Gigabyte has previously produced devices such as 2008's M704 -- a tablet-like ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) with a slide-out keyboard -- and a succession of portables whose screens fold over the keyboards to allow operation in tablet mode. But as far as we know, the new S1080 is the company's first unadulterated tablet device.

Gigabyte's S1080
(Click to enlarge)

Given the number of "me too" tablets out there, we're pleased to see that Gigabyte continues to march to a slightly different drummer. Most notably, the S1080 uses hard disk storage (320GB, 5,400rpm) rather than flash, which, while it might cause extra battery drain, provides the room for users to take their entire media libraries with them.

The S1080 is also available with an optional docking station (below), which adds a front-loading DVD drive, stereo speakers, three USB 2.0 ports, a line input, and a VGA output. The tablet itself has a VGA output too, plus one USB 2.0 port, one USB 3.0 port, audio I/O, an SD slot, a 1.3 megapixel camera, and an Ethernet port (seldom found on such devices these days).

Gigabyte's S1080 in its optional docking station
Source: Engadget

According to Gigabyte, the S1080 further includes an optical finger navigation button, left and right mouse buttons, plus buttons that may be used to scroll down pages without touching the screen. As for the latter, it provides the typical 10.1 inches of workspace along with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels, according to the company.

Gigabyte says the S1080 employs Intel's dual-core, 1.66GHz Atom N570 (with the NM10 I/O controller, we presume), provided with 2GB of DDR3 memory. Wireless connectivity includes 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, and an optional 3.5G cellular modem, the company adds.

The S1080's standard battery is a 4000mAh unit that's good for an unstated length of time. An optional extended battery (2700mAh) adds a "Jay Leno chin" and, according to Gigabyte, approximately three extra hours of cordless operation.

Specifications listed for Gigabyte's S1080 tablet include:

• Processor -- Intel Atom N570 (dual core, 1.66GHz)
• Chipset -- NM10
• Memory -- 2GB of DDR3 RAM
• Display -- 10.1-inch display with capacitive touch, 1024 x 600 pixel resolution
• Camera -- 1.3 megapixel
• Storage -- 320GB hard disk drive (5400rpm)
• Expansion -- SD slot
• Networking:
  • LAN -- Ethernet port
  • WLAN -- 802.11b/g/n
  • PAN -- BLuetooth 3.0
  • WWAN -- optional 3.5G cellular
• Other I/O:
  • 1 x USB 2.0
  • 1 x USB 3.0
  • VGA
  • audio -- mic in, headphone out
• Battery -- 4000mAh (standard); 2700mAh (optional)
• Dimensions -- 10.62 x 6.81 x 0.58 inches
• Weight -- 1.97 pounds

Further information

More information on Gigabyte's tablet may be found both at the retailer sites mentioned earlier in this story, and on the company's S1080 product page.

Jonathan Angel can be reached at jonathan.angel@ziffdavisenterprise.com and followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.

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