The world’s second-largest computer maker, Acer, has announced its not-so-surprising plan to enter the burgeoning tablet computer market starting next year. Acer has unveiled initial details on three different models, two of which will run on the Android operating system and the other on Windows 7.
The difference among the Android-based options is primarily size: one will be a 7-inch version and the other 10.1-inches. The 7-inch model is geared towards mobility and offers a 1280-by-800 touch screen display with a 16-by-10 aspect ratio. The smaller Android tablet also features a front-facing HD camera, support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1, and “a truly amazing sound experience” through Dolby Mobile Technology.
The 10.1-inch tablet is a bit larger than the iPad’s 9.7-inch display and, at 13.3mm, is also slightly thicker as well. It also will feature 1080p display capabilities, aluminum casing, and a 10-point multi-touch and gyro meter control geared towards gaming.
Both of the Android models offer HDMI support and wireless connectivity through Wi-Fi and 3G. Expect them to be available in April of next year.
The Windows 7 version will be offered as a 10.1 model only. It features both front- and rear-facing 1.3MP cameras, and a docking station that includes a full-size physical keyboard. This model will be 15mm, slightly thicker than the 10.1-inch Android version. It will also have support for both Wi-Fi and 3G connections. It will be available in February of 2011, sooner than the Android models.
Obviously, there’s still a lot of details to be fleshed out on all three devices. For starters, we’re still waiting to hear what Acer will be calling these things as well as how much they’ll cost.
Fads are coo, mmk?
Forget it…
Windows on a touch screen is like trying to feed a horse from the wrong end!
Looking forward to Acer and, hopefully, Dell, to come out with a product to compete with the iPad. I nearly fell for the iPad, but the lack of arrow keys on the virtual keyboard was a show-stopper for me. And when will we get a 13.9" diagonal? You know, 8.5" x 11", standard U.S. paper size? I'd even take an A4 if that would make selling US/restOfTheWorld easier. But hopefully this 10.1" unit will eliminate the only remaining problem I have with laptops — the screen blocks the view of the table. Get an iPad-or-larger size unit with a nice cover like the iPad offers so you get some tilt on the device whilst typing and laptops join the Do-Do Birds for me. I trust Dell more than Acer, but if Dell won't play…Acer works.
Perhaps Android will get its act together and present a viable tablet interface with their next version. Time will tell. But Win7 is DOA on tablets. Just doesn't make any sense. Apple got it right — you need to design a user interface specifically for human touch, which is why the iPad is such a runaway success.
They'll been trying to graft Windows on tablets for about ten years now. They've sold how many?
they've sold more than they predicted. Modest. but sold. Agreed it's not a true touch experience but it was decent. If you have seen Windows 8 leaks so far it looks like that might be their true shot at the tablet form factor. For now I think this is just a low cost way for MS to sell more Win 7 licenses while sticking around for a while on the tablet market in some way. After what MS did with WP7 I believe that they are following the same strategy with tablets. They never took WP6 off phones did they. They let them roll along while developing a completely new experience behind. Point taken however. Win7 is not tablet/touch material by default.
As for Android. yes they are building a tablet form factor based OS. And Google has specifically said that Android is NOT ready for the tablet yet. There is the nvidia tablet that seems to be in the works in collaboration WITH Google. Look forward to that.
Finally a choice other than ipad. I have a droid phone, and am so used to touch screen and swype that I find myself trying took"touch"ny lap too screen all the time. As soon as I find a pad? Tablet at the right price, goodbye laptop!