Tony Ibrahim

Presales of Microsoft’s Surface tablet have started with the introductory RT model priced at $559.

Apple’s introductory 16GB iPad is priced at $539; however, the $559 Surface tablet has double the internal memory at 32GB. It also has a Quadcore Tegra 3 processor, compared to the iPad’s dual core arrangement, and double the iPad’s RAM at 2GBs

For videoconferencing over WiFi, it has 720p HD cameras on its front and rear. Also on board are expandable microSD memory and a full sized USB 2.0 port. The only downside is the Surface uses a proprietary ‘HD video out port’, which according to Australian Business Traveller, requires a near $60 adaptor if you’d like to connect your tablet to an external display.

The 3mm touch-sensitive cover will be available at launch and will jack the price of the introductory Surface tablet to $679. Alternatively the touch cover can be purchased separately for $140, or you can go for the 64GB Surface for $789, which comes bundled with it. 

Generally Microsoft abstains from building computer hardware. In fact, apart from their game console and a few computer accessories, the Surface tablet marks the first time the company has created a computing device.

Another reason why the Surface is a big deal is because the introductory model uses an ARM friendly version of Windows, known as Windows RT. ARM processors are more efficient and cheaper, allowing Microsoft to compete on price in the densely populated tablet market.

Windows RT is compatible with all of Windows 8’s touch friendly applications, but will not support third party desktop applications. For the uncompromised Windows experience, Microsoft is releasing a Windows 8 Pro tablet that operates on Intel’s X86 architecture.

Not to be overshadowed by Microsoft’s big day, long-time rival Apple has sent out invitations for an October 23rd press event, where it will presumably launch an iPad Mini.

Read: Apple Confirms Oct 23 Launch Event, Teases “Little” iPad

Microsoft’s Surface can be pre-ordered now online.

With the IFA tradeshow due to commence, a variety of intriguing products are being leaked and unveiled. PocketNow scooped up these pictures of Sony’s new iteration of a Windows 8 tablet and we think it’s a step in the right direction for the company.

It’s called the Sony Vaio Duo 11 and, as PocketNow reveal, the ’11’ in its name most likely refers to its screen size, while the ‘Duo’ pertains to its convertible form factor.

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Seldom does Sony work on a device without dressing it in their unique style, but the face of this tablet appears understated. It’s reminiscent of Microsoft’s Surface tablet, but we anticipate the Duo 11 will have a longer, more intriguing spec sheet due to its convertible, backlit keyboard and its stylus.

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The combination of a folding factor, a stylus and a backlit keyboard positions this hybridised tablet at the professional market. Windows 8 will be released in two versions for tablets, a cheaper ARM powered version that will run a reduced version of Windows (Windows RT) and an Intel powered version that will run Windows Pro. Based on a screenshot where Microsoft Excel is open, it appears the Duo 11 will be running the more powerful, more expensive Windows Pro.

 Like all things carrying Sony’s badge, we expect the Vaio Duo 11 to be expensive. If that’s not the case, this could mark Sony returning to form by producing products with a focus on quality, rather than the cache of the company’s name. The fact it runs software promoting its PS3 rival, Microsoft’s Xbox, is just one indicator.

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There’s no word on pricing or availability yet, but we’ll provide more details as the IFA show is underway.

HTC is trialling an experimental campaign for its new Evo 3D at Westfield shopping centres in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, starting from today.

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HTC’s Evo 3D uses a powerful 1.2GHz dual core processor and Dual 5MP cameras to capture 3D photos and videos, which can then be played back on its glasses free 4.3″ 3D qHD LCD screen.

“This [glasses-free 3D] is something that you’ll need to see to believe it, which is why HTC will be bringing the experience to consumers via experiential zones in Westfield Shopping Centres in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland in September,” said Ben Hodgson, Country Manager, HTC A&NZ. “This will give consumers the opportunity for an in-depth, hands-on experience with our most advanced device to date.”

The HTC Evo 3D also runs on the latest version of Android (Gingerbread 2.3.4), offers high speed (HSPA) internet has a 1.3MP front facing camera, dual microphones and A-GPS. Additionally, it is rich in connectivity, offering Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, DLNA and HDMI output.

“The HTC EVO 3D brings a whole new level of technology and user experience to Australian consumers,” Hodgson said.

 Shoppers can check out how the Evo 3D performs, with HTC dedicated staff providing a hands-on demonstration and answering any questions they might have.

