Acer launches Iconia B1 in India for Rs 7,999

After an international launch at CES 2013, Acer Iconia B1 tablet has made its way almost simultaneously to Indian markets as international ones. The Jelly Bean tablet launched at a price of Rs 7,999 aims to be a superior entry level tablet.

The Google Android 4.1 OS (Jelly Bean) based Iconia B1 is powered by 1.2GHz dual-core processor for enhanced performance and a great gaming experience. The 7-inch capacitive multi-touch screen comes with a resolution of 1024 x 600. Acer claims that the Iconia B1’s resolution is at least 60 percent better than the peer offerings and will enhance user experience while watching videos, e-reading, web browsing and playing games on the move.

Packed with features, yet affordable

The Iconia B1 is easy to hold and use with one hand; a triangular corner grip on the lower left side improves single-hand usage even more. It's also easy to tote around in a bag or jacket at a feather-light 320 grams, making it one of the lightest 7-inch tablets in the market.

Available as 8GB version with the option to expand up to 32GB via microSD slot, the Iconia B1 is the ideal easy companion for tablet newbies or children while adults use their own. The Iconia B1 also has a front facing camera to facilitate video calling, as is the norm with most tablets today.

Acer says that the Iconia B1 is ideal for consumers who are on the lookout for a portable solution as well as the youth and new users considering its specifications and low pricing. The tablet provides for high screen resolution, video playback and a fluid, touch-friendly experience that is highly optimised for speed. The Iconia B1 also delivers high quality sound and provides audio enhancing options for movies and games.

At the price point of Rs. 7,999, the B1 will compete with many other budget tablets from the likes of Karbonn, Micromax etc. Announcing the launch, Mr. S. Rajendran, Chief Marketing Officer, Acer India, said that he believed that the tablet PC market in India has been one of the fastest growing segments and has potential to grow even further in 2013. He also assured that he Iconia B1 was geared to exceed consumer expectation. “Our strong channel partner network across the country will ensure that every consumer gets a chance to enjoy this exciting new product from the house of Acer,” he added.

Here are the main features of the Acer Iconia B1:

• Android Jelly Bean operating system
• Mediatek dual-core 1.2GHz processor (MTK 8317T)
• 7-inch diagonal WSVGA capacitive multitouch screen with 1024 x 600 resolution display
• 8GB of internal storage and 512MB DDR3 memory
• Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n -Bluetooth 4.0 -GPS
• 3.5mm headset/headphone/microphone jack
• Internal speaker
• microSD expansion slot with up to 32GB support
• Front-facing 0.3-megapixel webcam
• Rechargeable 2,710 mAh battery
• micro-USB (charging and PC connect) with USB 2.0
• Dimensions: 197.4 mm x 128.5 mm x 11.3 mm
• Weight: 320 g 

It was earlier revealed that with the Acer Iconia B1, Acer planned to take on the Nexus 7 tablet. With a budget friendly price of Rs. 7,999 in India, the Iconia B1 might just find enough followers to take over the entry level tablet market.