HCL unveils ME tablet range in India

HCL yesterday unveiled a new range of HCL ME tablets—the HCL ME U2, the HCL ME V1 and the HCL ME Y3. The Y3 is better quipped than the rest in the new range, and is probably the best of the three new tablets. It has a 1GHz Cortex A9 CPU, GPS, FM Radio and a mini HDMI Port. Strangely, the HCL Me Y3 also has dual-SIM support.

The HCL ME V1 is targeted at people who like to make calls with tablets. It is housed in a slim, metal body and has an integrated voice receiver, a call vibrate option and built-in EDGE support. It also has a two cameras, a proximity sensor and 1GB of DDR3 RAM. It also has a robust 3200 mAh Li-Po Battery and supports 11 3G USB dongles.

HCL is touting the V1 as a 'phablet'.

The HCL ME U2 has the lowest price tag among the three but has inferior specs too. It comes with a 1GHz Cortex A9 CPU, has 1GB of DDR3 RAM, supports Full HD content, and is compatible with 16 external USB dongles. You also get a mini HDMI port.

The U2 is the most affordable of the lot.

Some of the apps that come pre-loaded with the HCL ME tablets are Big-Flix, Cleartrip,  LinkedIn, NimBuzz, Twitter and Facebook. HCL is also offering MyEduWorld 1+1(MyEduWorld will be available for the new range of ME Tablets from April 2013 onwards), a Cleartrip travel voucher worth Rs 2,500, and a one-month subscription to digital magazines from Magzter including India Today, Filmfare, Cricket Today and more.

Gautam Advani, Global Head, Mobility Business Unit, HCL Infosystems Ltd, said, “Our tablets have created a substantial space of their own in the market in a short span of time and we have received great response from our customers. With the launch of the new range we are aiming at strengthening our portfolio in the phablet category as well. The ME tablets enable the youth of today to realise more out of life.”

HCL has also named cricketer Unmukt Chand as brand ambassador for the ME tablet range. Commenting on the occasion, Chand said, "I am very happy to be associated with HCL Infosystems. It’s truly a moment of pride for me to be a part of a brand that is committed to bringing a positive change in the life of the youth of today as well as being a huge enabler for their aspirations. HCL tablets are stylish, feature-rich, user friendly and will help the consumers get more from the gadget and their life. I look forward to a very fruitful relationship with the HCL ME Tab brand and the team.”

The HCL ME tablets will be supported by an integrated backup service—HCL Touch, which is a 24X7 one-touch service facility. As of now the tablets are available in select cities and will be available across the country sometime this month. The HCL ME U2 costs Rs 5,999, the V1 is priced at Rs 7,999 and the Y3 will leave you short of Rs 11,999.