Augen readying dual-boot Android/Ubuntu tablets
updated 03:30 pm EDT, Thu October 7, 2010
Tablet paired with keyboard dock
Augen is readying six new tablets, including a device that features dual-boot capabilities for Android and Ubuntu. Although the company may be better known for its $190 Kmart tablets, the upcoming Latte and Espresso series offer a range of higher-end features and prices ranging from $200 to $600.
The Espresso Doppio leads the pack with Android/Ubuntu operating systems and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with 1024x768 resolution. The device is powered by a 1GHz ARM Cortex A9 CPU, while also providing a three-megapixel front-facing camera. If a user needs notebook functionality, the tablet can be placed in a keyboard dock similar to Lenovo's LePad concept. Both the dock and tablet integrate 6,000 mAh batteries, extending the runtime out to 15 hours when used together.
The Espresso Dolce offers many of the same specs, but without the keyboard dock and dual-boot configuration. The basic Espresso brings the display size down to 7.0 inches, with 800x600 resolution, but without dropping the processor from a 1GHz chip.
The basic Latte features a 13-ounce design and 7.0-inch display with 800x480 resolution, while 2GB of integrated memory can be expanded with an SD card. The Latte Grande retains the screen size, but with 800x600 resolution.
All of the new tablets are expected to launch before the end of the year, with the high-end Doppio priced at $600. The Dolce brings the price down to $429, while the entry-level Espresso will be sold for $349. The Latte and Latte Grande are priced at $199 and 249, respectively. [via Engadget]
