HTC Flyer 7-inch 1.5GHz Android Tablet Loaded with HTC Software Treats

We were beginning to wonder where HTC had been hiding as D-Day approaches for the Tablet World War. Most of the Q1 devices we were promised look destined for Q2. Thankfully, HTC just came to the table. Without a doubt the most popular phone designer for the hardcore tech crowd, HTC has plans to deliver the HTC Flyer with Android Version 2.4. Google's versioning system is a bit confusing and 2.4 might still be a phone fork and not on the new tablet path. Tablet OS underneath or not, this 7-inch tablet shares most of the same basic features as the Samsung Galaxy Tab but with a few serious tweaks. The processor is a 1.5 GHz Qualcomm that is notably only single-core (Honeycomb was once rumored to only run with Dual Core CPUs). Bluetooth 3.0 has also been shoehorned into the svelte device for enhanced PAN communications.

Stylin' Stylus included. When HTC includes a stylus, apparently they mean it. The Flyer has been loaded with HTC's popular sense UI and tons of pen-hanced functionality. Take pen notes directly on web pages or touch up photos with your CG airbrush, all possible with included software. Adding that note-taking ability is a functional vacuum that many manufacturers are looking to fill. Note and voice recording and merging (a la Pulse Digital Pen) is also included. Only GSM and HSPA+ 3G flavors have been mentioned so it may be awhile before CDMA carriers like Verizon or Sprint get a hold of these. However, Verizon's success with all things Android and Sprint's comeback stallion the Evo may entice those CDMA vendors to push those doors open. Look for announcements from wireless partners on subsidized availability in the next few weeks. Unlocked prices are rumored at around $1000 which hopefully means that carrier blessed versions will debut around $400 with contract of course.