Toshiba's new Thrive 10-inch tablet will be significantly cheaper than the iPad 2. The basic model will cost $429 (about £260) which is $70 (£40) cheaper than the entry-level Wi-Fi iPad 2, BBC News reports.
While it shouldn't be surprising that there are cheaper devices than Apple's hallowed gadgets, Android tablet makers have struggled to bring devices in for below-iPad prices. Toshiba has been talking tough for several months now, however, suggesting the then-unnamed Android tablet would be better than the iPad 2.
The Thrive certainly packs in some decent specs that make it a serious contender in the crowded tablet marketplace. Thanks to Amazon we already knew it would contain a dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 chip, a 1,280x800-pixel resolution 10.1-inch display, a 5-megapixel rear camera and 2-megapixel front camera, stereo speakers and the usual array of ports. It'll also happily run Flash (until the replaceable battery dies) unlike its fruity opponent, as well as sporting a customisable body.
Adding a further layer to the Android Market, Toshiba has stated it intends to launch an 'App Place' that will screen out software that doesn't work on the Thrive, as well as ranking remaining widgets and applications.
Jeff Barney from Toshiba America said, "There is a market out there of folks who want to buy non-Apple products." While that's definitely true, no one manufacturer has made any significant inroads into the iPad's dominance. For all of Toshiba's fighting talk, it has a long journey to challenge the iPad, particularly as a new kid on the tablet block.
The Thrive is due to launch in the US next month. There's no word of a UK date or price yet. Of course, Apple may soon come along and wipe the floor with its competitors once again -- the iPad 3 is predicted to arrive early next year.
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Comments 7
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anonymous 3 June, 2011 18:19
£140 cheaper than an iPad! Not £40, which makes it even more tempting!
Anonymous 4 June, 2011 09:54
This article is bias towards Apple.
Naryan 4 June, 2011 18:46
Yeah I find that a lot of the articles on this website are.
It will be interesting to see what price this actually comes out at. I really, really hope they don't put their own skin on it, just like everyone else. It's like the only thing that's stopped me buying one so far.
The Xoom is too expensive, and Samsung's software is crap. I don't see why manufacturers can't see this. People want their software to update as soon as possible, people want the default Android, the proper skin, with the proper updates coming at the proper times. It's so stupid, I can't think why they would shoot themselves in the foot like this.
olivierm 5 June, 2011 12:12
Right now the crucial advantage of the iPad is that it's got a high number of tablet specific apps. Honeycomb tablets just provide a nice alternative full browsing experience for those who don't have a really portable laptop. Until the honeycomb tablet app market gets some depth, the android tablets are not a strong proposition. Personally, I'll get one of the 4.3' screen android phones and see what happens next year.
Grace Aldena 6 June, 2011 05:45
The price is really very less as compared to other tabs. Hope that the features and apps are also as good as others.
Anonymous 7 June, 2011 16:10
*Cough* Forgetting the Toshiba Folio of course?
Anonymous 30 July, 2011 23:30
Are you reviewing this or trying to play it down over the ipad.. No mention of SD slot, so unlike the ipad you can view your pics from your still camera or play films. No mention on flash, which ipad is missing so bbc web site works as well as most of the internet. It has USB, err again unlike the ipad.. AND it's 40% cheaper..