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BARCELONA, Spain — Computer maker Lenovo joined the tablet launch frenzy with the debut of the a line of devices running Google’s Android operating system, including two A-series 7-inch tablets and a 10-inch model the company says will debut in the second quarter of 2013.
The A1000, pitched at first-time tablet buyers, features enhanced audio, while the A3000 offers quad-core processing. The A100 tablet runs Android Jelly Bean 4.1 on a 1.2GHz dual-core processor; has on-board storage of up to 16GB, extendable to 32GB with a micro-SD slot; and has Dolby Digital Plus sound technology integrated into the device.
The A3000 weighs in at less than 340 grams and is only 11mm thick. The storage can be expanded to 64GB with an external micro-SD card. Optional 3G Evolved High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+) support means users can stay connected on the go, and a 1.2GHz quad-core, MTK processor keeps applications running. The tablet also sports an In-Plane Switching (IPS) 1024 by 600 screen.
Lenovo also announced the 10-inch S6000, which offers extended input/output (I/O) options, a large screen and slim profile. Powered by the MTK 8389/8125 1.2GHz quad-core processor, the S6000 is built as a multimedia and gaming tablet fronted by a 10.1-inch IPS 1280 by 800 display with a wide, 178-degree viewing angle, micro High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port and digital microphone.
All the company’s Android tablets come with Lenovo Mobile Access, a service that allows users to connect instantly. When customers first power up their Lenovo device, they will see an icon indicating Lenovo as their access provider.
Without having to set up a special data plan, they can start browsing Web pages, accessing email and sharing content using HSPA+ 3G access or through WiFi, according to the configuration. When the initial Lenovo Mobile Access service expires, users will be prompted with the option to renew their plan or select an alternative service.
“Lenovo’s latest Android tablet family is designed to meet the demands of a wide range of customers, particularly young, active users who are always on the go, and have adopted the 7-inch form factor as their own. With these latest additions to our tablet portfolio, we’ve created devices that address these customers’ needs, as well as devices for more demanding gamers and multimedia users,” Chen Wenhui, vice president and general manager of Lenovo’s mobile business unit, said in a statement. “We believe that our Android family of tablets will appeal to customers across the world as we’ve built our products to be highly accessible and flexible to serve multiple needs and budgets.”