German ISP 1&1 has released a Google Android-powered SmartPad tablet to consumers looking for a portable tablet able to access 1&1's network.
The tablet includes a 7-inch touchscreen, 800x480 video resolution, 500MHz ARM11 chip, 256MB RAM, and Wi-Fi. The tablet unfortunately doesn't have 2G or 3G support, but can be connected to a USB modem for wired broadband.
Also included is 1GB ROM storage, with 1&1 including app support -- but it doesn't include the Android App Market, with the German-based AndroidPit being chosen for apps. 1&1 includes custom apps, digital photo modification, a music player, VOD support, and other popular consumer-driven apps.
The device is shipping from 1&1 using Android 1.6, but an Android 2.2 update will be released sometime in September.
"Increasing mobility, home networking, and the rapid development of ever more new features has created a new class of device, which is located between the SmartPhone and the note or netbook. From the benefits of both worlds, we have made the 1&1 SmartPad, " said Robert Hoffman, 1&1 CEO, in a statement.
The tablet is designed for new 1&1 broadband subscribers, although 1&1 plans to open up the promotion to current subscribers as well. An exact price for subscribers hasn't been released just yet, but it should be available sometime during July.
The tablet will be available to German customers only, with 1&1 unlikely to release any products for rival networks or foreign nations.
The device is interesting, but the lack of access to the standard Android Market is a huge flaw for the tablet.
