By It wasn’t too long ago that we first heard about Toshiba’s Android 2.2-based tablet – the Folio 100 – but those were only rumors. We now know those rumors to be true, however, as they’ve officially unveiled the device today at IFA in Berlin, Germany. The specs remain largely the same from what we’ve heard before: 16GB of built-in storage, 1GHz Tegra 2-based processor, WiFi-N, HDMI out, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, and a 10.1-inch WSVGA (1024 x 600) display.
Also confirmed is Bleutooth 2.1 +EDR, Flash 10.1 support, and a slew of apps preinstalled including Opera Mobile (not mini), Toshiba’s custom media player, FBReader, Fring, Documents to Go, and Evernote. Many people have been quick to judge the Folio 100 – saying it comes up short next to the newly-revealed Galaxy Tab – but I’m not exactly sure why. Hardware wise, this has the chops to keep up (even if the screen resolution is way too low for a 10-inch device), but I guess it really boils down to software in the end (which I can’t form an opinion on seeing as I’ve never handled the device.
What do you guys think? Full press details are full sail ahead.
Toshiba introduces its first Android based tablet computer
FOLIO 100 media tablet offers rich multimedia experience including Flash 10.1 support and features WLAN and Bluetooth
Neuss, Germany, 2nd September 2010 – Toshiba Europe GmbH today introduced its new media tablet FOLIO 100. The 25.7cm / 10.1” personal media tablet is targeted at people looking for a 100% portable and versatile device that is always at hand for making the most of their digital life. The FOLIO 100 comes with a wide selection of apps and services dedicated to media consumption, web browsing and social networking, and offers a rich multimedia experience. Easy and enjoyable to use, the FOLIO 100 has a highly intuitive graphical interface developed by Toshiba to run on top of Android 2.2 (Froyo). The FOLIO 100 will be available during the fourth quarter of 2010 throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa.Enjoy your digital life with your personal media tablet
“Our FOLIO 100 media tablet offers a seamless, easy-to-use experience across entertainment, social networking and mobile internet – anytime and anywhere”, said Marco Perino, General Manager Digital Life Products and Services. Offering a wide range of connectivity options, the FOLIO 100 is equipped with an SD card slot, an HDMI® connector, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth®, while a Mobile Broadband (3G) ready version will follow soon.Versatile multi-talent with a selection of useful applications
The FOLIO 100 ships with a wide selection of applications pre- installed: amongst them Opera Mobile (web browser), FBReader (e- book reader), Document To Go® (office suite), Evernote® (notes), Adobe® Flash 10.1 and Fring®, an app that in combination with the embedded webcam allows video calls with friends and family.Let the music play… – downloads from Toshiba Market Place
The media tablet also features Toshiba Market Place, a service that offers easy access to various download choices for multimedia content, services and apps. Music Place, powered by 7Digital offers easy access to one of the widest catalogues of music and allows easy syncing to a choice of devices. Radio Place gives access to a wide selection of IP radio services. Through the App Place, users are able to download applications compatible to the Folio 100.A powerful personal device with endurance
Although it is only 14mm slim and weighs only 760g, the FOLIO 100 still packs a powerful Nvidia® TegraTM 2 processor that offers a perfect balance between high performance and low battery consumption. A battery life of up to seven hours1 lets the tablet work for almost a full working day without the need of a power outlet. The instant-on functionality lets the tablet be operational within less than 30 seconds. A 16GB on-board storage hosts music, videos, photos, e- mails and other data and is even expandable via SD card.Developer portal provides support for app optimisation
“We encourage users and developers to join our Folio 100 eco system to create and offer apps, games and other content for FOLIO 100”, said Marco Perino. Toshiba already established a one-stop destination (www.toshibatouch.eu) for developers where they can get support to optimise their apps for the FOLIO100. “We also invite users to participate in the FOLIO community by suggesting ideas to developers to pursue,” said Marco Perino.Facts & Figures*
CPU: Nvidia Tegra 2
25.7cm (10.1”) capacitive multitouch display with 1,024 x 600 pixels
Based on Android 2.2 On-board storage capacity: 16 GB
Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR, WLAN (802.11 b/g/n), Mobile Broadband (soon available in certain models and countries)
DLNA® compatible
1xminiHDMI®,1xUSB 2.0 (client and hub), SD/MMC Card Reader
Supports Adobe® Flash 10.1
Rotation of displayed content on the screen by accelerometer
Webcam with 1.3 MPixel
Battery life: 7 hours (65% web browsing, 10% video playback, 25% standby)
Weight: 760g
Size: 281mm x 181mm x 14mm
Software (excerpt): Opera Mobile, Toshiba Media Player, FBReader, Fring, Document to Go, Evernote
* depending on configuration and local availability
Sounds good to me, its at least a widescreen, so that resolution should look good. But alas, its going to come down to who has NOT screwed up the OS.
Would love something like this, but I am not paying that much and don’t want more added to my cell bill. I want a good cheap wi-fi one, but oh well. I will be screwed for quite some time I guess.
i’d like to see a side-by-side on this.i don’t remember what the Gtab specs are, but i do know of one major problem with it; it’s going to be a verizon device. that’s a deal breaker for me. granted, this thing doesnt sound like it’s set for release stateside so the question is moot at this point. still, it would be interesting to see a comparison chart of the top 3-4 tablets comming out.
Where’s the “Meh” button when you need it?
Oh yeah, now we’re talkin….
LOL!@
themole wrote on September 2, 2010
Where’s the “Meh” button when you need it?
i think is far better than the samsung tab !!! it’s 400 euros instead of 700 euros announced for 10″ instead of 7″…
I don’t understand the samsung price so far they aren’t going to sell anything. I
n europe nobody will take another 3G contract in addition of the smartphone 3G contract it’s too expensive !!
C’mon Notion, don’t make me jump ship…:(
is it coming to the US?
Finally, someone adopted FBReader! This is the best reader for pirated book man.
But… where Is app market?… It is the most important for me in android…
Lol @ all that space took that could have been used for a bigger screen
@Espariz
This will not use the Google/Android Market, but will have access to Toshiba’s own take on the market. It also has the ability to install apps from “unknown sources” – coupled with bluetooth, wifi, SD card and USB ports, any app you get from your android phone can be installed on this device. It’s an awesome bit of kit, I’ve already had a play with one.
Man this looks yummy. I want one. Must think of good lie to tell wife on why I need one. Death maybe? Testicular doom? Must think of something!!!
I like Folio but it is very dificult to havhank you Te apps for it. For example: Mahjong and byorrithms. Where can I find this downloads ?