Toshiba Shows Off Android-based Folio 100 Tablet

Toshiba has taken the wraps off its iPad competitor, after the Japanese electronics giant revealed its Android-based tablet, dubbed the Folio 100, at the IFA electronics show in Berlin.

The show has also seen the arrival of other iPad competitors, namely the Samsung Galaxy Tab, as well as a number of tablet devices from Archos. But Toshiba’s unit is larger than the relatively small Samsung Tab, as the Folio 100 is a 10.1 inch device.

Australian Preview

Toshiba’s tablet was first revealed down in Australia back in July by the boss of Toshiba’s Australian branch at a press event. It was said at that time that Toshiba would launch the device sometime in October in the UK, although some reports have hinted at a more vague “fourth quarter” launch.

Like the iPad, the Folio 100 comes in two guises, a 3G version and a Wi-Fi only (802.11b/g/n) version.

And Toshiba seems determined to take on Apple head on by targeting the iPad’s major weak point, namely its hefty purchase price. In comparison, the Toshiba Folio 100 3G version will only cost 499 euros (£416), while the Wi-Fi only version will be even cheaper at just 399 euros (£333).

This outlay will provide a device sporting a 10.1-inch multitouch screen, with 1024×600-pixel resolution. And unlike the iPad, the Folio 100 comes with a 1.3-megapixel webcam, as well as two USB ports. It also comes equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual core chipset, stereo speakers, 16GB of internal memory, and an SD card slot for extra storage. An HDMI connector is also available so that video can be exported to other screens. Bluetooth is also included.

More importantly, the device will use the much touted Android 2.2, otherwise known as Froyo.

Dimensions-wise, it measures 281mm by 181mm by 14mm (similar to the iPad), but has a plastic based body. It seems that the Folio 100 will weigh roughly the same as an iPad 3G at 760 grams.

Flash Included

Toshiba says that the battery will last for approximately seven hours, but the iPad’s impressive battery life may have the edge here.

The Folio 100 will also come with the usual array of Android apps, and will include the Opera Mobile Web browser, Documents To Go for productivity suite, the FBReader e-book reader software, Evernote (for taking notes), and Fring for video chat.

Another plus point in its favour is that it supports Adobe’s Flash Player 10.1, so unlike iPad users, the Folio 100 will be able to view HD quality video on YouTube for example.