Teclast X10 3G tablet for $80

We already knew that it is possible nowadays to find tablets at ridiculously low prices (such as this $42 tablet) but if you are looking for something slightly larger, you might like to know that you can also get 10.1" tablets for just $80.

Samsung Safety Screen app keeps kids from holding tablets too close to their eyes

Tablets and smartphones make us spend even more time looking at computer screens at a closer distance. This is something can strain our eyes and is more worrisome in children. Samsung has launched an app that can help with that, making sure kids (and grown-ups) look at their tablets from a safe distance.

Google about to unveil a Pixel tablet?

We're about to know what Google has in store for us a today's event - where the Nexus 5X e 6P are sure to appear, as well as a new Chromecast - but it seems there's something extra: a new 10" tablet of the "Pixel" line.

Nokia N1 comes with reversible USB plug and Z Launcher

Just yesterday we talked about Nokia's willingness to license its brand, and it looks we didn't have to wait long for it, with this Foxconn manufactured Nokia N1 tablet that most people wouldn't consider to be out of place if they found it in... an Apple Store.

How cheap can tablets get?

The dream of having a computer you could carry around like a notebook (or even as a piece of paper) is nothing new - and it certainly predates the iPad for a decade at least. But before the iPad popped up, tablet PCs were bulky, heavy, with severely limited hardware and a lousy battery life. And worst of all, they were too expensive for most people to even consider it.

But since then, we've seen usable tablets show up at $500, and then $400... and $300, and mini tablets dropping to $200, and some can even be found at $100. When you look at it... one can't stop but wonder: just how cheap can tablets really get? Is is possible for tablets to get any chepaer, to $50 and even less? And surprisingly... they can.

Datawind is a Canadian company that developed the Aakash 2 tablet for just $38, and now they're about to bring their own Datawind UbiSlate 7ci stateside for just $38! The hardware has been revised and improved, with the slow 700Mhz CPU now giving way to a much faster dual-core at 1.2GHz, allowing this ultra low cost tablet to perform much better.

What's even more amazing is that its CEO plans to have an even cheaper tablet on the market a couple years from now: a tablet that will be available for just $20!

Just imagine all you could with if had $20 tablets readily available: that's cheaper than most smartphone touchscreens should you break one!

The iPad might be known as the tablet that ignited the tablet revolution but I dare say that the one that pops up on the market, with non-frustrating usable hardware, will be the one that will truly change the world (kind of the same BIC did with pens). After all, it's not until you can afford to throw something into the trash without thinking about it that we can consider something to really be a truly "common" item, right?

Quick and cheap Tablet stand using CD/DVD "cake" boxes

Having recently bought a mini-tablet (at last) - no need to tell you which one, right? - I quickly came to the conclusion that although a 7" tablet is quite handy to hold in your hands... it doesn't really "stand" for itself whenever you want a hands free operation. In this case, I wanted to have the tablet next to my computer screen, in a way that would be more visible and comfortable to use than simply having it laid on the table.

Sure, there are thousands of different tablet stands, in all shapes, sizes (and prices). But I was certain there was something that could be done using regular household items. So, I cried for assistance on twitter, and before long I had a "perfect" solution: using a CD/DVD cake box as a stand.

As you can see in the photo,  it simply works. And if you're like me, you won't have a hard time finding these now almost obsolete items in your "tech drawer". I found out I still have hundreds of blank CDs and DVDs in there; in fact... other than the yearly summer vacation photo backup to DVD routine, I don't even recall burning discs. And to think that just "yesterday", burning CDs and DVDs was something we would do several times per day/week... How things change!

Tablets overtake Smartphones in Web Access

It's impressive to see just how much things have changed in the past couple of years, thanks to the "mobile revolution". smartphones are now daily companions that have changed the way we use traditional "computers" - I've lost count of the times I prefer to read my email on the living room on my smartphone rather than walking to the office and do it on the desktop, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

And if smartphones do that... what about tablets? Tablets might have had a couple years late start, but they are already
overtaking smartphones in web access, and it's expected they'll expand that lead in the coming years. Not bad for a device that lots of people struggled to justify "why" they would need one...

Sure, we must keep in mind that mobile web access still is a long way from the total volume of web access (just 16% are from mobile devices, compared to regular laptops and desktops), but considering we've reached this point in less than 3 years (for tablets), you can imagine it won't take long for mobile accesses to surpass desktop's.

