Digitimes reports that Elitegroup Computer System (ECS), Asustek Computer and Micro-Star International (MSI) are all preparing to showcase their latest tablet PCs at CES 2011.
In addition to ECS’ already introduced Marvell chip-based 9.7-inch e-book reader, the company is set to announce more e-book readers including 6-, 8- and 9.7-inch models, featuring capacitive touch screens and support for Android and Linux operating systems as well as several document and music file formats. The devices will also have built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G.
ECS is also set to showcase several Windows 7- and Android-based tablet PCs at the show. Some models feature 10.1-inch multi-touch panels with Intel Atom CPUs, while some feature ARM-based processors from Marvell or Samsung Electronics to allow eight hours of running time and are also equipped with wireless modules. The company will also display 7-inch models at the show.
As for notebooks, ECS will display several power-saving enterprise notebooks equipped with 14- or 15-inch LED panels that support functions such as USB 3.0 and ECS’ exclusive power saving software Super POSH.
Although ECS currently does not receive many Classmate PC orders from Intel, the company will still showcase its Intel Atom-based Classmate PC at the show.
On the other hand, MSI is set to display its 10-inch Wintel-based tablet PC as well as engineering samples of its ARM-based Google Android model. MSI is also prepared to sell an Nvidia Tegra 2-based model in April or May after Google releases Android 3.0 in March.
Asustek will have three major product lines for tablet PCs, Eee Reader, Eee Note and Eee Pad. The company will showcase a 12-inch Windows 7-based Eee Pad at CES, targeting the enterprise market, and will launch two 10-inch Eee Pads, one with Windows 7 and Intel’s Oak Trail platform, and one with Nvidia Tegra 2 and Google Android, for a price of US$499-599 which will start selling in March 2011 at the earliest.
Asustek will also have a 7-inch model featuring either Tegra 2 or solution from Qualcomm paired with Android. The company will also introduce a model with 3.5G support to allow phone functionality. The 7-inch models will be launched as soon as March or April 2011.