Taiwanese handset manufacturer HTC will launch its first tablet computer in SA this week. The 420g, 7-inch HTC Flyer, which runs version 2.4 of Google’s Android operating system, will cost R6 360.

Using a redesigned version of HTC’s Sense user interface, the Flyer has both mobile 3G and Wi-Fi aerials and has 32GB of on-board memory, with can be expanded with a microSD card up to another 32GB.

The Flyer is about R240 cheaper than a similarly configured iPad 2, though the Flyer offers less screen real estate than the Apple product. The device is also available subsidised on contract options from the mobile operators.

HTC’s tablet is the first a number of new tablet computers that is expected to go on sale in the next few months from manufacturers such as Samsung, Motorola, Toshiba and BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion.

The Flyer has a 1,5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a TFT display with 1024×600 resolution, a 5-megapixel rear camera and a 1,3-megapixel front-facing camera. It comes with a “magic pen” that works with HTC’s Scribe technology for an alternative to fingertip interaction. It also supports Adobe’s Flash format.

Bad news for SA consumers is that HTC Watch, the company’s new video download and rental service, will only be available locally in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to distributor Leaf. — Staff reporter, TechCentral