Plum Link Unveiling Specs Prices and Insights

Introduction to Plum Link Tablet

The Plum Link Tablet was launched in August 2012 and released in October of the same year. Categorized under entry-level tablets, it aimed to provide essential features for everyday use without the burdening costs associated with higher-end models. Although it has been discontinued, its specifications reveal aspects about the early development of budget-friendly tablets.

Network Capabilities and Design

The Plum Link Tablet was not designed with cellular connectivity, emphasizing its intended use within Wi-Fi accessible areas. With no support for 2G bands, GPRS, or EDGE, it achieved simplicity over connectivity.

The physical design of the tablet is modest, featuring dimensions of 193 x 120 x 11 mm and a weight of 260 grams. It came in two color variants: black and white, appealing to users who preferred a minimalist aesthetic. The absence of a SIM card slot further underlines its reliance on Wi-Fi.

Display Characteristics

Equipped with a TFT screen capable of displaying 256K colors, the Plum Link has a 7.0-inch display. This ensures a screen-to-body ratio of about 60.2%. The resolution stands at 480 x 800 pixels, with a pixel density of approximately 133 pixels per inch. While not particularly high-resolution by today's standards, it served adequately for basic multimedia consumption.

Platform and Performance

The Plum Link Tablet was powered by the Android 4.0, known as Ice Cream Sandwich, which was considered a significant step forward in Android's history for improving the overall user experience. The CPU clocked at 1.2 GHz, combined with 512MB RAM, made it fit for general use cases such as browsing, reading, and light applications. However, it struggled with more resource-intensive tasks.

Storage and Expandability

Internal storage stood at a modest 4GB, which limited the number of applications and media that could be stored locally. This could be expanded thanks to a dedicated microSDHC card slot, pivotal for users needing more space for apps and files.

Camera Features

The tablet featured a single 1.3 MP main camera capable of capturing basic images and videos. Absent were more advanced camera features such as autofocus or flash, making it nearly redundant for serious photography. The absence of a front camera means it wasn't equipped for video calls or selfies.

Audio and Communication Options

The device included both a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, accommodating standard audio output preferences. While it supported Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g), other communication technologies such as Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, and radio were notably absent, simplifying the device at the cost of connectivity diversity. The inclusion of a miniUSB 2.0 port allowed for basic data transfer and charging capabilities.

Sensors and Other Features

The presence of an accelerometer was the sole sensor feature, allowing basic orientation and motion detection used in many standard applications. This was typical of tablets in its class at the time.

Battery Life

The Plum Link Tablet used a non-removable Li-Ion 2800 mAh battery. It was rated to offer up to 120 hours of standby time and up to 8 hours of talk time, ensuring reasonable power longevity for short trips or periods away from power sources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Plum Link Tablet from 2012 serves as a profile of what budget technology aimed to achieve during that era. It struck a balance between affordability and functionality, appealing to users who needed a basic, low-cost device primarily for media consumption, light application use, and internet surfing via Wi-Fi. Although discontinued, its examination provides insight into the progression of entry-level tablets and consumer expectations from mobile devices over time.