There's no question that tablets are getting more popular with the public. Apple's iPad gave people something they didn't even realize they wanted yet, while Amazon and Barnes & Noble rushed to upgrade their own Kindle and Nook products. Even so, expensive prices have left many customers with few options. Those are the people Acer is attempting to reach with its new product.
The Tawainese-based company announced its new Iconia B1-A71 tablet, Monday, a day before CES 2013 officially kicks off. The latest entry into Acer's tablet portfolio is intended for newcomers to the tablet world and families looking at budget-priced options for their children. Notably, the product isn't being pushed as a primary tablet, but rather as a second option for reading, browsing the Internet, and watching videos.
"The Iconia B1 is the ideal easy companion for tablet newbies or children while adults use their own," said Acer in its press release.
Sporting the latest version of Android's Jelly Bean operating system, the Iconia B1 will run on a 1.2GHz processor and 8GB of internal storage. The screen size spans 7 inches while the built-in camera clocks in at 0.3 megapixels. The tablet isn't going to win any technical performance contests, but the good news is it doesn't have to. More importantly, Acer President Jim Wong told ABC News that prices will range from $99 to $150.
"Some places will have a special promotion for $99 but most of the channels will have it for $129 to $149," said Wong.
No release date was set outside of early 2013.
Below you can find the full specs provided by Acer:
Acer Iconia B1-A71 features and specs:
- Android JellyBean operating system
- Mediatek dual-core 1.2GHz processor (MTK 8317T)
-7-inch diagonal WSVGA capacitive multitouch screen with 1,024 x 600 resolution display
-8GB(1) of internal storage and 512MB DDR3 memory
-Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n -Bluetooth® wireless technology 4.0 -GPS
-3.5mm headset/headphone/microphone jack
-internal speaker
-microSDTM expansion slot with up to 32GB support
-front-facing 0.3-megapixel webcam
-Rechargeable 2,710 mAh battery
-micro-USB (charging and PC connect) with USB 2.0
-Dimensions: 197.4 mm x 128.5 mm x 11.3 mm
-Weight: 320 g
