OlivePad

Its makers insist that this ‘pad’ not be compared with the iPad. Maybe it’ll be better accepted.

The first thing that strikes you is that it’s sexy, looks nice, and you want to just grab it in your hand. And the great thing about it is that it is completely at ease in India. With built-in support for high-speed data networks (such as those being offered by CDMA operators and 3G networks of GSM operators) and Wi-Fi, this tablet can keep you connected almost everywhere in the country. Wi-Fi keeps you connected within the campus. It just weighs 410 gm and fits easily in your coat pocket (110 mm x 11.5 mm x 180 mm).

It runs Android 2.1 with an ARM11 processor, has a 7 inch capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 800 x 400, and comes with two cameras—3 megapixel for the main camera and VGA resolution for the video chat camera. There’s also built-in GPS, so that you can use it as an in-car navigation device. 

To be launched in the third week of August, it will be available across India. The device should not be compared to an iPad, say the people behind it. Yes, both offer touch-based tablet computing, but the OlivePad is a generation lower than the iPad though higher than the iPhone/iPod Touch. This is a market that is going to see some serious growth. 

This pad runs on a lithium polymer 3240 mAH battery, rated to run for a full day. But I will be able to  check that out only once it hits the market. 

The tablet also comes with a 3.5 mm audio jack, a mini USB connector, micro SD card slot (up to 32 GB) and Sim card slots so you can use it almost anywhere in the world without a satellite phone. It supports GSM 850/900/1800/1900 bands, and on UMTS (CDMA) 900/1900/2100 or 850/1900/2100. Since high-speed data services are already being offered by both GSM and CDMA operators, you can enjoy all their applications on this tablet, including high-speed downloads and live TV.  

Since the OlivePad runs on Android, it already has a huge library of apps, from games to business applications. Applications to let you use social networking sites come bundled with this device.

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Gagandeep Singh Sapra