Huawei announces 7-inch MediaPad tablet with Android 3.2

Huawei Technologies, China’s largest phone-network equipment maker, has taken the wraps off what they claim will be the world's first tablet to run on Qualcomm’s 1.2GHz Snapdragon dual-core processor and Android 3.2 Honeycomb. Weighing 390g and measuring 10.5mm tall, the 7-inch 'MediaPad' is lighter than the HTC Flyer and Blackberry Playbook, but slightly thicker than the latter. Huawei didn't state the display's resolution, but said its 217 pixels-per-inch IPS panel has a higher pixel density than the iPad 2 (132 PPI), Galaxy Tab 10.1 (149) and Motorola Xoom (160).

Keep in mind that these rivals are all sporting 9.7 or 10.1-inch displays, so for a given resolution it is to be expected that in terms of pixel density they'll come in lower compared to a device featuring a 7-inch panel.

According to Huawei's press release, Android 3.2 is "dedicated to enhance the full potential of 7-inch tablets", though feature-by-feature we don't expect it to be very different from the latest 3.1 release. In terms of specs you can look forward to 8GB of internal storage as well as a microSD slot for expansion, rear and front-facing cameras (5MP and 1.3MP, respectively), HSPA+ (14.4Mbps) 3G support, 802.11n Wi-Fi, 1080P full HD video playback, and around six hours of life. There was no mention of RAM as the company says it's still working with partners on specifics.

 The MediaPad will be supported by Huawei Device’s Hi-Space cloud storage solution and comes pre-loaded with applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Let’s Golf and Documents to Go.

There was no mention of pricing in the press release but the company promises the MediaPad will be available in select markets from Q3 2011. According to Engadget, Huawei has "no current plans" to produce a WiFi-only model, so we're probably not going to see prices in line with Asus' $400 Eee Pad Transformer and perhaps not even the $500 iPad 2.

Author: dfgdfg,

Categories: Android, Gadget, Huawei, Mediapad, Mobile, Tablet, Tech News

India's $35 tablet expected to launch this month

It's been a while since we've heard any major news about India's ambitious $35 tablet, but a new report suggests that it's finally inching toward reality. According to the Times of India, the controversial project is approaching the finish line with 100,000 units expected to ship this summer, starting this month. The government is expected to deliver 10,000 tablets to IIT Rajasthan in late June, while another 90,000 units will be rolled out over the next four months.

The launch price is reportedly set at 2,200 rupees, which is approximately equivalent to $49. Although that's higher than the initial $35 target, the government reportedly plans to cut the price in half with subsidies. Assuming that information is accurate, students might be able to purchase the tablet for less than we originally thought. Regardless, it's not such a bad deal at $49, especially considering most of us doubted the device would even see the light of day.

Named "Sakshat," the slate was first announced last summer and was delayed this January  following complications with its primary hardware vendor, HCL Infosystems. Designed for academic use, Sakshat features a 7-inch touchscreen, support for video conferencing, 32GB of storage, 2GB of RAM, a USB port, Wi-Fi connectivity, and enough horsepower to play YouTube videos. To keep costs in check, the device utilizes Linux and other open source software.

Author: dfgdfg,

Categories: Gadget, Hardware, India, Tablet, Tech News

World's priciest iPad costs $1.2 million

My iPad 2 is looking a little pale and shabby in comparison to the $1.2 million diamond-encrusted iPad from Camael Diamonds. The company calls it the world's most expensive iPad, and I'm not going to argue with that.

For do-it-yourselfers who want to bedazzle their own iPads, this only requires 1 kilo of 18 carat gold and 300 carats worth of perfect diamonds. Black diamonds grace the home button and Apple logo on the back. Just pop down to your local jeweler to pick up all the supplies you need.

Camael will happily customize your gazillion-dollar iPad with the gems of your choice. This is a smart way to go, as it would be horribly embarrassing to accidentally pick up someone else's look-alike diamond-slathered iPad at Starbucks.

Camael says it has already received inquiries about customizing its iPad offering. I'm not sure who is making those inquiries, but I don't think it's anyone I know. I'll ask around just to be sure. If it's you, please be sure to confess in the comments.

The Camael iPad joins a crowded field of luxury gadgets that includes a gold-plated Kindle, a Versace cell phone, and a diamond-covered iPhone. These may all be effective ways to flaunt your wealth in the face of tough economic times, but the diamond iPad trounces the competition when it comes to sheer garishness.

If $1.2 million is a little on the high side for your budget, you can always step down to the gold-plated iPad for just $146,000. What a bargain!

(Via Luxury Launches)

Author: dfgdfg,

Categories: Camael Diamonds, Gadget, iPad, Tech News