“WeTab” ready to step up against the “iPad”

10 May 2010 | Apps | Angela Topchu on Google+

A Berlin firm has developed a new tablet PC called the WeTab that aims to bridge the gap between the publishing world and the internet and in the process competing with Apple’s iPad. Neofonie, the developers of this new tablet, announced the releasing of WeTab that is set to be available in July. WeTab is being supported by Linux. CEO Helmut Hoffer von Ankershoffen said his open platform product contrasts Apple’s business strategy for the iPad, which he alleges dictates constraints all the way to marketing for publishers. Despite being potential rival of iPad, Neofonie founder and managing director Helmut Hoffer von Ankershoffen stated that the new gadget is not an iPad killer as viewed by many.

With an 11.6-inch display, the touch-screen WePad is slightly bigger than the 9.7-inch iPad. It also offers features not available for the iPad – a camera, two USB plugs and a memory card slot. The WePad is powered by an Intel chip and relies on a Linux software basis which is compatible with Google’s Android and all Flash applications

The WePad is different to the Apple iPad in a number of ways; the first is with its OS. The Wepad runs a custom open source version of Linux, which can also run Android apps – compared to the iPad, which runs on iPhone OS. Lets take a quick look at the specification for both the products: -

Specifications: Neofonie WeTab

Processor(s): Intel Atom N450 Pineview-M 1,66 Ghz

Screen: 11,6-Inch / 1366-768 / multitouch

Storage: 16GB / 32GB NAND Flash
A/V Input: Webcam (1,3MP), built-in Microphone
A/V Output: Stereo Speakers, HDMI-Port
Network: WLAN (n) / Bluetooth 2.1 / optional 3G
Sensors: Ambient Light Sensor / Motion Sensor
Battery: Lithium-Ion Polymer

Other Features:

SDHC Cardreader / SIM-Slot/ Multi-Pin Connector / optional GPS / supports Flash / runs Adobe Air, Java, and Linux Apps (??)/ optional broadcomm crystal hd card (tbc!)/ 1080p Full HD optional / Standard SIM Card slot (no micro slot) / No SIM lock / distribution online, through carriers and through media houses/ WeTab MetaStore for WeTab Apps / WeTab OS

Specifications: Apple iPad
Processor: 1GHz Apple A4 chip

Flash Storage: 16GB, 32, 64GB

Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

Speaker, Microphone, 30-Pin Connector

Accelerometer & Compass

10 hours of battery life, over a month of standby time.

iPhone like OS

iBookStore to ruine Kindle market

Apps Store for iPad

iPhone Apps supported (We can also pixel double and run the apps full screen.)
New SDK for development will be available today.

iPad Accessories: Dock, keyboard dock, and a case

Apple’s iPad will go on sale in Germany at the end of April, according to the company’s German Web site. This would give the iPad roughly a three month lead on its German competitor WeTab.