Earlier this year, Nvidia launched its own gaming-focused tablet called the SHIELD (just like Nvidia's Tegra 4-based portable console). The tablet came with a Tegra K1 processor that consisted of four 2.2 GHz Cortex A15r3 CPU cores and a Kepler-based GPU -- currently the most powerful mobile GPU in the market -- making it ideal for a gaming tablet.
That model also came with a stylus, 16 GB of storage, 2 GB of RAM, 5MP cameras in the back and front (both supporting HDR processing, which Nvidia can accelerate with its chip), dual-band WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0. The first SHIELD model has been available for the $299 price, unlocked.
Today, Nvidia announced a new model that's identical in specs for the most part but adds LTE and 32 GB of storage for $100 more, bringing its price to $399 unlocked or $299 on contract (on AT&T's network).
The LTE version can be useful for people taking the tablet to places where they don't have WiFi access yet still want to be able to download games or browse the web and chat with friends. Of course, that could be pricey on LTE, because graphically-intensive mobile games are quite large in size these days.
The extra 16 GB of storage should also be useful for a gaming tablet, as even 32 GB is probably going to feel cramped for most SHIELD customers. Fortunately, the SHIELD tablet also has a microSD slot, and its storage can be expanded up to 128 GB. (Keep in mind, though, that not all games or apps can be moved to the SD card.)
We have to assume the SHIELD series of devices from Nvidia have been relatively successful, at least in promoting Nvidia's own chips; otherwise, Nvidia would probably stop making them and adding more models to the series.
Nvidia's SHIELD tablet is available at Nvidia's online store; at Amazon, Best Buy, Fry's Electronics, GameStop, Micro Center, Newegg and Tiger Direct in the US; and at many top retailers in Europe.
Nvidia has been rumored to have its Tegra K1 chip in the upcoming Nexus 9 tablet and one of the initial Android TV boxes, so the SHIELD tablet shouldn't be the last gaming-focused device we're going to see with the Tegra K1 chip this year.
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