Toshiba Smart Pad set for an October debut

[Michael Kozlowski]

The Libretto W100 dual screened tablet may have done a world of good to Toshiba’s image in the tablet PC segment that took a beating post the JournE Touch which marked one of the earlier attempts by Toshiba at a tablet device when the segment itself was at its formative stages. However, a rocker of a device the Libretto W100 may be and perhaps the world’s first fully functional dual screened tablet though its high price have put many off to even get close to it, let alone buy one.


And now, if the latest tablet PC news is to be believed, Toshiba is all set to ride into the mainstream tablet market with a device that conforms to the more conventional tablet form factor to stake a claim of the lucrative tablet market. And its the SmartPad tablet that they are banking on to turn their fortunes in this segment that currently is dominated by a single player – the iPad. However, all of that is set to change as a slew of new high profile tablet PCs is slated to enter the ring with the onslaught beginning from next month itself when the Samsung Galaxy Pad is set to be unveiled. But all of that is a different story.
Coming back to the SmartPad, the tablet will be with us as early as October itself and will be available in both the 7 inch and 10 inch size segments. Its not known as of now whether it will have Windows 7 or the popular Android OS to run the show though it seems it is Android that is at advantage here. This is because there are all the familiar screen buttons already in place that seems to give the away in favor of Android. And of course another reason being that everyone is busy preparing an Android device and it seems the season belongs to Android powered tablets. In fact, there are reports in some sections that its Android that has been finalized as the OS for Smart Pad. An official confirmation from Toshiba is what is needed to set things right.


However, other specs of the Smart Pad is missing right now though the latest set of images that have come our way can be a pointer of the things to come. Like there will be a built in webcam that sits atop the screen and stereo speakers on the front. Then there are a plethora of ports on the right side which includes exposed AC power, a headphone socket, and memory card ports while there will also be a HDMI out port along with USB and mini-USB ports that is neatly stacked behind a small plastic door. Then there is also a docking station at the bottom of the Smart Pad. And lastly, it is the Tegra 250 chipset that the Smart Pad will have at its core while further specs are awaited.


To round things off, we all expect the Smart Pad to be priced affordably vis-a-vis the competition and has some solid performance to show off. If that be the case then Toshiba has a sure shot winner in their hands with the Smart Pad