Unveiling BLU Touch Book 97 Specs Pricing & Insights

Design and Build

The BLU Touch Book 9.7 comes with a sleek and straightforward design that was typical for tablets released in 2012. The device dimensions are 238 x 185 x 10 mm, making it compact enough for easy handling, while also being sturdy with a weight of 430 grams. It boasts a classic black color, enhancing its aesthetics for a professional look. While the device may not be the slimmest or lightest tablet, its build quality ensures durability, making it a reliable companion for everyday use.

Display

Featuring a 9.7-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD, the BLU Touch Book offers a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels at a 4:3 ratio, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 132 pixels per inch. This display setup was standard for its time and provided users with satisfactory visual clarity and viewing angles, making it suitable for activities like web browsing, reading, and media consumption. Although not dazzling by today’s standards, it offered an adequate experience for casual users.

Performance

Under the hood, the BLU Touch Book 9.7 is powered by a dual-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A9 processor, paired with a Mali-400 GPU. The chipset, Rockchip 3066, was efficient for its era, handling basic tasks such as browsing, video playback, and light gaming with relative ease. Equipped with 1 GB of RAM, multitasking capabilities were possible, although demanding applications might have slowed the device down. The hardware performance, aligned with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS, ensured smooth user interactions for routine functions.

Camera

Photography on the BLU Touch Book 9.7 is facilitated by a 2 MP autofocus rear camera, capable of recording 480p videos at 30 frames per second. This camera setup is modest, primarily serving basic photography needs like capturing documents or quick snapshots. The front-facing 2 MP camera is suitable for video calls and selfies, though users might find the image quality underwhelming compared to modern standards.

Storage and Connectivity

The tablet comes with 4 GB of internal storage, expandable via a dedicated microSDHC slot. This expansion option is vital for users who prefer keeping multimedia files and applications on their devices. In terms of connectivity, the BLU Touch Book does not support cellular connectivity but includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n for reliable internet access. Bluetooth 3.0 is available for connecting peripherals, while MicroUSB enables data transfer and charging.

Audio

Audio output on the BLU Touch Book 9.7 is facilitated by a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack which provides standard media consumption experiences. Although the audio quality might not rival hi-fi systems, it remains functional for casual listening alongside headphones when needed.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 6000 mAh battery, capable of providing up to 720 hours of standby time and up to 15 hours of talk time. This substantial battery capacity ensures that users could enjoy long hours of media consumption, browsing, or reading on a single charge, underscoring its utility for travelers or those frequently away from power sources.

Sensors and Additional Features

Sensor capabilities on the BLU Touch Book include an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, adding functional convenience for various applications like gaming and navigation. However, it lacks certain features prevalent in more modern devices, such as NFC, reducing its utility for some connectivity purposes.

Price and Availability

Upon its release in November 2012, the BLU Touch Book 9.7 was priced around 180 EUR, appealing to budget-conscious consumers seeking a straightforward tablet experience. Though currently discontinued, it served as a competitive option in the then-emerging tablet market, providing a solid balance of features and affordability.

Conclusion

The BLU Touch Book 9.7 encapsulates a piece of the evolving tablet zeitgeist of its time. With its balanced combination of necessary features, it was positioned as an accessible entry into the digital slate category for many consumers. Its durability, coupled with a respectable battery life, positioned it well for casual and educational uses. Despite its modest hardware, it cultivated a niche audience appreciative of its value and simplicity.