Not every one is paying heed to Google’s calls for keeping the Android 2.2 Froyo out of their tablets and Toshiba is one more to be seen among the defiant group of manufacturers. In doing so, they have stuck to what they had promised during the launch of the Folio 100 during IFA in Germany – a commercial launch of the Android 2.2 tablet during the fourth quarter of the year. The stylish Folio 100 has now gone on sale throughout Europe at prices ranging from 399 and 499 Euros.
Also, apart from running Android 2.2 Froyo which is still the latest in the Android series from Google, the Folio 100 also packs in another latest, the dual core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor that is the best ARM SOC to come our way to date. The processor also boasts of HD video playback support as well as 3D graphics acceleration.
The rest of the spec story is equally impressive, packed as it is with 10.1 inch capacitive multi-touch display having a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels that can support up to 4 touch inputs. It can connect to the Internet via 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth, as well as 3G which comes as an optional feature.
Onboard storage is limited to just 16 GB, something that can be taken care of with the SD card slot. Other features include a 1.3 megapixel webcam, a mini HDMI out, and USB port. The Folio 100 also is compatible with Adobe® Flash 10.1 and DLNA® besides supporting Mobile Broadband in certain models and countries when it will be available, which as per latest reports is going to come soon.
However, on the flip side, Toshiba can not boast of an unrestricted access to the Android Market, something that Samsung is able to claim with its Galaxy Tab. Toshiba aims to make that up with its very own app store and is shipping the tablet pre-loaded with a variety of convenient apps like Toshiba Media Player, Fring, Document to Go, Evernote and so on. Toshiba is also including the Folio 100 with a feature Music Place, which is powered by 7Digital and aims to provide users with a convenient client providing access to a wide range of music catalogues. Users will have the choice of either storing purchased tracks on the FOLIO 100 or have them stored in a personal cloud storage area which can then be synced to their connected devices via internet.
Price wise, the Folio 100 will cost €429 for the Wi-Fi only version and €529 for the 3G enabled Folio 100 in Germany while the same in Italy will make one lighter by €399 and €499 for the Wi-Fi and 3G models respectively. Price of the Wi-Fi Folio 100 in the UK will cost £329. All prices mentioned are inclusive of all applicable local taxes.
And about its availability in the United States, it’s around early next year when Americans can expect the Toshiba tablet on their turf.
With a keen interest in tech, I make it a point to keep myself updated on the latest developments in technology and gadgets. That includes smartphones or tablet devices but stretches to even AI and self-driven automobiles, the latter being my latest fad. Besides writing, I like watching videos, reading, listening to music, or experimenting with different recipes. The motion picture is another aspect that interests me a lot, and I'll likely make a film sometime in the future.
