iFreeTablet: the GNU/Linux Answer to the iPad

The iFreeTablet is a tablet computer developed by Spanish EATCO Group at the University of Cordoba. The tablet set to be presented on February 4, 2010 is built on free software and aims to be a lower cost competitor with products from Apple, Google, and Microsoft.

The EATCO Group states that the iFreeTablet caps more than 20 years of research in the fields of usability, ergonomics, and adaptive devices and combines advanced functionality with a highly intuitive touch screen interface. The user interface of iFreeTablet O.S is based on the desktop concept with a categorized menu for organizing installed software hierarchically.

The IFreeTablet has a 10.2" touch screen and is powered by a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor. It comes with 160GB HDD, built-in Ethernet and WiFi 802.11b/g support, a 1.3MP camera, 3 USB ports, VGA out, card reader, Kensington Lock, and optional 3G. The tablet weighs about 2.27lbs (1.03kg) including the battery that lasts up to 2.5hrs.

For a device targeted at consuming rather than creating the battery life is certainly too low. Still, looking at the software based on Debian GNU/Linux, the hardware, and the expected cost between €300 (~ US$415) and €400 (~ US$555) the IFreeTablet seems to be a much more reasonable offer than Apple's iPad with its built-in failures.

Update

Linux Magazine Spain posted an update on Facebook stating that they called Carlos De Castro Lozano, professor at the University of Cordoba. He confirmed that they are working on improving the battery life and the tablet, that will go on sale, will have a better battery. Moreover, he talked about accessibility, the tablet can be controlled by moving the eyebrows.