Axioo, an Indonesia-based technology hardware company has introduced the Picopad, a Mobile Internet Device (MID) built on Google’s Android platform.

According to David Kartono, Axioo’s VP Product Development & International Sales, the tablet is called a MID (Mobile Internet Devices) because it has both tablet and telephone functions. The vision to draw the gap between a smartphone and notebook has inspired Axioo to create the product.

“Called the MID because it can function as a tablet once a telephony functions such as smartphones,” said David Kartono, Axioo’s VP Product Development & International Sales, when introducing the product last week. For Internet access is available options via WiFi or GSM/3G/HSDPA network.

A smartphone has great mobility but it isn’t great for work. On the other hand, a notebook can be too cumbersome. The Picopad fills the gaps in an Indonesian style.

Indonesian special theme was brought as a form of differentiation with similar competitors products. According to Budi Wahyu Jati, Corporate Division Director of Axioo International, their party has its own product design team that can do the customization of products which coming into the Indonesian market.

Although the specification is not too different from its rivals, Axioo Picopad comes with a distinctive appearance. Distinctively include a menu that has been customized with a choice of the Indonesian language. In addition, Axioo also includes some optional batik (ethnic fabric from Indonesia) background wallpaper.

The operating system used in Android 2.2 or Froyo and in it is connected to the Android Market which provides more than 100,000 applications for free or paid. This device uses the Qualcomm MSM7227 600 MHz ARM11 processor. 512 MB NAND Flash internal memory capacity and 512 MB of DDR RAM and supports 32 GB micro SD external memory. In the sales package included 16 GB micro SD memory.

Other features include a 3 MP rear camera and 0.3 MP front cameras. Axioo Picopad use 7-inch touch screen, TFT capacitive type with a resolution of 800 x 480 WVGA. 3,200 mAh batteries that is resistant to 550 hours standby time.

Axioo Picopad priced at under IDR 5 million or about USD 526. Besides in Indonesia, this product will also be marketed to Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The sales package will include a Bluetooth headset to allow users when making a phone call.

The product is also available in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. Starhub, for example, is offering the Picopad free of charge in its Chinese New Year promotion if users signed up for its broadband plan. Picopad’s retail price is about USD $520 and Axioo can consider it a huge success if just one percent of Indonesia’s population (240 million) were to purchase the product.

Will this product challenge iPad, especially in Asia?

Source : Penn-Olson and TechnoLifeStyle

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