Competition for the Apple iPad is already threatening to come from many different, well-known companies. Google and HTC may have a tablet this year, Microsoft certainly has a few running Windows 7 from its partner manufacturers. But another tablet looks promising and comes from a complete unknown.
It’s called the iFreeTablet and here’s the spec:
•10.2-inch display with a 1024×600 resolution
•Atom N270 1.6 GHz processor
•Weight: Around 2.2lbs
•160GB hard drive
•WiFi and Ethernet adapter
•3 USB ports
•VGA output
•Memory card reader
•1.3mp webcam
•2.5hr battery life
•SIeSTA operating system – based on Debian Linux
The price is set to be a maximum of 400 Euro (US$556), but could be as low as 300 Euro (US$417).
So why is this a threat to the iPad and other tablet PCs? Because it is a completely open source solution developed by the EATCO research team at the University of Cordoba, Spain.
It will not have any restrictions placed on it such as a lack of Flash support, no multitasking, or being forced to use specific web browsers, digital bookshops, or set applications. Couple that with a netbook spec and you have quite a compelling alternative at a price point potentially below the competition.
The official unveiling is expected to happen tomorrow, February 4th.
