Haven’t we seen the “new” iTablet somewhere before..?

We suspect that X2 Mobile Computing is hoping to ride on the coattails of the Apple iPad with its announcement last week of the iTablet, but it’s keeping quiet on the specifics of this slate PC for the time being.

Judging from the press release (below) and supplied photo, the iTablet is really just a netbook without a keyboard — it uses a 1.6GHz Intel processor (X2 Mobile Computing doesn’t say which, but we presume an Atom of some description) and packs a hard drive, Wi-Fi, optional 3G and webcam behind a 10.2” or 12.1” touchscreen.

The whole thing weighs in at 1.18kg for the 10.2” iTablet (twice as much as an Apple iPad) and runs Windows 7 or Linux. X2 Mobile Computing is cagey on the price too, but puts April as the launch date in its press release.

That’s all there is to go on at this stage, but a little digging has revealed that the X2 Mobile Computing iTablet looks very similar to the 12.1” AMTek iTablet that first appeared a few years ago.

SlashGear first picked up on the AMTek iTablet in 2007, but GadgetVenue responded with a video review in which the reviewer claims to have been already using the device for a couple of years by that point. That makes the AMTek iTablet five years old, maths fans.

So, we wonder just how “revolutionary” the X2 Mobile Computing iTablet will be? It looks we won't know until April, so until then, here’s the press release:

iTABLET – A NEW GENERATION OF WINDOWS-BASED TABLET COMPUTERS FROM X2

Coming hot on the heels of Apple’s latest product launch is the powerful new iTablet range of portable computers offering a real alternative to users wishing to continue to use their existing Microsoft Windows-based applications. With first shipments starting in April 2010 from X2 Computing, one of the UK ’s fastest growing developers of mobile computing solutions, the iTablet will revolutionise the way that Windows users can access and use data on the move.

The iTablet range has a user interface that will be familiar to mobile phone owners but with 10.2” widescreen TFT or 12.1” widescreen XGA screens that feature touch and optional multi touch wrapped in stunning slim-line bezels. They have large, easy to use on-screen keyboards and powerful integrated graphics processors that deliver high quality visually stunning images at up 1024 x 768 resolution. This makes the iTablet an excellent e-reader that displays text and news the way it is meant to be read. The iTablet also provides high definition content playback to deliver a rich multimedia experience and the screen can be viewed in portrait or landscape format.

Intel micro processors up to 1.6GHz with 2GB of cache enable the use of Windows 7, Windows Tablet or open sourced Linux based operating systems. They provide high levels of processing performance enabling multiple applications to run simultaneously – something that cannot be achieved with some other operating systems. They also deliver a 20% reduction in power consumption over the previous generation of processors with an extended battery life, enough for the most dedicated user.

The iTablet range offers a superior memory storage capacity of up to 250GB giving users significantly more room to keep important pictures, films, music and applications with audio playback can be through the built-in stereo speakers or headset. With up to three in-built USB 2.0 ports, users have the flexibility to connect peripheral devices including additional external hard drives. The range includes versions with a built-in 1.3 mega-pixel USB camera and optional HDMI output is also available to enable high quality playback of HD video through larger TV screens.

ITablets are fully equipped with Bluetooth, optional 3G and GSM as well as built-in 802.11b/g networking enabling users to easily connect to wireless networks to download and edit their files or access the internet. Significantly, Flash animations can be played to maximise the web browsing experience and enable access to websites using a choice of browser software.

According to Robin Daunter, Technical Director of X2 Computing and formerly Head of R&D at Evesham Technology: “Prepare for the next revolution in mobile computing. The iTablet is extremely powerful with a vast array of features and data storage capacity and, what is more, it uses the well received Microsoft Windows 7 operating system making it a more compelling proposition for users wishing to share data with their existing Windows-based systems and networks. iTablets can be used in a wider range of business and home environments and will deliver a lower cost of ownership over the operational life of the equipment.”

“iTablet will empower users with unlimited technology and advanced multimedia access across multiple platforms without being restricted to exclusive content providers,” added Jonathan Wharrad, R&D Director of X2 Computing. “This new breed of Windows-based computer takes design, functionality and solution fit to new and higher levels.”

The iTablet range is compact and lightweight sized from just 252mm(h) x 192mm(w) x 35mm(d) and weighing from 1.18kg. A range of accessories are available including batteries, mains adaptors, stands and display options for use in sunlight conditions. It is available in a range of solid and metallic colours including white, grey, pink, blue, red, yellow and black.

 [ X2 Mobile Computing]