Unveiling the Acer Iconia Tab A200 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Acer Iconia Tab A200

The Acer Iconia Tab A200 was introduced in January 2012, establishing itself as a notable addition in the world of Android tablets at that time. Although it has since been discontinued, its contribution to mobile computing remains noteworthy, offering a balance of functionality and affordability.

Hardware Specifications

The Acer Iconia Tab A200 is powered by the Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 chipset, which includes a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and ULP GeForce GPU. This setup was considered quite competent at the time of release, providing enough processing power to handle multimedia applications and everyday tasks efficiently. The device came with either 8GB or 16GB of internal storage and was equipped with 1GB of RAM, which, while modest by today’s standards, was typical for devices released in 2012. Users could expand storage via a microSDHC card slot, a popular feature for those requiring additional space for apps and media files.

Display and Design

The tablet sports a 10.1-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels. This results in a pixel density of around 149 ppi, providing a decent visual experience for web browsing, gaming, and streaming videos. The dimensions (260 x 175 x 12.4 mm) and weight (700 g) of the device make it relatively bulky, but the robust build quality compensates for the heft. The screen-to-body ratio stands at approximately 65%, which reflects the design trends of the era.

Software and Updates

Initially launched with Android 3.2 Honeycomb, the Acer Iconia Tab A200 had the capability to be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. This update brought several improvements, including a more refined user interface, enhanced multitasking features, and improved performance. The transition was significant for users, offering a better touch interface and more sophisticated app functionality.

Camera Performance

Equipped with a single 2 MP rear camera, the Iconia Tab A200 wasn't designed as a photographic powerhouse. Nonetheless, it sufficed for basic photography and video recording needs. The absence of a front-facing camera limited its appeal for video conferencing applications, a feature that was becoming increasingly desirable at the time.

Connectivity and Communication Features

The Iconia Tab A200 didn't offer cellular connectivity, which might seem like a limitation to some users. However, it had robust wireless options including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, and Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR for connecting to peripheral devices. The presence of microUSB 2.0, USB 2.0, and OTG compatibility provided versatile options for file transfers and connectivity with other devices.

Audio and Sound

The device featured a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing users to play audio either directly through the device or through external audio devices. While these features were standard, they ensured that users had the basic audio capabilities needed for multimedia consumption and communication.

Battery Life

The tablet is powered by a non-removable Li-Po 3260 mAh battery, providing up to 8 hours of multimedia usage. While battery life varies depending on usage patterns, the capacity was adequate enough for most daily activities without frequent recharging.

Sensor and Additional Features

An accelerometer and gyro sensor were included, allowing for more interactive applications and gaming experiences. These sensors supported applications that required motion input, adding to the device’s versatility.

Design and Aesthetics

The Acer Iconia Tab A200 was available in black, presenting a minimalistic and professional appearance. Its dimensions and weight were well-considered for its time, balancing durability with ease of handling.

Market Position and Pricing

Upon release, the Acer Iconia Tab A200 was priced at about 200 EUR, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious consumers. Its combination of features, performance, and price made it competitive in the mid-range tablet market.

Conclusion

Although discontinued, the Acer Iconia Tab A200 remains a testament to the rapid evolution of tablet technology during the early 2010s. With its feature set, the device provided efficient performance for its day, especially for multimedia consumption and basic computing tasks. Its affordability, coupled with a solid build and respectable performance, made it a popular choice for many users. While modern devices have surpassed the A200 in terms of performance and features, its legacy continues as part of the broader development path leading to today's advanced tablets.