Even before Apple announced plans for a tablet computer, Freescale has already ventured into a computing device portable enough like a smartphone while not being as hefty as a netbook. The company envisions this technological development as having a mere $200 price tag, which, along with its similar features, may pull the rug from under Apple’s tablet development.

Apples and oranges

Apple’s iSlate – its tablet computer development – and Freescale’s new sub-tablet designs are similar and yet different, like apples and oranges are.
For one thing, the iSlate will feature a 10-inch screen, while Freescale will be the smaller 7-inch one. After all, the vision of Freescale is to merely improve on the viewing area of the usual smartphone.

The size of a Freescale sub-tablet is projected at one-third of the usual netbook. Average weight would be at 376 grams.  Its size is small enough for the gear to not need a fan or cooling system. Such simplicity allows for a much friendlier price scale.
Freescale will use the i.MX515 processor. This provides instant-on and persistent connectivity and function. The battery can last all day, making it somehow like a second generation smartbook.

The announcement

According to Freescale’s senior vice president for sales, Mr. Henri Richard, “Freescale's new tablet opens the door to an exciting new world of compelling form factors specifically designed and optimized to support common online activities including social media, high-quality audio/video playback and light gaming.” Richard believes that the tablet will be part of the next generation of smartbooks.

The sub-tablet runs on both Linux and Android technology. And aptly, all these will be presented in the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show.

All about Freescale’s tablet

This new sub-tablet design is actually a part of the company’s SABRE (Smart Application Blueprint for Rapid Engineering) series. The series aims to put together features in smartbook technology, as well as user testing feedback. This was facilitated in coordination with the Savannah College of Art and Design.

This new design incorporates the MC13892 power management system, the MMA8450Q 3-axis accelerometer, SGTL5000 audio codec, WiFi and Bluetooth technology, touchscreen technology, 3G modem, QWERTY keyboard, and the 3-D desktop framework.

The 3-G modem component is an open system where system designers get to choose from different carrier-specific air interfaces. Precertified carrier modules will allow easy migration between modem technologies.

The sub-tablet will also have a 512 MB DDR2 memory, removable micro SD, 4-64 GB internal free memory, and camera and video capabilities. The sub-tablet will have a browser, media center, PDF viewer, email client, office document software, and a slew of widgets and gadget sure to make any techie salivate. Clearly, Freescale’s sub-tablet is the crossover device to watch out for in the near future.