The Acer Iconia Tab A500 is set to hit US shelves sometime April 24 but you can place your orders on Best Buy today (preorder in stores starts April 14). The 16GB Wi-Fi only version of the Tegra 2 toting Honeycomb tab is priced at $449.99. The 32GB model will be following later.
The Acer Iconia Tab was uncovered at AT&T’s CTIA event 2011. The hardware in Alpine Silver brushed metal aluminum chassis was impressive though the software had rough edges. All that should be fixed now. Powered by the NVIDIA Tegra 250 Cortex A9 1GHz dual-core processor with integrated GeForce GPU, this Honeycomb tablet reinforces the end of the exclusivity of Motorola Xoom.
The Iconia tab includes 1GB RAM and 16GB internal memory, displays HD 720p on a 10.1-inch 1280×800 TFT WXGA screen and 1080p video output via HDMI out, has microSD support up to 32GB, 5mp rear facing camera with LED flash and autofocus, and a 2mp front facing camera for video chats. It promises no less than 8 hours of playback for casual games, 8 hours of HD video playback and 10 hours of Wi-Fi Internet browsing. Dolby Mobile technology delivers a true theatre effect with heightened audio.
The tab is thicker than the iPad 2 but measures the same as other tabs on the market. You have accessories such as the full-sized Bluetooth keyboard for MSRP $69.99, a dock with IR remote for MSRP $79.99, sleek protective case that also works as a stand for MSRP $39.99, and America’s power adapter (with 4 connectors used in North, Central and South America, and UK and Europe) for MSRP $29.99 to add to the Acer Iconic Tab’s usability.
The tablet’s most impressive feature is its ability to run and play premium HD arcade games and complex online games with a 10-point touch display and 6-axis motion sensor gyro meter. The device will come with two full games – Let’s Golf and Need for Speed: Shift. There’s also Acer LumiRead and Google Books eReading apps for enjoying eBooks, while Zinio is pre-installed for reading full-color digital magazines.
