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Toshiba Thrive
When we first looked at the Toshiba Thrive, just before the official launch of the product, we didn’t know what to make of it. It’s Toshiba’s first major computing device off the Windows platform that we can remember (it runs Android). It’s also built with a processor from neither Intel nor AMD, as it runs with the Nvidia Tegra 2.
We love the Toshiba Thrive and can recommend it for enterprises seeking to integrate Android-based devices. (for more, watch CRN's video review of the Toshiba Thrive)
Here’s where Toshiba scores big with the Thrive:
Its support of HDMI, USB 2.0 and SD cards means that, unlike other tablets that are locked down, the Thrive will allow third-party media that’s encrypted, additional storage as needed, and enterprise-level display output where needed.
While not as thin, slick or evenly built as either an iPad 2 or Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, the Toshiba Thrive is built with a ridged, rubbery rear casing that actually feels comfortable to the touch and provides an easier grip than other tablets.
You can figure about 11 hours of battery life during moderate use, and about 90 minutes time to recharge to full. That’s fine.
Where Toshiba scores big points, though, is in its support of both the Android App Market and a quality-checked, Toshiba-approved “App Place” for Android apps. This is a big deal. Initially billed as a place for apps that are optimized for Toshiba tablet hardware, App Place has become a clearinghouse for QA’d Android Apps.
We’ve had concerns with the security and quality of numerous Android apps through both the Android App Market and the Web in general, but Toshiba has filtered out an app store’s worth of better apps and apps that can be acquired on a subscription model. When it comes to tablets, apps and mobility, Toshiba gets it.
It passes our cost and complexity test rather easily.
Technical Stars: 4
Channel Stars: 4
Price: $579 for 32 GB (list)
NEXT: Viewsonic ViewPad 10
