It's a sign of the times: a company originally known for typewriters, and struggling to find its place in a tech-driven market, turns to manufacturing tablets. This week, Olivetti announced the release of the OliPad, staking its claim to a slice of the slab pie, and repositioning itself on the enterprise PC market. Heralded (at least by Olivetti) as Italy's first tablet, the OliPad sports a 10-inch screen, 3G, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity, NVIDIA Tegra 2, Android 2.2.2, and a 1024 x 600 display. It also features USB and HDMI ports and a 1.3 megapixel camera, but perhaps most telling is the simultaneous launch of the Application Warehouse, "a virtual storehouse of configurable and customizable software applications designed by Olivetti specifically for business and government." Considering the vast and varied competition, we'd say sticking to what it knows -- and Olivetti knows business solutions -- is probably a safe bet. Now, if they could just make the thing look as good as the Olivetti Valentine... The OliPad goes on sale this Monday for €399. Full PR after the break.[Thanks, ]
OLIVETTI LAUNCHES OLIPAD, ITALY'S FIRST TABLET
Milan, 28 February 2011
Olivetti today announces the launch of the OliPad, Italy's first tablet. The company is making its entrance into a market on which around 1.5 million terminals are forecast to be sold in Italy in 2011 (Source: IDC).
Offering a 10-inch touchscreen display and 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, the OliPad is designed for both Consumer and Business customers. The tablet offers access to a broad range of applications that are either pre-installed or may be downloaded from a dedicated App Shop. The OliPad's applications make it easy to websurf, social network, and access multimedia, published content, and full HD video playback. The OliPad goes on sale on 7 March at a price of €399 (including VAT).
The Olipad launch shows how Olivetti is repositioning itself on the software solutions and IT services markets characterized by the integration of hardware products and advanced services and applications.
The OliPad runs the Android operating system and comes equipped with USB/SD Card and HDMI ports to interface with any other device. The OliPad's Dual Cortex A9 NVidia processor offers above-average processing speeds and graphics performance. The device can be used with a wide range of accessories, ranging from a docking station to keyboards, a touch mouse and a capacitive pen. OliPad's basic set of applications offers access to multimedia content such as music, images, and full HD video content on the move. The device also offers access to a web browser, e-mail management, a calendar and contacts. e-reading software makes it a breeze to read ebooks directly on the 10-inch screen.
For the Business market, OliPad offers high levels of customization to cater to specific corporate requirements. The OliPad also offers access to an impressive range of applications via an Application Warehouse, a virtual storehouse of configurable and customizable software applications designed by Olivetti specifically for business and government. Powered by solution developer software houses, the Application Warehouse is accessible to Olivetti dealers so that they can build integrated solutions for their customers. A number of applications are supplied on a cloud computing basis, offering significant benefits in terms of reliability and cost optimization. Application Warehouse solutions include varying levels of customer care to cater to customer requirements, including a direct online helpdesk that leverages Olivetti's extensive customer care network.
Available applications include: digital catalogues and a guide to point of sale preparation dedicated to fashion industry networks; Sales Force Management applications dedicated to managing sales on the move; a Tool Enterprise Social Network targeted at team working inside and outside companies; and a Signature Workflow Management app for the digital signature of corporate documents.
OliPad will go on sale to the Consumer market via Telecom Italia's sales network, and will be available from TIM stores or by calling 187. Olivetti's new tablet will also be bundled with ADSL packages and TIM price plans. The OliPad will be sold to enterprises and the public sector through Olivetti and Telecom Italia's dedicated sales networks.
I worked on the original computer by Olivetti when they were known as Olivetti Underwood Corp. It was the Programma 101. When they started in the banking terminal business I helped translate the tech Book from Italian to english and was a natinal trouble shooter for the machine. At that time, most of the design engineers were mechanical engineers, therefore the machine was more mechanics than electronics. They proceeded to hire many technicians right out of electronics schools, who did not understand mechanics at all, so our team of trouble shooters working out of New York, spent all our time on the road. One of my trips was even to Alaska.
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So why is the Xoom so expensive since they are both powered by similar same parts ( ie, Tegra 2). I mean I can't imagine the 3G chipset is that expensive? If the reviews are good, it may still be cheaper for me to buy this an ship it to America.
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