HTC’s zones will be located at the following shopping centres:
New South Wales
· Westfield Sydney: Monday, 12 September through to Sunday, 18 September
· Westfield Bondi Junction: Monday, 19 September through to Friday, 23 September
Victoria
· Westfield Doncaster: Monday, 12 September through to Sunday, 18 September
Queensland
· Westfield Chermside: Friday, 23 September through to Wednesday, 28 September

Giant Chinese PC manufacturer Lenovo has finally entered the consumer market revealing two all new tablets, the IdeaPad Tablet K1 and the ThinkPad Tablet.

Both tablets will run on Android’s Honeycomb 3.1 platform giving them access to the droid application market. However, they’re differentiated by their target market, with the IdeaPad K1 targetting consumers and the ThinkPad Tablet tailored to business users.

“We don’t believe in a ‘one size fits all’ device, Lenovo is committed to developing tailored solutions that can be configured to users’ needs,” said Lenovo’s Vice President and Managing Director, Alan Munro.

“We’ve created a family of tablets that has something for everyone; from entertainment-friendly features and content for consumers, to business-friendly features to enhance productivity and maximise security and manageability for professionals”

The IdeaPad Tablet K1 and the ThinkPad Tablet will be powered by a NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual core processor ideal for web browsing and gaming while being efficient enough to provide long term battery life.

“The Tegra 2 dual core processor is the perfect fit for Lenovo’s tablets,” said Michael Rayfield, General Manager of NVIDIA. “Consumers can now enjoy the whole web with Flash, console quality gaming and high definition video. These are a must have for today’s tablets.”

Geared towards multimedia and social networking the IdeaPad K1 comes preinstalled with applications, Flash Player 10.3, a 2 megapixel front facing camera, a rear 5 megapixel camera and weighs less than 730 grams.

In contrast, the ThinkPad Tablet is said to focus on the business side of life, with multimedia in the background of its design. Uniquely for a droid, it includes a digitiser pen that can be used to write notes directly on the screen.

It is also acts as an energy hub, including a full-sized USB port, a mini USB port, full-sized SD card slot and a mini HDMI port. The device will also have a dedicated ThinkPad keyboard, set to retail at $89.

The ThinkPad Tablet has a 10.1″ WXGA (1280×800) display and weighs less than 730 grams. Coated in scratch resistant Gorilla Glass, the ThinkPad has an impressive 178 degree viewing angle.

With Android’s software quickly becoming a market standard, the ThinkPad will have strong market support, including anti-theft software and the ability to disable the tablet if it is ever lost or stolen through applications like Computrace.

Both models will come with a one year manufacturer’s warranty and orders can be placed from mid-August.

Three variants are offered for the IdeaPad K1 and the ThinkPad, including a 16GB WiFi, 16GB 3G version and a 32GB 3G model. The introductory IdeaPad K1 starts from $569, with the equivalent ThinkPad starting from $599.

 

Sony has finally joined the quad-core evolution.

In the past Sony talked of quad-core handsets with trepidation, expressing they lacked the know-how needed to ensure battery life isn’t affected.

“We’re going to join quad-core when we feel that the performance matches the battery efficiency,” said Sony’s Product Manager, Stephen Sneeden, when speaking to the Asian arm of CNet.

At the moment Sony is “evaluating the quad-core performance” and will release a quad-core product to the market when “you’re not suffering in quality and the performance truly is there.”

It appears that day may have come following the leak of several Xperia tablet images, which claim the depicted tablet is powered by Nvidia’s Tegra 3 processor.

We stumbled upon the image when casually browsing GSMArena, who allege the ‘Xperia Tablet’ will rock the familiar display of the Tablet S, (expect a 1280×800 resolution).

Also making an appearance is the unique ‘wedge’ shape we’ve come to expect from Sony tabs.

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Other specs include the 1.3GHz quad core Tegra 3 processor, an 8MP rear cam, a 1MP front cam and a MicroSD slot. Although it’ll weigh a fair 570 grams, it’ll feature a 6000mAh and be produced in 16/32/64GB variants.

The Sony Xperia Tablet is expected to be unveiled pre-IFA on August 29, and is believed to start from just $US399. We hope this mediocre tab dons the worthwhile price when it comes to Australia; otherwise we’re not sure if it’ll have a fighting chance against Google’s Nexus 7.