HCL Unveils Android based ME Tablets

HCL Unveils Android based ME Tablets

Samir Makwana, Mar 29, 2011 1704 hrs IST

Two 7-inch models and one 10-inch models running Google Android 2.2 Froyo out

HCL Infosystems has introduced three new ME tablets that run Google Android 2.2 Froyo. These tablets include two 7-inch models and one 10-inch model. One thing unique about these ME tablets is that they will come with HCL Touch functionality that will connect the users to the local content and HCL custom service, all at a touch of a single button. These three new HCL ME tablets are expected to available all across India in the price range of Rs. 14,990 and Rs. 32,990.

New HCL ME tablets are aimed at different consumers - the ME AE7 is aimed at economy users, ME AM7 for the mainstream users and the ME AP10A. All new ME tablets run Google Android 2.2 Froyo update and it doesn't seem like all of them will get the Gingerbread update. Let's take a look at each tablet.

HCL ME AE7

This HCL ME tablet has a 7-inch touchscreen display that supports 800x480 pixel resolution. Packing a low power 800Mhz processor, the ME AE7 has 256MB DDR2 RAM, 2GB Flash memory and is capable of holding up to 8GB microSD cards. For making the best of location based services, HCL has added "high sensitivity GPS receiver". The tablet has a 0.3 megapixel camera in the front and has an internal mic with high quality speaker. Other features of this tablet include Gravity sensor, 3.5mm audio port, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g), Bluetooth 2.0 and support for EVDO USB dongle. This ME tablet has 2400mAh Li-polymer battery which I presume will have a decent 5-6 hours battery life. The ME AE7 tablet is priced at Rs.14,990.

HCL ME AM7

HCL ME AM7 comes with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen display and 1024x600 pixel resolution support. Under the hood, it packs unspecified high-performance 800Mhz processor with 512MB RAM and 8GB Flashmemory. This tablet can hold up to 16GB microSD card for additional storage. This tablet has a SIM card slot with support for 3G cellular networks. Other features of this tablet include a built-in 1.3 megapixel camera, light sensor, gravity acceleration sensor, AGPS, USB 2.0 port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, and two high quality speakers. Packing a 4200mAh battery, this tablet would be available at a price of Rs. 25,790.

HCL ME AP10A

Top of the line (for HCL) tablet - ME AP10A, has 10-inch display supporting 1024x600 pixel resolution and capable of full 1080p HD playback. It houses as high-performance 1GHz processor with 1GB RAM and 16GB on-board storage. This tablet will support up to 32GB microSD card for additional storage. With a built-in 1.3 megapixel camera, we don't think it will give decent image quality. This 10-inch tablet has GPS for location based services along with other sensors like accelerometer and ambient light sensor. Other features of this tablet include Bluetooth 2.1, WiFi (802.11 b/g/n), built-in 3G support, twin high-quality speaker and 3650mAh battery. This tablet will be available for Rs. 32,990.

All HCL ME tablets run Android 2.2 Froyo and have almost all standard features expected in a tablet. However, the price difference is going to be crucial for ME tablets to survive against the competition from Samsung Galaxy Tab and even Olive Pad tablet for that matter.