The battle at the lower end of the tablet market continues to heat up with the news that Acer have conjured up their cheapo Acer Iconia B1 budget tablet, although the pricing is a little higher than many expected.
As announced on their official site, the 7 inch tablet packs a 1.2 GHz Mediatek 8137T dual core processor and a rather modest 1024 x 600 pixel display.
Initial reports suggested that the Iconia would be retailing for a super-low $99, but with the price rising to $150 it’s looking a less tempting alternative to the fantastic Google Nexus 7, even if it is $50 cheaper.
Although perfectly adequate for most tasks, the specs are outshadowed by Google’s tablet, which has a faster processor and a higher resolution display. However, the Acer does have a microSD card slot which may prove a critical addition for some users.
Here’s the main features of the Iconia B1:
- 1.2 GHz dual core CPU
- 7 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel capacitive touchscreen
- 8GB storage
- MicroSD card slot
- 802.11b/g/n WiFi
- Bluetooth 4.0
- GPS
- Headset jack and built-in speaker
- Front-facing VGA camera
- 2710 mAh battery
- MicroUSB port
- 7.8″ x 5.1″ x 0.4″
- 0.7 pounds
A Google certified device with support for the Google Play Store, the Acer should be arriving in the US some time soon, although we’re still waiting for an official launch date.
Here’s the full press release:
Acer Tablet Family Welcomes New Arrival For New Users
LAS VEGAS,NV
Editor’s Summary:
- Acer expands tablet portfolio with its 7” Acer Iconia B1-A71
- Ideal for first time users or families opting for a 2nd tablet for their children
- Also easy to carry, read and explore, and powerful enough for fast media consumption – it is an excellent mobile companion for the busy executive
Acer today announced the Iconia B1-A71 tablet targeted at young or new users or families looking for an additional tablet for their children. The Iconia B1 is also ideal for busy individuals seeking a convenient mobile companion. At 7 inches – the same size as a standard book page – the display is comfortable for e-reading, web browsing, playing games and watching videos.
Super Portable: The Iconia B1 is easy to hold and use in one hand, a triangular corner grip on the lower left side improves single-hand usage even more. It’s also easy to tote around in a bag or jacket at a feather-light 320 grams, making it one of the lightest 7-inch tablets in the market.
Highly Responsive Fun: To take your experience to the next level, this tablet combines a 1.2GHz dual-core processor for fast and smooth gaming, web browsing and video watching with Android’s Jelly Bean operating system to get quickly precise answers to your search queries and seamless browsing. For many search queries performed through VoiceSearch, you can now hear a spoken answer quickly.
Fast and Free Media: Over 500 free online magazines from hundreds of publishers and top web sites are always at your fingertips thanks to Google Currents. The recently updated smart mobile app allows you to discover, read, and share your favorite new outlets, blogs and online magazine on the 7-inch WSVGA (1,024 x 600) capacitive display – even when offline. If you are into playing, you have more than 700,000 games and apps from the Play Store to choose from.
Capture and Share More: To top off the rich experience, the Iconia B1 comes with a front-facing camera to engage in live chats with your friends. The camera is on the top right corner and works also when in landscape mode, allowing your friends to get into the picture during a video chat.
The Iconia B1 is an affordable entry level device to the wide family of Acer products and is designed for the everyday usage of Modern Day Explorers – in this case young explorers or busy mobile explorers. The Iconia B1 is, like its Acer family products, a device which provides the most premium experience at its price point. Available as 8GB version with the option to expand via microSD™ slot, the Iconia B1 is the ideal easy companion for tablet newbies or children while adults use their own.
The new Iconia B1 expands the Acer tablet family now offering three 10-inch Android, two 7-inch Android, one 11” Windows 8 and one 10-inch Windows 8 Hybrid Tablets.
Pricing, Availability and Warranty
The Acer Iconia B1-A71 will be available with a starting price less than $150.
Acer Iconia B1-A71 features and specs:
-Android Jelly Bean operating system
– Mediatek dual-core 1.2GHz processor (MTK 8317T)
-7-inch diagonal WSVGA capacitive multitouch screen with 1,024 x 600 resolution display
-8GB(1) of internal storage
-Wireless connectivity:
-Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
-Bluetooth® wireless technology 4.0
-GPS
-3.5mm headset/headphone/microphone jack
-internal speaker
-microSD™ expansion slot with up to 32GB support
-front-facing 0.3-megapixel webcam
-Rechargeable 2,710 mAh battery
-micro-USB (charging and PC connect) with USB 2.0
-Dimensions: 197.4 mm x 128.5 mm x 11.3 mm
-Weight: 320 g
