Toshiba AC100 – The Android Smartbook

By: Justin McGuire | Posted on: July 20th, 2010 | No Comments | Read 1,172 Times

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After recently launching Libretto W100, Toshiba presents yet another great product to its consumers – the AC100. This is Toshiba’s first attempt at a netbook that runs 2.1 version of Google’s open source Android mobile operating system.

Other specifications are similar to a standard netbook – clamshell form, full sized keyboard, web cam, 10.1 inch TruBrite display, and a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels with LED backlighting. This super thin notebook weighing less than 2 pounds is meant to be an “always-connected device.” The AC100 offers a battery life of 8 hours while on standby it can last seven days on a single charge.

The AC100 boots from off in just a second. It has 8GB of NAND flash memory and 512MB of DDR2 RAM. Internet connectivity is covered by both Wi-Fi and an integrated 3G module and it also comes with Bluetooth, HDMI-out and a 1.3 megapixel webcam.

If you are fond of keeping in touch with your social circle, you will like the special Android interface shell that focuses on web work and of course, social networking. The AC100 has made arrangements for special widgets for Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook to make sure that you stay connected with your friends…always.

It might seem strange to seem that the AC100 should have the Android OS and yet not have a touchscreen on the AC100. We are yet trying to figure out the logic behind the decision. Since you need to use the touchpad and mouse buttons, it seems like any other Windows netbook. Another feature that invites comments is the decision to use Opera Mobile as the default web browser instead of the stock webkit-based Android browser. This could probably be in keeping with the lack of touchscreen on the netbook.

There is every indication that the AC100 will be a successful product in its category. There are a few hiccups, such as the provision of only 512Mb of RAM instead of at least 1GB, or very small resolution LCD0, or the presence of only one USB port. However, the overall presence of the netbook is pretty strong and it is backed by a solid brand name. Definitely a netbook to watch out for!

AC100 – At a Snapshot