.

All of the Home Tablets are designed for home use like when you just want to lie down and watch videos, view pictures, or as a virtual cook book. In contrast with Media Tablets that Archos has already made in the past, these Home Tablets aren’t pumped with storage space or processor speed. They are rather lifestyle devices that would enrich your multimedia experience at home.

The Archos 7 Home Tablet is a 7″ Android powered device that is meant to be carried around your home. It only weighs 350g and is only 12mm thick. It has a USB port where you can connect a thumb drive to transfer your files. On the Archos 7, you can do YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, news, weather etc.

On the other hand, Archos 8 Home Tablet is more of a fixed item rather than a mobile one. It has thick frames that makes it look like a digital photo frame and would suit your living room or kitchen. Via WiFi, you can do a quick search on the internet or view social networking websites. You can also let everyone see your pictures via the photo frame application. As an aid in the kitchen, a Cookineo app is installed that serves as a cook book to help you decide on what to serve when you are expecting guests to come.

Get Archos Tablets here.

iiView ViewPad Tablet Computer

And another tablet computer is out to persuade you from getting an iPad. Though Apple’s awaited tablet computer isn’t out yet, other computer manufacturers are trying to show that theirs is better than the expected-to-be-successful iPad.

This iiView ViewPad (if there isn’t a lot of the word “view” there) tablet PC has a 10.2″ touch screen up front with a 1024×600 resolution. It has an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor and runs on Windows 7 Starter. It has four models all able to connect to internet via WiFi or ethernet connection and two models has additional 3G capability. Other components include 3 USB ports, card reader, VGA jack, microphone input, and audio output. As said earlier, four models come with different specifications. First model is priced at $499, comes with the features mentioned without 3G and with 160GB hard drive and 1GB RAM. Second model is priced at $599, still has no 3G connectivity option but with 320GB hard drive space and 2GB RAM. Third model has the hard drive space and memory of the first model but with 3G connectivity for $599. Lastly, the fourth model follows that of the second model in terms of hard drive and memory plus 3G connectivity for $699.

It is indeed light at 2.15lbs with battery already. However, the battery is one thing that I don’t like with the device. It can only last for 2-3 hours much like a regular notebook and you have to buy an optional battery to reach 8 hours of computing time.

Just wait and see for this device to reach your local computer store and judge which tablet computer you will get.