Gigabyte S1080 tablet packs Windows 7 and USB 3.0

Gigabyte has outed its latest tablet, the S1080, running Windows 7 on a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N550 dual-core processor. Fresh to Computex 2011 this morning, the S1080 has a 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 multitouch display, 2GB of memory and weighs 0.9kg, taking on the ViewPad 10Pro in the process.

The specs are generally in line with a decent netbook, so you get a 320GB hard-drive, GMA 3150 graphics with a VGA output and WiFi b/g/n, along with Bluetooth 3.0. There's a front-facing 1.3-megapixel webcam along with a USB 3.0 port for high-speed connectivity, a USB 2.0 port, gigabit ethernet and an audio socket, along with an SD card reader.

3.5G WWAN is an option, and the whole thing measures 270 x 173 x 14.94 mm. Gigabyte has added dedicated hotkeys for scrolling and handwriting recognition, along with an optical mouse with buttons built into the bezel for two-handed navigation. Battery life from the regular 4,000 mAh pack is expected to be around 4hs, with another 3hrs if you slap on the 100g extended battery.

Meanwhile there's an optional docking station, which adds an optical drive, stereo speakers and a keyboard. No official word from Gigabyte at this stage on pricing, but we're already seeing the S1080 pop up online to order for around $625.

Press Release:

GIGABYTE Launches an Exciting New Slate PC

Introducing the GIGABYTE S1080

GIGABYTE recommends Windows® 7.

Taipei, Taiwan – January 4, 2011. GIGABYTE, a longtime leader in computer technology and innovation, today announced an exciting new 10.1-inch slate PC, the S1080. The S1080 features a Windows® 7 operating system and is powered by an Intel® Atom™ N550 dual core processor.

"The S1080 is designed to be the ultimate mobile device to fit the demanding needs of consumers who need a high-performing multitasking slate that offers the full productivity of a PC," said Stephen Lee, Sales Director at GIGABYTE Notebooks. "With the S1080, users now have constant access to all their business needs including email, internet and other important applications."

Weighing under 0.90kg (1.98lb), the S1080 is both sleek and light, making it the premier choice in mobile computing. With a massive 320GB of built-in storage, users can add all their important applications and files without worrying about whether there is enough space. The large hard drive also makes it the perfect device to load custom business and enterprise applications. The S1080 also comes with USB 3.0, which provides incredibly fast transfer speeds making it very useful for a mobile device.

Featuring a striking 10.1" multi-touch backlight TFT-LCD 1024x600 display, the S1080 produces bright and clear images. With its stunning display, the slate can be used as a captivating tool during business meetings and presentations. The S1080 also comes equipped with a built-in VGA port, which allows users to hook up an external monitor or projector whenever a larger display is needed.

For onscreen navigation, the S1080 features the best of both worlds to maximize effectiveness. The 10.1" capacitive multi-touch display featuring the Windows 7 on-screen keyboard and handwriting recognition software makes navigating the display by fingertips both fun and a breeze. Or, for a more traditional PC approach, users can navigate the display using the navigator button and left and right mouse buttons to easily move the cursor around the screen to conveniently access applications and edit documents.

The S1080 is the perfect mobile device to stay connected while on the go. The slate comes with wireless 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0®, which makes it incredibly easy to access email and the internet whenever the slate is in range of wifi or a mobile hotspot. The built-in 1.3mp webcam is also an excellent feature to give users convenient mobile videoconferencing options.