Sony finally enters tablet market
One of the two tablets detailed by Sony sports an unusual clamshell design.
Both products are set to be based on Google’s increasingly ubiquitous Android operating system, and will sport both WiFi and 3G network connections.
Both devices also support the music service Qriocity, as well as the PlayStation Suite; a digital marketplace offering old first-generation PlayStation games. The similarities end there, though, as the two handhelds are radically different in design.
The S1 is the more traditional tablet of the two, and is clearly aimed at taking some market share away from Apple’s iPad. The unit features a 9.4in screen and a unique curved back design. Sony claims that this design throws the weight of the tablet off-centre, and makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.
Meanwhile, the S2 features a distinctive clamshell design. The folding device features two 5.5in screens that are capable of either working together, such as when browsing the Internet, or separately. This could potentially offer some intriguing opportunities for developers, if they can be convinced to develop specifically for the S2.
Sony is playing its pricing cards close to its chest at the moment, and no MSRPs have been announced for the devices yet. However, we do know that the new tablets are due to hit the shelves in autumn this year.
Are you looking at a tablet at the moment? Do you think Sony’s innovative clamshell design is going to fly or flop? Let us know your thoughts in the forums.
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Discuss in the forums ReplyBut I really like Sony's design, so lets hope this one will be ditched!
The S1 is interesting, but I need price and specs to know if I should be really interested, or just be happy/hope that I might be able to access the playstation suite on a different android tab.
Playing games and watching movies seems to be it.
I agree, there doesn't really seem to be a point in tablets, if you want to watch a movie sure they are useful but other than that, everything done on a tablet can be done on a console and with a lot better graphics too.
Just what I was thinking.
If it's slim and light enough to comfortably fit into a jacket pocket, I could see massive potential for that.
I don't think the whole bezel is the problem - just the bit of bezel between the two screens. Although that might encourage you to use it as a single screen and maybe that isn't the best way to use it...
Every day I start taking back my questions of just what purpose a tablet would have. Being away from my computer for four days but in constant wi-fi access revealed exactly how useful a mobile internet access device would be. Being able to fold one up and drop it in a pocket would be great. Folding iPad please. :p
As has been said before, if you can't see the point of a tablet device, then you obviously don't have a need for one. Other people just might have a legitimate use for a tablet, and their needs shouldn't matter to you at all.
;)
What's kept me from getting a laptop is that it's not truly mobile. Not only is it still fairly heavy and bulky, but it also has to be setup to some degree. The actual use of a laptop is stationary as it requires sitting down to operate, with some exceptions. A smartphone/tablet on the other hand can be used on the go, and even if you choose to sit while using one you can stand up and go at any time.
However, I see no room for the S2. It looks impractical and bulky for what it is. The S1 is more mainstream and will no doubt appeal to Sony's fan base in some way. All my TVs are Sony's but the iPad2 ticks all my boxes very nicely so there is no room for an S1. The ability to play first-gen Playstation games really doesn't do it for me either.
Yes, I think these will sell well.
The problem is not you. I feel the same way about them. They're basically a touch screen that can do limited computing. It's basically an interactive newspaper/book reader.