What about you? Are you one of those people that leave their PCs off most of the time, and grab your tablet to do most of the things you did on the computer? Or do you still struggle to justify why you'd need a tablet when you've done so well without one for so many years?

Sony Xperia Tablet Z

Sony has been pushing hard on the Android front, and their latest Xperia Z smartphones are certainly some of the best looking mobile devices ever created - and not only do they look good, but they have all the requirements to face off the competition for 2013 (FullHD screens, quad-core, CPUs, etc.)

It would be a safe bet to assume that Sony wouldn't stop there... and now we have the confirmation: the Xperia Tablet Z is coming, and it does seem like it will be a head-turner.

As it is, this 10" (1920x1200) tablet is the world thinnest (just 6.9mm thick!) but that didn't stop Sony from packing it with a Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core CPU (@1.5GHz), 2GB RAM, LTE and WiFi versions, up to 64GB, microSD, NFC, 8MP and 2MP cameras, and it's even water resistant so you won't have to throw a fit should you (or anyone) spill a drink over.

It will arrive in Europe this ver month (March) and starting at the usual 499€.

It may not have the ultra-high-resolution screen of the Nexus 10, but it sure will make us want the next Google Nexus devices to come from Sony! :) (And it's about time for that anyway.)

Tablets Battery Life

If there's anything that may stand out when we use tablets, is that their larger batteries make it last and last, longer than our smartphones than can barely go a day (or two) without requiring recharging.

Now, some of the most popular tablets were put to the test and we can see just how long they can really last.

When it comes to 10" tablets, we find the iPad retina to be well ahead of the pack, with an impressive 811 minutes while browsing the web over WiFi. In second place we find the older iPad 2 (with 590 minutes), and only then do we find the Android Tablets, like the Xperia S, Galaxy Tab 2 and Google's own Nexus 10 (which trails the Surface RT from Microsoft). In the worst spot we find Asus's Transformer Prime (but it could fare better should you choose to dock it to the keyboard, with its secondary battery).

Impressive to see the difference we have from the Nexus 10 (488 minutes) to the iPad 3/4 (811 minutes)!

As for the 7", things are similar. Apple's iPad mini leads the pack with 783minutes, and the second is Amazon's Kindle Fire HD (591 minutes), followed by the Nexus 7 (550 minutes).

With this in mind, how much do you value battery life when it's time to decide wich tablet to buy? Would the longer iPad battery-life diret you to chose an Apple device over an Android? Or do you think even the average battery life is now "more than enough" for you to not to take it so seriously?

Surface RT Tablets to cost just $199?

Much has been said about the new Microsoft Surface tablets and especially, how much its price will be a critical point that can either "make it" or "break it". Microsoft didn't disclose any prices (or dates) when it unveiled them for the first time, promising only that they would be "competitive priced".

That didn't stop people from trying to guess how much that would translate to, and some news hinted at some higher than expected prices that would certainly make it very hard for these Surfaces to succeed. But now, we get a completely opposite report, that Surface RT tablet might cost just $199 when it comes to market on October 26th.

A price that does a complete 180º turn over what was expected and that seems to be "too good to be true". Don't take me wrong, I sincerely wish that it might be - and Google/Asus have already proven that it is possible to build and market a high-quality tablet at $199 (the Nexus 7). But the key point here is that Microsoft has several partners that intend to sell similar Windows tablet... and might not be willing to cut back on their margins as much as MS seems to be willing to do on this surface. (Keep in mind we're talking about the Windows RT version - ARM based - not the more powerful Surface/Windows 8 with Intel CPUs).

But one thing's for sure: if MS does come out with a $199 Surface tablet... things can begin to shift quite rapidly on the tablet arena... And we'd all have to gain from this heated competition.

Sony Xperia Tablet gets "Surface" Style Keyboard?

Looks like Microsoft's opportunity for success with their Surface Tablets is narrowing down. While we're still waiting to know how much their tablets will cost, it already seems they'll be having a similar contender. The upcoming Sony Xperia tablet seems to learn a couple of things from the Surface tablet, including a cover-keyboard.

But, these Xperia tablets already have a price, starting at $449 for the 16GB, and $99 for the cover keyboard. Meaning, around $549 for the "pack" (unless they sell it cheaper bundled together). You'll get a quad-core Tegra 3 inside, and although we don't expect it to have a "retina-level" display, it still is within an acceptable price range for an Android tablet.

