FlatPad 10" Android 2.1 Tablet now available in US for $285

[wuyanks]

Update 8/2 8:12PM EST: Important Update: We have just discovered that this product does not have an A8 CPU, so don't buy based on that. Please see this thread for additional discussion about this topic: ZeniThink ZT-180 Specifications Faking, Not ARMv7 A8-Cortex!

ZeniThink ZT-180 Specifications Faking, Not ARMv7 A8-Cortex!

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If you are looking for a solid Android tablet and the Augen GenTouch just wasn't for you, I have great news today. FlatComputing, an American company based in Texas, just announced a 10" Android 2.1 tablet ready for the US market, dubbed the FlatPad A10. Actually, FlatComputing had been shipping the first revision of the A10 since July 27th. The FlatPad is currently stocked in the United States, and is available for $285 USD. A bit more expensive than the Augen GenTouch, but when you read the specs you will see why:

• ARM Cortex-A8 Processor 1GHz+
• 2GB Flash Memory
• 256MB RAM
• microSD memory card slot up to 32GB
• 10.2” TFT ,1024×600 RESISTIVE Touchscreen Display
• WiFi support
• Accelerometer
• WebCam
• 1-USB 2.0 Host port and 1-USB 2.0 OTG port
• 2400 mAh battery (5-7 hours battery life)
• Built in stereo speakers 1Wx2
• 1080p video playback support
• Google Maps
• and of course an Android 2.1 operating System

FlatComputing also promises that the device will be upgradeable to Android 2.2 "sometime" in August. These specs look fantastic, when compared to the Augen GenTouch. The build quality also looks much improved, as the device seems to be more metallic than "plasticky." The only downside is that pesky resistive display. But for $285, this sounds like a bargain. And for better or worse, the device looks exactly like an iPad.

Shanzai is reporting that the FlatPad A10 is a re-branded Zenithink ZT-180 tablet. The main difference between the two: the FlatPad is available for purchase in the US today. Check out a hands-on video with the Zenithink tablet (via Shanzai):

Here is the FlatPad A10's boxing:

And a view from the side...

via Liliputing
For more photos, check here: FlatComputing


At this time, the FlatPad is only available online. To purchase, go here: FlatComputing products page

Follow the FlatPad forums here

[DanielC]

FIRST! That tablet looks mighty sexy

[gadgetrants]

Hmmm....wuyanks, I wonder if should eat my words? I predicted entry-level tablets at $400, and this is a good $100+ cheaper! Well, I think there are two features that justify the lower price: resistive screen, and a "lesser-known" manufacturer. So I'm still holding on to my original prediction! (Yeah, I'm a stubborn guy!)

-Matt

[DanielC]

I don't see myself with a tablet-like device until Gingerbread becomes the standard. Maybe by Q1 2011?

[Kmart95]

It looks pretty good except for the restive touch screen

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[Talon8Ya]

I know I will sound nuts here but I wish these pads would also work as a phone. I dont need to hold it up to my ear as I would use my bluetooth hands free for that. But dam I would love the screen size and the capability of phone calls not on VOIP for a tablet.

[Jollyroger86]

i was just looking at getting a ipad. I am going to wait and see how this tablet does. It looks promising since it has more features then the ipad.

[HeroNova]

The pictures make this look very similar to the iPad.

[JP 5.56]

Is it just me or does that thing look exactly like an ipad?

[Droidfish]

I wonder just how much of the cost savings can be attributed to the resistive touch screen because this is pretty good deal. I'm just wondering what the cost of a capacitive multi-touch tablet with the otherwise same specs would cost.