Marvell, a manufacturer of semiconductors, has announced a new multimedia tablet that is designed for K-12 students. The tablet is called, Moby, and it will retail for significantly less than other tablet devices. The device will feature 1080p full-HD and 3D media, full flash internet, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/FM/GPS connectivity, and support for Android and Windows Mobile.
According to the press release, the tablet will address three key issues associated with textbooks including: the cost, weight, and the fact that printed textbooks are quickly outdated. A posting on the ZDNet blog points out that other e-readers can address the same issues but with its low price point this tablet could gain mass adoption. Another posting from Christopher Dawson at ZDNet notes that the Moby tablet will run Linux and consumers may expect the tablet device to run on an operating system such as Windows. Dawson says that the features and usability of the device will also have to be compelling because the price alone may not be enough.
A release date for the Moby tablet has not been announced but Marvell is planning to pilot the device with the District of Columbia Public School System in Washington D.C. Marvell will donate a tablet to every child in an at-risk school as part of a program in new media and learning.
