In brief: nVidia just announced a new 8 inch Android tablet. Prices are $299 for 16 GB WiFi model, and $399 for 32 GB WiFi plus 4G cellular data. Both models include GPS/GLONASS receivers. Delivery begins by the end of July. http://shield.nvidia.com/
Today, most tablet manufacturers either develop their own processors (e.g., Apple, Samsung) or use processors designed by ARM and manufactured by companies in China (e.g., most everyone else). Intel has some interesting low power designs for phone and tablet devices coming at the end of the year, and Qualcomm is trying to expand into the tablet market with new ARM-based 64 bit processors.
That doesn't leave much room for nVidia, a company that built its reputation designing graphics coprocessors for the PC. The company has not attracted interest from other tablet manufacturers, so they decided to make one themselves. Building on their brand awareness in the graphics area, nVidia says the Shield tablet is the first model designed for the needs of gamers.
While the intersection of gaming and overlanding is almost a null set, the Shield tablet has several features that recommend it to ExPo members.
First, the tablet has an 8 inch, 1920x1200 Full HD screen. The large size makes it easy to see when mounted to a truck dashboard, and easier to share with your traveling companion while watching a movie at the end of the day.
Second, the Shield tablet has large, front-mounted speakers. Most 7-10 inch tablets have smaller speakers mounted on the bottom edge or the back of the tablet. These don't deliver a very satisfying experience while watching a movie.
Third, the Shield tablet has a slot for removable Micro SD storage cards. The extra storage space allows you to cache maps for your navigation system, store photos and videos you shot during the day, and bring a selection of movies to watch in camp.
Fourth, the Shield with 32GB RAM and 4G cellular data costs $399. That's a bargain compared to similarly equipped 8 inch iOS or Android models, which cost $100 to $300 more for similar specs. The 4G radio is carrier unlocked, and will work with ATT or T-Mobile in USA.
One place where the Shield tablet trails other designs is in physical size. The Shield is a couple of ounces heavier and fractions of an inch thicker than similar tablets from Apple or Samsung.
You can read the full specs at the bottom of this web page http://shield.nvidia.com/gaming-tablet/
On a technical note, the nVidia Tegra K1 processor used in the Shield tablet is a 32 bit processor based on the ARM Cortex-15 design. A 64 bit processor, codenamed Denver, is expected by the end of the year. The graphics coprocessor in either design is the same.
Today, most tablet manufacturers either develop their own processors (e.g., Apple, Samsung) or use processors designed by ARM and manufactured by companies in China (e.g., most everyone else). Intel has some interesting low power designs for phone and tablet devices coming at the end of the year, and Qualcomm is trying to expand into the tablet market with new ARM-based 64 bit processors.
That doesn't leave much room for nVidia, a company that built its reputation designing graphics coprocessors for the PC. The company has not attracted interest from other tablet manufacturers, so they decided to make one themselves. Building on their brand awareness in the graphics area, nVidia says the Shield tablet is the first model designed for the needs of gamers.
While the intersection of gaming and overlanding is almost a null set, the Shield tablet has several features that recommend it to ExPo members.
First, the tablet has an 8 inch, 1920x1200 Full HD screen. The large size makes it easy to see when mounted to a truck dashboard, and easier to share with your traveling companion while watching a movie at the end of the day.
Second, the Shield tablet has large, front-mounted speakers. Most 7-10 inch tablets have smaller speakers mounted on the bottom edge or the back of the tablet. These don't deliver a very satisfying experience while watching a movie.
Third, the Shield tablet has a slot for removable Micro SD storage cards. The extra storage space allows you to cache maps for your navigation system, store photos and videos you shot during the day, and bring a selection of movies to watch in camp.
Fourth, the Shield with 32GB RAM and 4G cellular data costs $399. That's a bargain compared to similarly equipped 8 inch iOS or Android models, which cost $100 to $300 more for similar specs. The 4G radio is carrier unlocked, and will work with ATT or T-Mobile in USA.
One place where the Shield tablet trails other designs is in physical size. The Shield is a couple of ounces heavier and fractions of an inch thicker than similar tablets from Apple or Samsung.
You can read the full specs at the bottom of this web page http://shield.nvidia.com/gaming-tablet/
On a technical note, the nVidia Tegra K1 processor used in the Shield tablet is a 32 bit processor based on the ARM Cortex-15 design. A 64 bit processor, codenamed Denver, is expected by the end of the year. The graphics coprocessor in either design is the same.