Fujitsu targets enterprises with Android ICS tablet

Fujitsu plans to launch a 10in Android tablet with embedded 3G connectivity and 100 worth of enterprise software in mid-June, priced at 476.

The Stylistic M532 will feature specifications to rival the performance of high-end consumer devices, without compromising on security, the firm claimed.

Powered by a NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core 1.4GHz processor, the new tablet will come with 1GB of RAM and include 32GB of flash storage. 3G will be built-in as standard, with the tablet capable of supporting HSPA+ connectivity to provide download speeds of up to 21 Mbit/s.

The M532 could be deployed in place of a notebook as users can run Windows via a dock and Citrix Receiver, then switch to Android when on the move.

The 10.1in display will feature a 1280 x 800 resolution and 800:1 contrast ratio. Fujitsu has used Corning Gorilla Glass to help secure the device against drops, but the device is not marketed as rugged and, as such, isn't ideally suited for use in construction environments.

Other key features include a front facing two megapixel camera, 8-megapixel rear-facing camera and nine hours of video playback.

Fujitsu will ship the tablet with vanilla Android Ice Cream Sandwich and 100 worth of apps. The software bundle will include Adobe Acrobat Reader, ThinkFree Mobile, CyberLink PowerDVD Mobile, as well as the Citrix Receiver client and a 12-month subscription to Norton Tablet Security.

The firm will also offer its Fujitsu Managed Mobile software as an optional extra, which is designed to help IT admins manage and secure devices remotely. Pricing details of this software is yet to be announced, but Fujitsu confirmed this will be tailored to specific enterprise needs.

David Shaw, product marketing manager at Fujitsu, noted that the firm has chosen to use Android based on customer demand for the OS.

"Over the last 12 months we have noticed businesses increasingly use Android devices. With the M532 we're giving IT admins and employees a choice between Windows and a secure Android platform," he told IT Pro.

"The M532 is not a consumer tablet, but does retain all the multimedia functionality that you would expect from this class of device. We've given it a good wrap in terms of functionality, security and VDI."

Fujitsu envisages the device being used by employees working in the retail and beverage sectors as well as sales and marketing executives.

Shaw also touted the benefits of the Citrix Receiver app.

"The M532 could be deployed in place of a notebook. Users can use the tablet to run Windows in an office environment with a dock and Citrix Receiver, then switch to Android when on the move," he said.

"We've found the apps are key for some of our customers such as retailers. One of our clients is developing a catalogue app, which will be used specifically on the M532."

Fujitsu will start shipping the device in mid-June, priced at 476 including VAT. This makes it over 100 cheaper than the equivilant 32GB 3G iPad 3, which costs 579.

The firm is also in talks with telcos and there may be a subsidised version on offer as it is 3G capable.