14 DAY TRIAL // Even though there were quite a few people that heavily criticized the iPad's lack of Flash support and multitasking, the fact remains that the device itself has sold a considerable number of copies, supposedly even surpassing one million total shipments since it became available. Regardless of consumer feelings, this makes the viability of slate PCs, as a market, official and unquestionable. This means that other PC suppliers now have one less reason to delay their entrance into the fray.
According to a recent report made by Etnews, Samsung has finally started making actual steps towards unveiling a tablet device. Set to be developed under the S-Project initiative, the slate is currently nicknamed S-Pad and will be designed with a 7-inch Super AMOLED display. The exact platform that will be used has not been mentioned, unfortunately, but there is a mention of an OS and content availability.
Apparently, the company isn't even considering the resource-hungry Windows 7 OS as an option, having supposedly already decided to use Google's Android OS. Other things mentioned in the rumor are a USB dock, 3G connectivity, WiFi wireless capabilities and the possibility of SK Telecom distributing the tablet. The main drawback of the electronic is the screen itself, since AMOLED is known for its high price. Still, SK Telecom may be able to reduce the final price point (still unknown) if it manages to put together a good subsidization plan.
One of the main issues with tablets is that their marketing performance is ultimately determined by content availability. Fortunately for Samsung, the company has already entered an agreement with Kyobo books, Korea's largest book store. Also, Samsung has its own Samsung Apps application store. This means that, while it may turn out to be more expensive than future offers from MSI, ASUS or Dell, the S-Pad might prove more convenient through higher functionality. Availability is supposedly slated for August.