Apple’s iPhone as well as the new Nexus One utilize ARM processors based on the Cortex A8 design. But what processor will the rumored Apple Tablet utilize? Mac Rumors believes the “iSlate” could be based on the Cortex A9 design.
Why? The Cortex A9 might maintain compatibility with current iPhone apps, cost less than Atom designs and use less power. It represents the next generation ARM and supports multi-core designs.
ARM just posted a side-by-side performance video (below) comparing a 1.6GHz Atom netbook vs. a Cortex A9 development board. Browsing performance is roughly the same as the Atom, even though the Cortex A9 was running at only 500MHz. The Cortex A9 is expected to scale beyond 2 GHz while drawing less than 0.25 W of power per CPU.
The Cortex A9 would be a particularly good fit for the rumored Apple Tablet. Apple is leveraging the expertise of P.A. Semi to develop their own processor variations.
Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Steve Balmer is rumored to unveil their own HP-built tablet today at CES, says the NY Times.
HP’s Mini 5102 is powered by an Intel Atom N450 processor and is available in both standard and touch-enabled 10 inch screens for $399 later this month.
Lenovo’s $499 IdeaPad S10-3t (above), has an Atom N450 or N470 and 2GB of DDR2 RAM. It’s the first convertible netbook to support a capacitive multitouch screen.
An Atom processor in a Microsoft product would maintain software compatibility with their Windows 7 software.
Microsoft’s slate will be made by Hewlett-Packard and possibly available by mid-year.
Gizmodo has some photos of a dual-screen tablet. But the HP tablet to be unveiled today should not be confused with the Microsoft Courier (below), says Ars Technica.
The dual-screen device has been in the works at Microsoft Research (not HP) and is one of the many tablet prototypes.
Neither Apple nor Microsoft will save the newspaper industry with their tablets.
Apple, being Apple, will price their tablet too high for the mass market, perhaps $700-$900. Microsoft may come in lower (perhaps $500-$700).
What would sell e-newspaper and e-magazine subscriptions, of course, is an inexpensive tablet. An Android tablet. Something in the $250-$350 range (with flash memory).
Wait for it.
Get it with your 1 year newspaper/magazine subscription bundle — only $199.
Oh, wait. Nevermind.
Paradigm Shift just announced their new Android-based EMT-10AB/W tablet. It packs an 800MHz Marvel PX166 processor, a 1,024 x 600 touchscreen, 2GB of flash, built-in WiFi, VGA out, an SD card slot and even the option of built-in 3G. Available in March for $369.95. Their 5-inch model will cost $150, while the 7-incher is $200.
