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Multiple Apple iPad Killer Tablet Computers Loom

By Jessica Davis on 2010-10-12



Apple has enjoyed nine months or so of a relatively uncrowded marketplace for tablet computers. The company’s iPad tablet computer has dominated for much of 2010 as consumers and business users have snapped up the iPad for both personal and business use. But Apple’s iPad has its limitations as well. What about cameras? And USB ports? Can this ARM-based machine really be considered seriously for business? Or do companies from SMBs to enterprises need something more – something that has actually been designed for business users and IT organizations. Indeed, some of these new tablets planned by computer vendors will be sold through the channel under the tighter control of IT. There’s no shortage of options for business that is looking to make its users more mobile and productive while they are on the go. IT organizations are recognizing that mobility is a growing trend. Now is the time to standardize on a tablet. Take a look. Here’s what’s coming on the business side for tablet computers.
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Dell StreakWhile the Dell Streak still only runs Android 1.6, it will support over-the-air updates for Android 2.2 later this year. Its 5-inch display has been called too small by some. It offers a 5.0M rear-facing autofocus camera plus VGA front-facing camera and supports a variety of video and audio formats. But it can only be used on AT&T's network.

Samsung Galaxy TabPromised in the U.S. in November, this tablet features Android 2.2 and a 7-inch screen. It's got two cameras, one front-facing and one rear-facing, and it supports Adobe Flash. It also offers Wifi and 3G with carrier partners AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint.

Viewsonic ViewPad 7ViewPad 7, which sports a 7-inch screen, version 2.2 of Android, front and back-facing cameras and 3G — is still its flagship model, according to ViewSonic.

ViewSonic Viewpad 100ViewPad 100 is a WiFi-only tablet that comes with 16GB of storage and a Micro SD slot for another 32GB. It offers a front-facing only camera and dual boot with Windows 7 and Android 1.6. The 10-inch capacitive touchscreen offers a 1024 x 600 pixel resolution. ViewSonic tells Channel Insider that some of its tablet computers will be available through the channel, although details are still not available.

Toshiba Folio 100Currently only slated for sales in Europe, this tablet comes in 3G and non-3G versions and has a 1.3 megapixel camera. It's got a 10.1-inch multitouch screen with 1024x600-pixel resolution, an Nvidia Tegra processor, stereo speakers, two USB ports, an SD card slot, an HDMI connector for sending video to other screens, Bluetooth communications, and 16GB of memory.

Toshiba Libretto W100With its dual 7-inch touch screens, this "tablet" offers something the rest don't. But that kind of functionality comes with a much higher price — about $1100. This device runs Windows 7, and offers a 1 megapixel camera. It also features a virtual keyboard.

Archos 101 Internet TabletAmong a host of Archos tablets due during the same time period in different screen sizes, this one features a 10-inch multitouch screen, Android 2.1, Windows 7, Wifi, and a front-facing camera. Price will range from $300 to $350.

Archos 28 This Archos tablet is closer in form factor to a smartphone with its 2.8-inch screen, and only offers Wifi, but is priced to sell at $99. It was due out in September.

Archos 32 This Wifi-enabled device with its slightly larger 3.2 inch screen was also due to be released in September at a price of $149.99. It also includes a built in camera capable of shooting video.

Archos 43This tablet’s 4.3 inch screen is bigger still and will be offered at a price of $199. It offers a 2 megapixel camera for videos and photos.

Archos 70 This one offers a built-in Webcam to enable video calls. It offers a 7-inch touch screen and will be available this fall for $275.

Cisco CiusExpected to debut in 2011, the Cisco Cius has garnered a lot of attention for its potential to kill the iPad in the enterprise. The Android-based tablet has a 7-inch screen, both 3G and Wifi, USB ports and is built with video conferencing in mind with two cameras.

RIM BlackBerry PlaybookWith its 7-inch screen and dual facing cameras, the Playbook will run a QNX kernel and operating system that can incorporate BlackBerry OS 6. What remains to be seen is if developers will create a rich apps universe for users to choose from. Another downside for the Playbook – if there’s no WiFi available, it must be tethered to a BlackBerry smartphone to connect to the network. It is due for release to corporate customers and developers in October 2010 and consumers in 2011.

OpenPeak OpenTablet 7OpenPeak, funded by Intel's venture capital arm, is set to debut a tablet in the first quarter of 2011 with AT&T. OpenTablet offers VOIP, video and data and includes a 7-inch touch screen. It will also include an HD camera.

Notion Ink Adam TabletNotion Ink's Adam Tablet is expected to run a customized version of Android and will be the first device to include Pixel Qi's low-power, dual-mode display that can be viewed in any light – no sun glare. Prices are expected to range from about $400 to about $500 with some offering both 3G and WiFi.

More from Dell and HPDell is expected to release a 7-inch tablet, stepping up from its 5-inch streak. HP is expected to release tablets based both on the WebOS it acquired from Palm and on Windows 7. Also expect tablets from Acer in 7-inch and 10-inch screen form factors. The Lenovo IdeaPad U1 hybrid laptop/tablet's (clamshell design with removable tablet) release has been pushed back to next year.

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