Tablet PCs
Since suggestions that Apple was developing a mobile tablet PC began to surface in mid 2009 the global technology community has been making countless predictions as to which features the device would incorporate and how the tablet market would progress in 2010.
Following this; the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held in Las Vegas, featured several tablet announcements from Apple competitors Microsoft, Lenovo and Dell. This has only served to add weight to analysts’ predictions that the tablet PC would become a technology trend which defines the year.
MyBroadband takes a closer look at some of the PC tablets expected to hit the shelves 2010.
Apple ‘iSlate’
Apple’s recent announcement that it would reveal its “latest creation” in San Francisco next week has sparked speculation regarding what its tablet PC would feature and which market segment it would be aimed at.
Although these rumours are yet to be confirmed by Apple numerous reports have surfaced quoting anonymous sources within the company that the device will be a hub for media of all descriptions (music, newspapers, books, games) and would fall somewhere between a smartphone and a netbook in terms of market segment.
A recent report by The Wall Street Journal also suggested that the device would feature a music streaming service and that Apple has been in discussion with The New York Times, Conde Nast and HarperCollins with regards to securing content for the ‘iSlate’.
Other rumours have also suggested that the Apple tablet will incorporate a virtual keyboard and that Microsoft and EA may provide support with regards to search engines, mapping and gaming.
Not to be outdone by Apple, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer recently unveiled what he described as a “slate computer” prototype at CES. The device, which is being manufactured in conjunction with Microsoft, is still in its developmental phase.
Ballmer confirmed that it will run on the Windows 7 operating system when it is released later this year, adding that “it’s a beautiful little product”. In addition the ‘slate’ will feature Microsoft’s Bing as its native search engine and MSN as its home page.
Computer manufacturer Dell also revealed its own tablet at CES 2010, rumoured to be the ‘Dell Streak’.
This device will be the first to run on Google’s Android mobile operating system and will also feature a 5 inch touchscreen, 5 Megapixel camera with LED flash and a SIM slot which will offer 3G data capabilities.
No official release date has been given.
Lenovo also took the wraps off its own tablet device at CES this year. Set to be marketed as a netbook hybrid, the IdeaPad U1 featuring an 11.6 inch touchscreen and a Linux based operating system.
What sets this device apart is that, although it will feature its own processor and power source, users will be able to attach it to a ‘body’ which will turn the device into a Windows 7 netbook. The system will also be able to support up to five hours of 3G web browsing.
The IdeaPad U1 is due for release on the 1st of June and will retail for $1000 (roughly R7500).
Loading ...