Meaning... Microsoft better be planning on putting their "competitive priced" Surface Tablets on the market soon, and at similar price ranges... or else... they'll risk having a completely flattened sales volume...

Snapdragon S4 Pro Shows us What's to Come

Qualcomm is readying a reference developer tablet using their new quad-core ARM Snapdragon S4 Pro CPU and a Adreno 320 GPU, and it seems like we have a winner. A winner that shows us what we can expect for the next generation of mobile devices.

This $1299 might be consider too expensive for the general public, but its purpose is to provide developers with everything they can expect to have in the next generation of tablets. Although its 10.1" LCD has only a 1280x800 resolution (we would expect a FullHD screen by now), everything else is as you'd expect - and more. You'll find the speedy 1.5Ghz Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core CPU (soon to reach 2Ghz), the Adreno 320 GPU, 2GB Ram, 32GB Flash, 13MP main camera, accelerometer, gyroscope and compass, ambient light/proximity/temperature/pressure sensors, microSD slot, microUSB, IO connector with USB and HDMI adapters - and even less usual stuff like a fingerprint reader and 7 microphones for surround sound recording.

When put to the test, the S4 Pro ranges from "fast" to "incredibly fast" leaving all the current contenders in the dust. In some tests, the S4 is over twice as fast as Nvidia's Tegra 3; and even the latest quad-core Exynos CPU by Samsung (used in the latest Galaxy S3) can't keep up with it.

That makes us wonder how developers will put all this power into good use, for next year's batch of tablets.

Fujitsu gets its "Transformer"

Looks like Asus Transformer devices are beginning to have an effect on other manufacturers. While Microsoft decided to go "full-tablet" with its new Surface Tablets with an inovative cover keyboard; Fujitsu decided it was best to have a tablet with a detachable keyboard dock like Asus products.

The Stylistic Q702 has an 11.6" screen (with Gorilla Glass, but sadly, just 1366x768 resolution), but unlike the popular Eee Transformers, it's not an ARM Android device but a full Windows computer with Intel Ivy Bridge processors (Core i3 or i5), 4GB of RAM and an SSD with up to 128GB of storage space. It has LTE/4G, and battery life is stated at 4.5 hours of runtime (with the dock adding an extra 5.5hm as well as two extra USB 2.0 / 3.0 ports, Ethernet jack and VGA).

The Stylistic Q702 is expected to arrive in the third quarter, but you'll have to get ready to shell out $1,099 for it.

The Planned Flaws of Google's Nexus 7

Google has unveiled its Nexus 7 and proved it was possible to bring to market a high quality tablet, with the latest quad-core CPU and  Android 4.1 at an unbeatable price of just $199. And right now, millions of people around the world are certainly pre-ordering it, or anxiously waiting for it to be available in their countries.

But, as the initial euphoria settles down, people start noticing that not everything is perfect with this Nexus 7. The 8GB model has only 5GB free space that will certainly be "tight" for most users (some games now use over 1GB of space!), and it lacks a microSD slot. Some hoped they could use its USB on-the-go port to expand its storage capacity but we recently found out that Nexus 7 doesn't support USB storage (at least for now), nor it has a MHL video out port to allow it to be connected to a TV (not to mention the lack of a "main camera" on its back.

Flaws that might make some customers pass it by, or not bother others at all. But while some might think that these options are explained by the need to keep costs down and under $199, I think these flaws were carefully planed by Google.

The thing is, there are a lot of other manufacturers building Android Tablets, and they all start with a major handicap in regard to any Google product: they're not Google!

If Google's tablet "had it all" (storage, camera, video out, etc) who would even consider buying anything else? The fact that is has the latest updates directly from Google alone is enough for most users to put it up on their priority list, let alone having any and everything you could wish/ask for.

So... this way, the market is open for other tablets, slightly more expensive, from all the major Android partners, offering what the Nexus 7 is lacking: a micro SD slot, a back-facing camera, HDMI out, etc.

