The first tablets based on Intel’s processor code-named Oak Trail started shipping late last week, with the initial models targeted at businesses.
Fujitsu’s Q550 and Motion Computing’s CL900 tablets have Intel’s Z670 processor and Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system. The tablets have 10.1-inch screens and provide eight hours of battery life.
Working prototypes of Oak Trail tablets made an appearance in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and the chip was officially announced in April. Companies including Acer and Toshiba showed tablets with the chip at the Computex trade show in Taipei last week.
The single-core Z670 processor runs at a clock speed of 1.5GHz, and has on-chip features such as accelerators to decode 1080p video. In addition to Windows, the chip is compatible with Google’s Android 3.0 and Intel’s MeeGo operating systems.
The tablets have specific security features that could make them attractive to businesses. Fujitsu’s tablet has a fingerprint reader, while Motion Computing’s device is bundling Absolute Software’s Computrace Complete software, which helps track lost tablets. Both tablets include Trusted Platform Management 1.2 (TPM), a hardware-based cryptography and authentication technology to enhance security.
Oak Trail tablets will complete with Apple’s iPad which is finding growing interest in the enterprise. However, analysts have said that the iPad is geared more for consumers, while Oak Trail tablets will blend into IT infrastructures with compatibility for existing Windows or Linux applications.
The tablets have SSD storage and USB and HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) slots. They also have back and front-facing cameras, Wi-Fi capabilities, and come with optional 3G communication capabilities.
Fujitsu’s Q550 weighs about 1.7 pounds (0.4 kilograms). It is priced starting at US$729 and is shipping worldwide. Motion Computing’s CL900 weighs 2.1 pounds, is priced starting at $899, and is shipping in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France and Germany.
