Msi has launched three new Android tablets at its Computex press conference - the 7in Primo 71, 8in Primo 81 and 9.7in Primo 93. All three run the latest 4.2 version of Android and should be launching in select territories later this year.
The entry-level Primo 71 is a 7in slate designed to compete with the likes of Google's Nexus 7 - with a dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM, it should be reasonably quick when loading apps on Android 4.2.
If the 16GB of internal memory isn't sufficient, you'll be able to add up to 64GB of extra storage using the MicroSD card slot. There's also Micro USB and Micro HDMI port, along with the standard 3.5mm audio jack.
The larger Primo 93 has an integrated SIM card slot for 3G connectivity, along with an Allwinner A31s quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM. Its 9.7in, 1,024x768 resolution display uses an IPS panel for improved viewing angles over cheaper TN panels, although we weren't able to judge screen quality on the non-functional demo unit MSI had on its stand.
A 2-megapixel camera on the rear of the tablet will let you take still images or record 720p video. The entire back side is protected by a brushed metal insert, whereas the rest of the chassis is made from black matt plastic. There are MicroSD, MicroUSB and Micro HDMI ports, plus a 3.5mm audio jack at the side of the device, so you should have no trouble getting connected.
The most exciting announcement looks to be the Primo 81 - it's a 7.85in tablet that looks almost identical to an Apple iPad Mini - unfortunately we'd left our iPad at home so couldn't compare the two directly, but the white front bezel, curved edges and aluminium rear panel are a spitting image for Apple's device.
It's about 8mm thick and weighs 323g, with the same 1,024x768 resolution IPS screen as the iPad Mini dominating the front of the tablet. At the bottom, a full compliment of ports includes HDMI, micro USB, MicroSD card slot and 3.5mm audio jack. There's a front-facing webcam and rear 2-megapixel camera for taking quick snaps.
Powered by an AllWinner A31s quad-core processor, paired with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal memory, it should be a fairly capable entry-level device if it launches for the right price.
Further details regarding all three tablets have yet to be announced, so we'll have to wait until the Computex show floor opens tomorrow to get an idea of pricing or availability for the UK - if they are coming at all. We were told that MSI had already decided not to launch in the US, but we'll be sure to ask the right people whether to expect each tablet in Britain.