Don't get me wrong, the Nexus 7 *is* an amazing piece of equipment, and I'll be waiting for the first chance to get my own. But... don't be surprised when other tablets start popping up, being even more amazing. :)

Microsoft Surface Tablets "surface" the Future of Windows Computing

Microsoft has just announced their first self-made and branded tablets: the Surface. A high quality, carefully designed and manufactured tablet that shows that Microsoft is stepping up to protect its own software ecosystem, and in a sense, mimicking what Apple has been doing for so long.
The idea is to have a device capable of taking Windows anywhere, and it will be available in two versions: one powered by an ARM CPU, running Windows 8 RT; and another with a Intel CPU, running the "full" Windows 8 Pro.

Design wise, both models are identical, with the Intel version being slightly thicker (13.5mm vs 9,3mm). And although both use a 10.6" screen, the Windows RT will have a HD screen (720?) leaving the FullHD screen to the Intel version, which also gets USB 3.0. Both models will introduce unprecedented WiFi signal strentgth, thanks to its double antennae (MIMO) - claims MS.

After so much effort has been put into making current touchscreens scratch-proof with Gorilla Glass and the likes, Microsoft takes it a step further and uses a "VaporMg" magnesium alloy that they say is also scratch proof. No matter if it that's the case, the truth is that indeed it looks very high quality.

But this Surface tablet(s) come with some surprises. For starters, it comes with an integrated kickstand that you can flip open or close at any moment's notice. This stand will keep the screen tilted at 22º - and MS has designed its rear camera so it stays leveled at this positioned. Microsoft said the hinges were carefully designed in order to be robust and offer a "luxury car door" feel when you pop it open or close. Once again... it does look great.

But, other than the stand, there were a few nice tricks waiting for us. Instead of providing simple magnetic "smart covers" like we have on the iPad, the Surface offers protective covers with integrated keyboards.

The Touch Cover is only 3mm thick, and offers a full multitouch keyboard  and trackpad. It can even measure the amount of pressure on its keys, in order to tell the difference between actual key presses and you resting your palm over it. If you prefer physical keys, Microsoft also has you covered, with the slightly thicker Type Cover.

Both cover-keyboards are smart enough to know when they're being used or put away behind the tablet - because, let's not forget it... the Surface is a tablet.

But not all went well in Microsoft's "new" Surface presentation. The event was severely delayed (nearly 40 minutes), and - as some would predict - one of the tablets decided to stop working during the presentation, promptly being replaced by a backup unit. But, worst of all, Microsoft failed to announce a precise date for it to reach the market, and equally important... how much will it cost?
MS simply said that the ARM version will be available at the time of Windows 8 launch, with "competitive" pricing; and the other one arriving a few months later, with a price competitive with similar ultrabooks.


Even so, I think this is actually a great move and a big step forward for Microsoft. A move that may be doomed to fail in its first attempt (just like Apple's own first MacBook Air)... but that will eventually succeed, and in the process paving the way for all the future generations of windows computers.


When you think about it, most people would do just fine with such a Windows Surface (the Intel version with full Windows 8 pro under the hood). Something that you can't currently do with any of the popular tablets out there (just try running Autocad, or a full Photoshop suite, or even a browser as good as a "desktop OS" Chrome browser. At least for me it would be the perfect tool! A powerful tablet for most of the day, but able to turn it into a full-fledged "traditional" computer whenever I need it.


Even if it fails (and I'm not saying it will)... I think this is already a big win for Microsoft in the long run.

Google Preparing a Low Cost Nexus Tablet

It's kind of sad to see that the strongest contender in the Android tablet market is actually one of its own competitors: Amazon's Kindle Fire - which although it's Android based, it's not actually an "Android".

Of course, lots other desirable Android Tablet exist, like the Asus Ttransfomers, but its prices usually put those up against the ever present Apple iPad (which can now be bought for just $399 for last years iPad 2 model).

But Google is now about to make a stand and make it's Android Tablets a lot more interesting, by launching a  7" Nexus Tablet made by Asus.

And what's the difference between this tablet and all others on the market?... Exactly what matters the most... its price. This Nexus Tablet will apparently start at just $149. Well below the $199 price that makes the Kindle Fire so attractive.

It looks like the miraculous Android tablet might arrive in May-June... so, get ready for a hot fight when it comes to 7" Android tablets this Summer.

Asus Transformer Infinity gets FullHD Screen

As expected, ASUS didn't wait long to update its Transformer line of Android tablets. And right on the heels of the recent Transformer Prime, here's the new Transformer Infinity.

