The Smartbook: Toshiba’s Android Netbook

Toshiba AC100 (dynabook AZ) appears thin and works fast, more or less like its Intel-based contemporaries. It is actually lighter, and a tad different, running Android 2.1 over an Nvidia Tegra 250 processor.

The Japanese computer-maker breaks through the Windows-Intel netbook monopoly. Its hardware competes and it makes current netbooks feel like bricks because of its incredible thickness, according to one of the guys who have tried it.

But the rest of dynabook AZ puts the gadget on a gray line. It is found wanting, compromising in many aspects such as video streaming quality, web browsing and mouse usage, whose “unfriendliness” has been cited.

The smartbook is not the only new baby from Toshiba. A tablet is bound for electronics shops across major oceans as well. Japan’s dynabook AZ is coming out  to Europe as AC100, packed with the following:

* Android 2.1 (soon with 2.2) operating system
* Nvidia dual-core Tegra 250 processor
* 512MB RAM
* 16GB flash storage
* Nvidia GeForce graphics
* 10.1-inch screen
* SD card slot; USB 2.0 port; Web camera
* 802.11b/g/n WiFi
* Optional 3G
* 7 hours of battery life
* 870 grams or about 1.9 pounds
* Only Japanese price is disclosed: $500

Image Credit: Toshiba

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