$99 Nexus Tablet May Arrive This Quarter

By Zak Islam
published

Decision to release budget-priced tablet makes sense to provide competition for iPad Mini.

Google is reportedly working with Taiwan-based Quanta Computer to create a $99 Nexus tablet, with a launch due by the end of the year.

According to DigiTimes' sources, the device will feature a single-core processor, but won't have input from Asus, who collaborated with Google for its Nexus 7 tablet.

Google's Nexus 7 is currently one of the cheapest tablets available on the competitive market. An 8GB model retails for $199, with a 16GB option boasting a price tag of $249.

Those models will also be joined by the all but confirmed 32GB edition. Following a consumer mistakenly receiving a 32GB version, and Carphone Warehouse confirming its existence, UK retailer Argos showcased the new variant in its Christmas Gift Guide, with a price tag of $323 (£199).

A 32GB Nexus 7 also appeared on Staples Advantage, a retail site for business users, which showcased a price tag of $248.37.

Google considerably improving its Nexus line shouldn't come as too much of a surprise due to the fact that Apple is holding an iPad Mini media event on Tuesday, with the soon-to-be-announced tablet reportedly set to retail between $250 and $300.

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Zak Islam
24 Comments Comment from the forums
  • kawininjazx
    If it can do Kindle, Angry Birds, and Words with Friends, it will sell very well.
    Reply
  • cumi2k4
    ainol already have good dual-core 7" tablet around $160 today... if this launch by the end of year, hopefully it will utilize quad-core processor (and microsd slot)
    Reply
  • amdwilliam1985
    "According to DigiTimes' sources, the device will feature a single-core processor, but won't have input from Asus, who collaborated with Google for its Nexus 7 tablet."

    Single core? Since Asus won't be part of the new $99 N7, how is the build quality? What about the screen?
    I hope google doesn't try to ruin the good name of N7.
    But on the other hand, if it runs decently at $99. I will definitely get it as Christmas gift for my parents and other close relatives.
    Reply
  • gsacks
    I know a lot of people will down rank this comment, but I am really looking forward to the iPad mini. I am going to get one for each of my kids for gifts this year.
    Reply
  • ddpruitt
    Apple made a tablet and made a pile of money.

    Google made a tablet and changed an industry.

    That's innovation, not endless lawsuits.
    Reply
  • Kami3k
    gsacksI know a lot of people will down rank this comment, but I am really looking forward to the iPad mini. I am going to get one for each of my kids for gifts this year.
    I downvoted you for being a obvious troll.
    Reply
  • The Tablet Wars of 2012 -- Another Company, Ainol Electronics -- also just launched some new tablets, including the Novo 7 Flame - priced at $189 at a U.S. site called TabletSprint - a 7" 16GB tablet with more quality features than Nexus 7 including a 1280x800 high resolution screen, Micro-SD, HDMI, 2 quality cameras and more... Next month they launch the "World's 1st" $99 Dual Core "Performance" tablet -- If you're not familar with Ainol Electronics - they won runner-up in CES / CNET's 2012 "Best Tablet of the Year" Award -- And will also have two new Hi-Res 10 Inch tablets coming out soon, one is a Dual Core for $209 and a Quad Core with a 1920x1200 Liquid Crystal display (like Apple's Retina screen) for around $275 --WOW- the only site that seems to offer them right now in the US is TabletSprint --
    Reply
  • killerclick
    I guess the idea is for everybody on the planet to have a tablet. That can't be bad.
    Reply
  • killerclick
    ddpruittApple made a tablet and made a pile of money.Google made a tablet and changed an industry.That's innovation, not endless lawsuits.
    Ok, but why didn't they do that in 2009 or at least sometime before April 2010? Hmmmm?
    Reply
  • @killerclick
    Actually Microsoft had a tablet way back in 2001, it just didn't catch on. Apple didn't invent it lol!
    Reply