Amadeus Consulting Discusses: iPad Alternatives – Redux Part 2
Our discussion of iPad Alternatives continues…
Dell™ Mini 5 Android Tablet
Status: Alive! And even better than before. It even has a new name: the Dell Streak. It is priced around $450 but some UK carriers will subsidize that if you get a 3G data plan. No indication that any US carriers are offering subsidies. The Dell Streak also comes with the ability to make voice calls (not just VoIP apparently), which essentially makes it a really large Smartphone.
Features: This one is pretty full featured, especially for a mini-tablet. Mini-tablet really just means bigger than your Smartphone, but still small enough to be an odd bulge in your pocket. In either case, this is only about an inch larger that the Evo.
The only downside to the Streak is that it runs on an outdated Android 1.6. Of course, it will still run all the apps from the app store, but will lack many of the other improvements that later Android versions provide.
Otherwise, it has a fairly loaded arsenal, including a 5-inch touch screen, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 5-megapixel front-facing camera, 16GB storage, microSD card slot of up to 32GB, custom Dell UI, 3G support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and a decent battery.
For many people, this could be an upgrade to a decently powered, and exceptionally mobile, tablet device. However, it is still phone sized, so it is unclear if people will really be excited about it, since other phones can basically offer the services, but also make phone calls. Although, with the Dell Streak, 3G data plans are optional, and there is no monthly contract to anything, so the long term costs can be much, much lower.
Spring Design Alex E-book Reader
Status: Out and Available, and comes in either black or white for $399.
Features: The first thing you will notice about the Alex, is that it is very lightweight and very thin. Even for e-book readers, it is surprisingly easy to hold and manage.
Spring Design’s™ Alex combines a traditional e-reader with a second LCD screen, based off of Android OS. Unfortunately it uses an older Android version, and tends to be slow and clunky. Also, despite having Wi-Fi connectivity, it has no access to the Android market, so you are stuck with the apps that are preloaded.
Even so, it beats out other dedicated e-readers by allowing full web browsing and lets you surf the web and read content on either screen, as well as download books from Borders Bookstore.
The combination between an e-reader and LCD provides for some cool combination applications as well as improved battery life and better readability of web page content.
As developers, we can’t help but be disappointed that it has taken the open Android system and closed it. But we do think that the dual display and extremely long battery life (as much as two weeks, depending on usage) make it a very solid choice for actually reading books. The other stuff adds some benefit too, but does not bring it up to the level of some other tablets or even Smartphones.
JooJoo
Status: Released and Available for $499
Features: For all the hype and controversy surrounding the JooJoo, it would have been nice if it had lived up to everyone’s hope.
The JooJoo, in concept, was really cool. It would run everything through the web, and give users unobstructed access to anything available online. Unfortunately, it did not live up to expectations, and since everything is web-run, without a strong Wi-Fi connection, the JooJoo cannot actually do anything.
Also, the JooJoo runs on its own version of a Linux OS, and does not allow apps to be loaded onto the device. Some users have essentially hacked the devices and successfully run Windows 7 and versions of Android, but we would hardly recommend doing this yourself.
On the bright side, the JooJoo does have a very bright and crisp display, and at 12 inches is definitely large enough to comfortably watch movies and read content.
As far as cool stories go, the JooJoo and its creators, Fusion Garage, had everything running against them. They could have been that unknown developer that appears out of nowhere with a magical device that takes down the market giants. Unfortunately, Fusion Garage was burdened by internal drama and multiple setbacks, and was forced to ship alongside the iPad, which severely hurt.
Even so, Fusion Garage is still up and running, and pushing out new software updates that are helping to address some of the main issues. If you are interested in this device, it will definitely be worth your time to check in and see what additions have been made since the time of this writing.
Lenovo U1 Hybrid Notebook
Status: Delayed, possibly shelved, but more likely redesigned with Android and a possible 2010 release.
Features: The U1 was originally scheduled to launch with Lenovo’s own operating system, called Skylight. However, the project was delayed in order to launch with an Android OS instead. Rumors also indicate that the device may use Qualcomm’s recently announced dual-core processors which will give unprecedented processing power to its tablet device.
Lenovo® has been working with small netbooks and tablet PCs for some time, and has had a lot of success with their Android based phones in China.
The unique feature of the U1 is that it is essentially a netbook – small portable and similar to a laptop, but then the screen can detach and function like an independent slate tablet. This literally puts two PCs into one device, and each has its own processor and operating system, but work together as a clamshell laptop or a multi-touch slate tablet.
In this way, the base serves as a hop and docking station, whereas the tablet can be used in very mobile instances. The two processors also use Lenovo’s Hybrid Switch technology which allows seamless toggling between the two processors.
The U1 runs on the Skylight Linux operating system, designed specifically for small devices, and has a user-facing camera and a wealth of features, including 3G connectivity, multi-touch, and long battery life. Unfortunately, all these features cost a bit more than other slate tablets, pricing it at $1000, but still within the range for new laptops.
This is still one of our favorite devices because the concept is so accessible to so many people. This is one of the few tablets that provide near-universal usability, regardless of profession. From a software development point of view, something that is so accessible and useful for students, business professionals, home entertainment, socializing, and productivity make it an ideal platform for software development.
