CUPP PunkThis stuffs Android device into ASUS' Eee Slate
updated 09:10 am EST, Mon December 26, 2011
CUPP PunkThis makes dual Android, Windows tablets
CUPP Computing has shown off a new version of its PunkThis board that could lead to tablets with both Android and Windows without compromising both. Taking residence inside an ASUS Eee Slate, the board tested by Engadget would replace the 2.5-inch SATA drive with a full Android device with a 1GHz TI OMAP3730 processor, 512MB of RAM, its own Wi-Fi, and Android 2.3.4. A mini PCIe slot would provide room for a solid-state drive to give storage to the Windows side.
The Android side should tap into the existing audio, video, and USB ports on the device. Both Android and Windows can run simultaneously, theoretically letting a security app scan the Windows side.
In practice, the newly hybridized tablet is said to work very smoothly, with a simple toggle button to switch between Android and the usual Windows 7 install. Although the processor is older, software optimizations let it handle the larger 1280x800 screen relatively well. Stylus support also works and would let a user draw in both platforms.
CUPP hasn't said how close production hardware is, although it's working to make an option available for at least those willing to test it themselves. The Eee Slate tester had to have a custom battery and might not be the prime candidate for a PunkThis upgrade for most users.
