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More quad-core Android tablets are coming: Acer Iconia A510, A511 and HTC
Just like last year, after Nvidia introduced the powerful dual core Tegra 2 system-on-a-chip, this year after the quad core Tegra 3 unveiling lots of tablets using the new processor are expected to show up. First there’s the ASUS EEE Pad Transformer Prime, then the unnamed Lenovo 10 inch tablet, and apparently also Acer and HTC are in the race.
There’s no surprise here that manufacturers switch to new silicone as soon as possible (it’s what makes this industry fast paced and interesting), but I’m more curios what other steps these companies make towards competing with Apple’s tablet. Throwing in a faster CPU doesn’t mean much without support from better software (fast, stable, fully featured), tons of good apps, and innovative features. Until now there’s no indication of new ingredients to this year’s Android tablet recipe cookbook.
HTC will announce their quad-core tablet at Mobile World Congress in February at Barcena, with a scheduled shipping window to open in Q3 2012, so It’s safe to say the Taiwanese company won’t be a threat for the others. It’s beyond my understanding why it takes so long for HTC to implement a new chipset and at a reasonable price. Asus did it twice this year and price was never an issue. HTC on the other side ‘teased’ us with the HTC Flyer and Jetream, both overpriced (at least $700). This kind of strategy makes me think HTC doesn’t take the tablet market seriously.
Nvidia Tegra 3 quad core mobile chip (4+1 actually)
Acer leaked the Iconia TAB A510 and A511 through some user profile specs posted on their website. If we look at this year’s naming scheme we’re dealing with 10 inch tablets, the first one WiFi only and the second one featuring mobile broadband. I expect Acer to bet its money on the same strategy: cheapness. And I’m not talking just about pricing :)
No other bits of info were revealed, but expect tons of quad-core Android slates to be announced at CES 2012 in January. I’m also expecting Texas Instruments, Qualcomm and Samsung to announce their mobile quad-core chips soon.
John (Ionut Popa in Romanian) is the Editor in Chief at AllTouchTablet.com. He studied Computer Science and worked in IT press since 2002. He’s now involved in his own projects. My Google+ Profile, Twitter
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I didnt get that cheapness comment John. I ahve used the Acer iconia A 500 and I was not disappointed
Well, Acer is known for its cheap products, as price and construction goes. Surely, the A500 has the same insides as all other tablets with Tegra 2 and Honeycomb, but from my experience the build quality isn’t up to the same level (you don’t get a premium feel)
That doesn’t mean it won’t work ok…
Well I never owned an Acer so didnt focus on the bulid part, but it certainly wasnt cheap here in India. The Official price for the A 500 was USD 610 approx. /
We in India always end up paying a hefty premium upon the US/ Europe prices and that really dampens my spirit . I am not so much for the first mover thing. I like to wait and watch before I make my move . And I am a stickler for great deals
So John I leave it up to you to guide me on which Tegra 3 tablet to buy and when and also from what source so that i get the best deal
Do u think the prics ( 499 start ) will definitely fall by Jan for a 16 GB device ?
I’ve just read something about Nvidia’s CEO who said that in 6 months time Tegra 3 tablets will sell for $300, so have a little patience if you want a quad-core tablet. Maybe the Android OS will mature a little bit more by then.
Thanx ! I am buying the Nook Tablet, though I never really liked the 7 inch size
But I am excited by the opprotunity to root it to Honeycomb, and have a little fun of my own.
till I get the real thing, my Tegra 3 device for USD 300.
The other option is to buy a sparingly used Nvidia Tegra 2 honeycomb 10 inch tablet for USD 300 and sell it for US 200 when its time to upgrade to Tegra 3 device . The Noton Ink Adam and Fusion Garage Grid 10 are available at around 300 here .
What’s your opinion on those btw, ( I though the Adam was a tad too heavy at 700 grams) and I liked the look of Grid 10 , though I have never held it in my hand .
I like the Notion Ink Adam for the screen, which is great if you do a lot of reading outdoors and I have my doubts about the Grid 10, given the past with the company and the first Crunchpad…
Personally I would get a tablet with stock Android (neither of the two have it) so that I can be sure all apps will run perfectly (and of course access to Android Marketplace)
So I Guess if its 7 inches . it has to be the Nook tablet ( Nook has a history fo being rooted to Honeycomb )
If its ten inches It has to be either samsung galaxy 750 , acer Iconia, A 500, transformer or the Adam whichever u find cheapest ( Like i said i am getting a practically new Adam for 300 bucks here )
Use them and dispose them off ( or keep them if u wish ) at a minor loss when u buy ur real thing , the Tegra machine in February or there abouts