Asus learned from its mistakes on the Prime, with its all metal case - which affected its WiFi/GPS sensibility - and now added a plastic strip on the Infinity that should take care of that. But, the real plus on this new model will be its higher resolution Super IPS+ LCD screen, with 1920x1200 pixels (more than FullHD).

As for the CPU, Asus will be using the same quad-core Tegra 3 for the WiFi models, but for the 4G/LTE Infinity, it will be using a 1.5Ghz Qualcomm MSM 8960 Snapdragon S4 dual-core (apparently, there are some issues pairing the Tegra 3 with the 4G/LTE chipsets, and that forced Asus to resort to a different CPU to save time).

There's no doubt about it... 2012 will be of the "High-density" Tablets. :)

Android Tablet with 1920x1200 Resolution

Tablets like the iPad and Transformer may be on the top list for anyone looking for this kind of devices. But soon... they'll both be looked upon as pre-historic models of what Tablets really are. Just like its smaller smartphone devices, in 2012 tablets will also step up into high-density higher resolution devices... With the iPad 3 offering a "retina display" screen, and Android tablets following suit.

Just check out this Acer Iconia A700 de 10.1" with a resolution that would be more usually associated with 20-26" screens: 1920x1200!
And if you think such a resolution would mean it would crawl to an halt whenever trying to slide and zoom around the screen... just check the following video to see the power of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich when powered by the latest Tegra 3 from Nvidia.

Asus Transformer Prime - Tegra 3 Quad-Core Beast

Asus finally revealed the secret behind the new and improved Transformer Android Tablet... If you thought the first Transformer was great, just wait until you see the new Transformer Prime, the first Tegra 3 quad-core tablet.

But Asus also knows that specs alone are not enough to make customers fall in love for their devices, and if looks are what you're looking for, you won't be disappointed by the Transformer Prime. Available in amethyst gray and champagne gold, this tablet is one of the sexier ever built - and I do mean "ever".

It's thickness is just 8.3mm, and it weighs just 586g - yep, slimmer and lighter than the iPad 2.

But, looks don't mean much if there's nothing inside, and this Transformer Prime really packs a mean punch when you look at what it has to offeri:

• LCD Super IPS+ 10.1" (1280x800) LCD - wider viewing angles, visible outdoors, improved brightness
• 8MP camera - FullHD 1080p, continuous LED Flash, enhanced auto-focus, F2.4 lens
• Super fast Touchscreen response time: 50ms
• Extended battery life: 12h (18h with dock)
• Improved sound - Larger speakers, improved fidelity
• oleophobic  anti-fingerprints/smudges - on screen and metallic casing
• Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core - FullHD video, improved 3D graphics, over 2x the processing power of the previous Tegra 2 models
  

The Prime will be available in 32 and 64GB models, and will exist alongside the current Transformer model: 

• Asus Eee Pad Transformer: $399 and $449 (16 or 32GB)
• Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime: $499 and $599 (32 or 64GB)
• Dock/keyboard: $149 for both models

Asus said the latest Android Ice Cream Sandwhich will be available for the Transformer Prime in December (and that the current Transformer will also get it as well).

We were also shown a new SuperNote App, that allows text and drawing input; as well as the Polaris Office, each allows users to edit and create MS Office files, turning the Prime into a powerful "office" machine.

Now I just have to wait until Asus sends me a review unit and I can actually put my hands on one of these beauties. For now, I'll have to do with a regular "old" Transformer that Asus was kind enough to lend me to assist on my official coverage of the biggest tech event in Portugal: Sapo Codebits. And now that I mention it... I'll only have a couple hours of sleep before traveling to the event for the pre-launch preparations... Oh well... I do love it anyway. :)

Windows 8 vs iPad

Just a few months ago, the prospect of having a Windows tablet capable of competing with Apple's iOS on the iPad would probably make anyone laugh. But now, with the arrival of Windows 8 I think it's safe to assume that will no longer be the case.

Microsoft is really pushing hard to make their next Windows a "all-in-one" operating system, running in a myriad of devices, from desktops to phones to tablets - and not forgetting game consoles - and be a truly unifying experience.

Check out the following video showcasing an Windows 8 slate next to Apple's own iPad, and... keep in mind Windows 8 is still a pre-beta preview version - which lead us to believe the final version can only get even better.