Spanish consumer electronics manufacturer Energy Sistem has set a pre-Christmas release date for its new Android-based, 5-inch touchscreen tablet computer. The Energy Tablet i504 is powered by a Rockchip processor, can render video in 720p high definition, is Wi-Fi-enabled and has both internal storage and expansion opportunities. To the side of the display is a built-in webcam and an optical trackball.
One of the good things about the tablet computer boom is the fact that the consumer now has a broad range of display sizes, operating systems and functionality to choose from. If you have a pocket-friendly version on your Christmas wants list, then Energy Sistem's new Tablet i504 could be worth a look.
The device runs on Android 2.1 and sports a 5-inch, 800 x 480 resolution resistive touchscreen display with a VGA camera and optical trackball to its side. To the rear is a handy kickstand to help find the perfect movie, photo or e-Book viewing angle. The Rockchip 2818 processor (CPU at 600MHz + DSP at 560MHz) within is supported by 256MB DDR2 memory, and there's 4GB internal storage with microSD expansion.
Video can be played back in 720p high definition and audio needs are taken care of via a built-in speaker and microphone. Online addiction is made wireless with the inclusion of 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, and a 3G device (although not included) can be plugged into the tablet's USB port where Wi-Fi hotspots are a rarity. There's an accelerometer to ensure that the image is always the right way up, and battery life is said to be between 5.5 and 7 hours, depending on what it's used for.
The Energy Tablet i504 has a December 9 launch window in Europe for EUR168 (US$234).
Energy Sistem has also introduced a line of 5-inch color e-Readers, ranging from 2GB at EUR109 (US$151) to 8GB at EUR134 (US$186) in a variety of colors.
