British itablet Windows Device Finally Lands At CES

Britain’s first contribution to the growing tablet market – the itablet – will officially launch at the CES show in Las Vegas on 6 January, running Windows 7.

Created by AHX Global – a joint venture between UK-based firm X2 Computing and Taiwanese designer AMtek Systems – the itablet has a 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen with 1024 x 600 resolution, and is powered by an Intel Atom Z530 1.6GHz processor.

The device comes preloaded with Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium and a trial version of Microsoft Office 2010. It contains 32GB of storage capacity, a 2 megapixel webcam, Flash compatibility and built-in stereo speakers.

“itablet is the hardest working tablet computer on the market today and will revolutionise the way that Windows users can access and use data on the move,” said Francis Davis, CEO of AHX Global, in a press release. “It is a genuine tablet computer that is both familiar and intuitive to use with existing Windows applications and meets the needs of users to gather, create, process, share and act on data around the clock regardless of location.”

Not an iPad competitor

Unlike Apple’s popular iPad, which is primarily a media playback device, the itablet is aimed more at the business market, AHX Global told eWEEK Europe. Rather than being designed simply for consumption of content, the itablet is also a content creation device, offering easy integration with Microsoft software products and enterprise applications.

The device is equipped with Bluetooth and built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, but does not offer a 3G option. It also has two integrated USB 2.0 ports, allowing users to add peripherals such as keyboards and printers. The itablet’s business focus could put it in direct competition with RIM’s Playbook and forthcoming Windows-based devices from the likes of Asus and HP.

“itablet provides users with the same full desktop experience on the move that can be achieved with a laptop but in a more compact, lightweight and easy to use form factor,” said AHX Global general manager Stanley Hsu.

The launch follows the initial announcement of the device in February 2010, less than two weeks after Steve Jobs unveiled the long-awaited Apple iPad. The timing resulted in a storm of media and commercial interest around the device.

Nearly a year later, the tablet market has become much more crowded, with a slew of new tablet devices from the likes of Samsung, Dell and HP expected to be unveiled at CES this week. In particular, Cisco’s new Android-based Cius tablet is likely to provide strong competition in the enterprise market.