MWC: Acer intros Iconia tablet with docking keyboard

Tablet and new smartphone designed to have wide crossover appeal

Acer has launched a tablet PC and smartphone designed to appeal to the business and consumer markets with high-quality performance and specs combined with superior usability and multi-tasking.

The Iconia Tab W500 tablet, unveiled at Mobile World Congress, is designed to appeal to all kinds of users, and has a 10.1in multi-touch screen supported by a full-size docking chiclet keyboard.

Acer said that the keyboard puts its tablet above the competition, and will increase productivity for corporate users.

Non-business users may appreciate the tablet's Dolby sound, and social networking and entertainment features. Other applications, such as clean disk tools and device control software, should have more crossover appeal.

The Iconia Tab runs Windows 7 backed up by an AMD C-50 processor and Radeon HD6250 graphics. It is expected to be released in early March for around £530 including VAT.

Also expected to have crossover appeal is the Iconia Smart, which Acer describes as a tablet in smartphone format.

The Smart's screen is a 4.8in, 1,024 x 480 widescreen model with a 21:9 aspect ratio. The phone has an 8-megapixel camera with LED flash and runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and is ideal for browsing as its large screen does not require users to zoom in or scroll across pages, according to Acer.

The smartphone also has multi-touch features, Flash Player 10.1 support and connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and HSDPA.

Rival tablet maker ViewSonic showcased a similar tablet-smartphone hybrid device, the ViewPad 4, on Monday. No pricing information was released.