Toshiba has begun selling its answer to the Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab: the Folio 100. First announced during the IFA 2010 conference in September, the 10.1-inch slate packs a 1024x600 capacitive multitouch display and a dual-core 1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 system-on-a-chip (SoC) that can pump 1080p video over the device's mini HDMI port.

Other hardware includes 16GB of internal flash storage that is expandable via an SD/MMC card reader, a USB port, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 and optional 3G connectivity, a 1.3- webcam, and an accelerometer. Toshiba's tablet weighs 1.67lbs and is rated for seven hours of battery life with typical use, slightly heavier and less juice than the iPad.

The Folio 100 runs Android 2.2 and we hope Toshiba supports future releases but nothing is official. Although it's powered by Google's mobile operating system, the slate doesn't ship with access to the official Android Market. Instead, you'll have to rely on Toshiba's Market Place for apps along with the preinstalled media, messaging and other software.


Toshiba is shipping its tablet to Europeans in Wi-Fi and 3G versions, with pricing set between €329 and €529. Germans can expect to pay €429 for the Wi-Fi model or €529 for 3G connectivity, while the same devices are €399 and €499 in Italy. Meanwhile, UK shoppers will find the Wi-Fi version for €329. Toshiba hasn't set a release date or pricing for the US.

Toshiba's Folio 100 arrives alongside an update on Dell's convertible Inspiron Duo. With so many tablets on the horizon, many question the future of netbooks. Just this week a Microsoft GM said tablets are definitely cannibalizing netbook sales – something we've heard a few times since the launch of Apple's iPad, which has sold over 7.5 million units.