Panasonic, Samsung, Sony Intro Tablets Big and Small at CES

by Nathan Eddy

Tablet fans looking for some major display real estate might turn to the Tab Pro 12.2, which boasts a huge 12.2-inch widescreen display, as well as dual cameras (a rear-facing 8MP auto focus camera and a 2MP full-HD front-facing lens), optional 4G LTE connectivity and WiFi capability.

In addition to the 12.2-inch version shown in Slide 1, the Galaxy Tab Pro comes in 10.1- and 8.4-inch models. Samsung is also coming out with accessories like a detachable keyboard, and all three versions feature a pebbled leather covering on the back for improved handling. The tablets all run KitKat, the latest version of Google’s Android operating system.

The latest version of the Galaxy Note, which boasts a new virtual keyboard, 12.2-inch touch display and runs Android KitKat 4.4, also includes 3GB of RAM, which allows it to run up to four simultaneous apps at once. Expected to launch sometime this quarter in various parts of the world, the tablet will be available in LTE, 3G and WiFi editions.

Alcatel debuted the budget OneTouch Pop 7, an Android 4.2-running tablet with 7-inch display. Its modest specs include 1.3GHz dual core MediaTek CPU, 1GB RAM, a microSD slot for up to 32GB additional memory, and 2 cameras—a 2MP one in the rear and a 0.3MP one on the front. Expected to be priced under $200, the tablet offers a low-cost option for users who still want features like LTE connectivity.

The design of Vaio Fit maintains the functionality of a conventional Windows 8.1 notebook PC with the ability to switch between laptop, tablet and viewer modes, and comes equipped with Adobe Photoshop Elements 12. With a starting price of $799, the convertible tablet isn’t cheap, but includes a full pitch backlit keyboard, Triluminos display and enhanced audio.

Weighing in at nearly 3 pounds, the device won’t win any lightest-in-class competitions, but what users trade for portability, they get back in versatility. The new 11-inch model comes bundled with the pressure-sensitive Vaio Active Pen, and is equipped with latest Intel Pentium Processor featuring Quad Core and a solid-state drive (SSD). The front-facing camera and 8-megapixel rear-facing camera are powered by Exmor RTM for PC and Exmor RSTM for PC image sensors developed by Sony.

The Toughpad 4K UT-MA6 performance tablet offers a 20-inch display with 4K resolution. The tablet features an Intel Core i7-3687U vPro processor with an Nvidia Quadro K1000M graphics processing unit (GPU), and an advanced beyond Ultra HD 4K display. The Toughpad 4K is built to serve as an ideal mobile workstation for professionals in visual-intensive fields such as CAD and video editing.

Optimized for the Windows 8.1 Pro operating system, the tablet will be available in the spring at a list price of $6,999. The previously announced Toughpad 4K standard edition, featuring an Intel Core i5-3437U vPro processor with an Nvidia GeForce 745M GPU, will be available in February at a list price of $5,999.

Like the standard model, the Toughpad 4K performance model offers an optional Panasonic Electronic Touch Pen, a device offering pixel-level precision and a distinctly pen-and-paper-like feel for freehand sketching, annotation or handwriting. The pen uses infrared signals to distinctly read each pixel on the screen and communicates with the tablet through Bluetooth. The Toughpad 4K also offers 10-point multi-touch input.

Combined with accessories such as the optional Panasonic desktop cradle and carrying case solution, the device can be used as both a desktop PC and tablet. The cradle converts into a tilted stand to allow the tablet to be used in drafting table mode, and offers USB 3.0 x 3, Ethernet and HDMI-output connectivity. A Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)-compatible mounting adapter plate is also available.