Mystery Lenovo tablet caught on camera
When Lenovo released three 10-inch tablets last week, I was afraid that like many other manufacturers they had forgotten about the pocketable tablet market. Fortunately, it turns out that they have not, as a 7-inch tablet with Lenovo branding has been spotted going through the FCC by an anonymous tipster.
If the source's information is correct, the device will be powered by the same 1GHz TI processor in the Nook Color, and sport front and rear cameras, a 3,700 mAh battery, and a 7-inch 1024 x 600 screen. Also included are a GPS unit and 3G wireless chip with SIM slot, which means this tablet may be sold by T-Mobile or AT&T.
Although Lenovo's other tablets were running Android Honeycomb, the fact that this device has buttons on the bezel means it may be running an older version of Android. Of course, we don't know for sure if it will run Android at all, it is still possible that the tablet will run Windows 7.
With premium tablets like the HTC Flyer ocupying the 7-inch Android 2.3 market and the promise of later 7-inch Honeycomb goodness, I don't see much need for this device with the current state of the market. It has the potential to differentiate with price, but it would then face stiff competition from the $250 Nook Color.
Still, I always like to see new pocketable tablets, if only because it means we haven't yet been forgotten.
[Engadget]
