Certain elements of the tablet can be taken as final though, such as its physical build, capacitive screen and overall ambition. Scanning down the list of specifications, it's easy to get excited about the Folio 100. It has a 10.1in widescreen display with a 1,024x600 resolution, an Nvidia Tegra 2 (dual-core ARM Cortex A9 processor and 1080p video decoding), Android 2.2 and a much more realistic price that the Galaxy Tab. That's the good stuff, but as soon as you pick the Folio 100 up, you realise why it costs less than the Tab.
If feels cheap, being made out of the kind of plastic you'd find on a budget laptop. From the rear, it even looks as though it's simply a notebook screen. It also doesn't feel particularly well made. It part this is because the back is removable, so that you can replace the battery. You'll have to remove the cover if you buy a Folio with 3G, in order to fit the SIM card. However, the panel doesn't fit too well, so it creeks as you hold it. If you slide the incredibly stiff locking clip into place, it's slightly better, but build quality is nowhere near the level of the Galaxy Tab or iPad.
The 1024 x 600 TFT-LCD screen is as bright and detailed as it's going to get. While doesn't quite have the resolution of the iPad (1024 x 768), it is 16:9, so the Folio already stands out as the more movie-centric media device on the block. Obviously, its aspect ratio is matched by the Samsung Galaxy Tab, but it's all about the real estate if you want to get a home cinema experience away from home. The Tegra 2 processor is a constant too. One area where tablets outdo their netbook equivalents is in start-up time, and the Folio 100 is instantly on, instantly off. You also need that punch to play Full HD video files, both on device and through HDMI to a receptive TV. Thankfully, this tablet does both.
Neither Samsung nor Apple allows USB devices to hook-up to their respective slates, and certainly not to transfer files to and fro, so it's welcome to see such connectivity offered by Tosh. A memory stick won't increase the storage though - that's through SD card only - but it will make hooking up cameras and other devices easier. The Folio 100 is DLNA compatible, allowing you to stream its video content to a compliant TV or set-top-box, or, alternatively, you can stream content stored on a PC or NAS box straight to the tablet. That way, you can watch video, listen to music files or look at photos indoors without having to store it on the internal memory.
The Folio 100 looks as if it's been designed by a PC company, rather than a lifestyle one. The build is more per functionary than pretty. It's not ugly per se, but the thick outer bezel and plain exterior more suits the editor of Computer Shopper than Vogue. And the overall size of 281 x 181 x 14mm comes in at a weight 760g; not exactly handbag material. This current generation is also restricted to Wi-Fi use (802.11n), while a further model with 3G connectivity is planned for around Easter 2011, but at least that means that it is capable of fast access and quick streaming of HD content.
Battery life is a respectable 7 hours for general, multimedia use, and although there's no rear-mounted camera, there is a 1.3-megapixel webcam for videochat. Something tells us, though, that this will seldom be used; the Toshiba Folio 100 is more suited to media viewing than creating.
At £329 for the 16GB (upgradeable) Wi-Fi only version, it's a good £100 cheaper than the iPad, and offers more features and a 16:9 screen. In addition, as it runs on Android 2.2 (Froyo), there's already a world of apps and software available. The compatibility with Flash 10.1 and HTML5 for web browsing is also advantageous. Our only worry is that it isn't the sexiest kid on the block. It's turned up to a rave in a three-piece suit, so it'll be interesting to see if any but the geekiest of geeks can see past the stern exterior.
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