Just because the Apple iPad has a starting price of $499 doesn’t (http://i41.tinypic.com/2mdpgmv.jpg)
mean all tablets need to cost that much. Chip maker Marvell is introducing a platform for a $99 tablet for the education market. The company’s “Moby” prototype features an ARM-based processor and it can handle 1080p HD video, Adobe Flash, and 3D graphics. The low power Marvell ARMADA 600 chipset also supports always-on, internet-connected performance.
As an educational tool, the Moby is likely to be used more as an eBook reader/textbook replcement device than a HD video player. Marvell points out that you can regularly update textbooks on an electronic device instead of spending $60 or more to buy new editions of text books.
That said, the Armada 600 chipset supports WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and FM radio. While I doubt you’ll be able to pick up a Moby Tablet for $99 at retail, if enough educational institutions place large orders, perhaps it won’t be too long before we start seeing similar tablets with more of a consumer focus for $100 to $200.