14 DAY TRIAL // Showcased at IFA 2010 in Berlin about two months ago, Toshiba's Android 2.2 tablet, Folio 100, starts shipping in Europe this week. This is the third Android-based tablet available on the market from a major brand name, after Dell Streak and Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Toshiba Folio 100 is powered by an Nvidia Tegra 2 processor and runs on the Android 2.2 Froyo platform out-of-the-box. The device lacks a SIM slot for phone calls, so it can be tagged as a standard tablet.
Folio 100 includes a 10.1 inch capacitive display with 1,024 x 600 pixel resolution, 1.3-megapixel webcam, WLAN 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR support and DLNA compatibility.
It comes bundled with a few useful software titles such as Toshiba Media Player, Fring, Documents to Go and Evernote.
The Japanese company launched its own application store called Toshiba Market Place and expects around 1,000 apps to be available by end of November 2010.
Users will be able to download, via Toshiba's proprietary market, apps optimised for Folio 100’s 10-inch display. These come in categories such as Communications, Games, Travel & Maps, Business & Finance, E-books and Utilities.
Devs interested in making apps for the Folio 100 can access the special platform offered by Toshiba on its website. For every approved application the developer receives 70% of its revenue.
Another interesting feature that comes bundled with the Toshiba Folio 100 is Music Place. Powered by 7Digital, the application offers users access to one of the largest music catalogues.
Users can either download purchased tracks directly on their Folio 100 or store them on a personal cloud storage area and then sync their connected devices via Internet.
The tablet measures 281 x 181 x 14mm and weighs 760g (battery included). The manufacturer rates the device's battery life for 7 hours (65% web browsing, 10% video playback, 25% standby).
Toshiba Folio 100 starts shipping throughout Europe this week for a recommended retail price of 399 EUR.