About the Author
About Todd McMurtrey
The marketing team at Amadeus Consulting considers it part of their daily tasks to stay on top of what is going on in the technology marketplace. It is important to our company culture to be technology thought leaders, but we also want to share our knowledge and insights with readers excited about the latest and greatest tech news in the Tech Market Watch blog.
iPhone + Bluetooth GPS
|
|
MOTOROLA XOOM Android Tablet (10.1-Inch, 32GB, Wi-Fi) $499.00 Redefining the tablet by providing more ways to have fun, connect with friends and stay productive on the go, the Motorola XOOM boasts a dual core processor with each core running at 1 GHz, 10.1-inch widescreen HD display, and ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking. Winner of the Best of Show award at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the XOOM also offers support for Adobe Flash Player–e… |
|
|
ASUS Transformer TF101-A1 10.1-Inch Tablet (Dock Sold Separately) $319.99 Some things are meant to go together Transforming the Conventional into the Unconventional With a slim, lightweight design and a 10.1-inch WSVGA IPS capacitive display made from durable and scratch-resistant glass that is viewable at angles up to 178°, the versatile Eee Pad Transformer is the perfect tablet for anyone who wants to enjoy multimedia on the move, but still wishes to have easy ac… |
|
|
Lenovo Ideapad A1 22282MU 7-Inch Tablet (Black) $182.91 The Lenovo 7″ IdeaPad Tablet A1: Comes with everything except a hefty price tag. If you’re always on the go and always online, look to our 7″ IdeaPad A1 Tablet, a compact yet rugged multimedia device that runs on the Android⢠2.3 operating system. Affordable, slim and with an eye-catching black design, the A1 Tablet is also durable with a magnesium alloy roll-cage internal… |
|
|
Plantronics M50 – Bluetooth Headset – Retail Packaging – Black $26.24 The Plantronics M50 Bluetooth Headset provides you with crystal clear reception because of its noise reduction feature that minimizes background noise and wind chatter. Connecting your headset to two phones is also possible so you can answer calls from either phone. Powered by Bluetooth 3.0 technology, you receive high quality audio all the time. Talk time for up to 11 hours is also possible so yo… |
|
|
Nike+ Stand Alone Sensor Kit $18.00 This wireless sensor works with your iPod nano or iPod touch (2nd generation) to track your workouts. Insert it into the built-in pocket beneath the insole of your Nike+ shoe and pair it with your existing Nike + iPod receiver attached to your iPod nano. This sensor is perfect as a replacement for a sensor that has been lost or has exhausted its battery. Or it’s great if you want to have a sensor … |
|
|
Plantronics M155 MARQUE – Bluetooth Headset – Retail Packaging – Black $27.50 Sleek and lightweight, the Plantronics Marque M155 Bluetooth headset is ideal for smartphone users, freeing you to tap, type and swipe. Weighing in at just seven grams, Marque offers voice-guided pairing for iPhone and Android smartphones, voice recognition so you can answer or ignore calls completely hands-free, and stereo Bluetooth (the A2DP standard), which allows you to listen to music, GPS … |
|
|
GARMIN 010-10997-00 Heart Rate Monitor $69.99 GARMIN® HEART RATE MONITOR WATERPROOF SOFT STRAP :: Replace your old heart rate monitor strap or add it to your current heart rate compatible Garmin® sport watch. This heart rate strap is waterproof and features an advanced heart rate monitor sensor and comfortable, adjustable stretch strap…. |
|
|
DUAL XGPS251 Portable GPS and Battery Cradle for iPod touch $199.99 COMPATIBLE WITH IPOD TOUCH(R) 1G/2G/3GGPS RECEIVER ENABLES THE USE OF TURN-BY-TURN NAVIGATION APPS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLDRECHARGEABLE BATTERY POWERS THE GPS FOR UP TO 10 HOURSPOWERED SPEAKERUSB & AUDIO OUT CONNECTIONSPORTABLE DESIGN TO WORK IN & OUT OF CARBUILT-IN MICROPHONE FOR USE WITH VOICE MEMO APPS & OTHER COMMUNICATION APPSINCLUDES CAR WINDSHIELD MOUNT FOR USE IN CARS & ON BOATSUPC : 82720410… |
|
|
Raymarine c97 Multifunction Display w/FF – No Charts $2,099.99 c97 Multifunction Display w/Sonar – No Preloaded ChartsPart #: E70012The all-new c-Series 9″ c97 multifunction display (MFD) is designed to deliver no-promise performance incredible working capability and a superior user experience. Ideal for sail and power boats of all types. The c97 has a sunlight viewable LCD screen and LED backlighting for maximum power savings. The c97 is available with a con… |
|
|
Dell Inspiron Duo Convertible Tablet with Intel Dual Core 1.5GHz, 10.1 Multi-touch Screen with WebCam, 2GB DDR3 Memory, 320GB Hard Drive, Windows 7 Home Premium $599.99 Flip into action. Experience fun, engaging mobile entertainment and enjoy everyday computing with an innovative 10.1″ adjustable tablet. Switch seamlessly from tablet to laptop with the flip-hinge design. Ports, Slots & Chassis Externally Accessible (1) Microphone (1) Headphone (2) USB 2.0 (1) AC adapter connector Touch Screen Capacitive Multi-touch technology Dimensions & Weight Width: 11.22″ … |