Freescale Semiconductor to release $199 tablet

Posted on January 26, 2010 | Category: Android, Consumer Electronics Show, Freescale Semiconductor, Hardware, Informational, Linux Distributions, Open-Source, Resources, Ubuntu Netbook

Set for release in February 2010, Freescale Semiconductor will release their $199 tablet design. The first official look at the new design is slated for the 2010 Consumer Electronics show.

Freescale’s new tablet will utilize the ARM processor technology, provide instant-on technology, persistent connectivity, and a complete day of battery life. Quite possibly the best feature of this tablet is the operating system. If you have been reading this blog for any period of time, you know that I lean heavily toward Linux and Open-Source. The Freescale tablet will be demonstrated with both the Android OS and an unspecified Linux distribution, likely Ubuntu netbook.

The new Freescale tablet will also include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a 3D desktop framework with QWERTY keyboard support, with available 3G modem.

Freescale tablet with QWERTY keyboard

Techical Specifications

Size: small/thin form factor (200mm x 128mm x 14.9cm and weighing 376 grams); no need for fan or heat sink
Processor: Freescale i.MX515 applications processor provides high performance and low power
- ARM Cortex-A8 core
- OpenVG & OpenGL/ES graphics cores
- HD video decoder hardware
Power management IC:
- Battery charging system for both USB and wall charging
- Output buck converters for the processor core and memory
- Boost converters for LCD backlighting
- Serial backlight drivers for displays and keypad, plus RGB LED drivers
Display: 7-inch (1024 x 600) touch screen
Memory: 512 MB DDR2
Storage: 4-64 GB internal storage; removable micro SD
Connectivity: 3G modem (option) 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, RF4CE (option
Ports: USB 2.0 and USB mini (also for charging), audio in/audio out, SIM card
Audio: speaker, microphone
Camera: 3 Mpixel (video recording up to VGA @ 30fps)
Battery: 1900mAh, USB charging
Sensors: MMA8450Q 3-axis accelerometer and an ambient light sensor