Unveiling the Toshiba Excite AT200 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Toshiba Excite AT200

The Toshiba Excite AT200, launched in September 2011 and released in January 2012, was one of the slimmest tablets of its era. Known for its sleek design and lightweight build, this tablet offered users a compact yet powerful device for everyday tasks. Although it has been discontinued, its technological specifications and features provide a glimpse into the evolving landscape of tablets during the early 2010s.

Design and Body

One of the standout features of the Toshiba Excite AT200 was its slim profile, measuring merely 7.7 mm in thickness and weighing 558 grams. This made it highly portable and easy to handle, ideal for users who were always on the go. The tablet's dimensions of 256 x 176 mm gave it a substantial screen presence without being unwieldy. The absence of SIM support meant it was solely reliant on Wi-Fi for connectivity, which was typical of many tablets at that time.

Display

The tablet sported a 10.1-inch LED-backlit LCD screen, offering a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. Although the pixel density of approximately 149 ppi was modest by today's standards, it provided clear and vibrant visuals, suitable for browsing, multimedia consumption, and light gaming. The screen-to-body ratio of around 65.6% ensured that the display was prominent while maintaining a narrow bezel.

Performance and Platform

At the heart of the Excite AT200 was the TI OMAP 4430 chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor. Coupled with 1GB of RAM, the tablet delivered smooth performance for basic computing needs. Its PowerVR SGX540 GPU was capable of handling graphical tasks, making it suitable for media playback and simple 3D games. Running Android 3.2 Honeycomb, it provided a user-friendly interface with access to numerous applications via the Google Play Store.

Memory and Storage

Users had the choice between 16GB and 32GB storage options, allowing for flexibility based on usage needs. The inclusion of a microSDHC card slot offered additional storage space, addressing potential concerns over limited internal capacity and enabling users to store more apps, photos, videos, and other media files.

Camera Features

Toshiba equipped the Excite AT200 with a 5MP rear camera featuring auto-focus and an LED flash, capable of 720p video recording. While not groundbreaking, these features allowed users to capture respectable photos and videos for personal use. A 2MP front-facing camera facilitated video calls and selfies, catering to the growing trend of video communication.

Audio and Multimedia

The tablet came with stereo speakers, providing a satisfactory audio output for media consumption. A 3.5mm audio jack was available for users who preferred a private listening experience with headphones. The device served as a competent multimedia companion, offering various avenues for entertainment, from streaming to gaming.

Connectivity

Though lacking cellular connectivity, the tablet offered comprehensive options for wireless communication, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR support. These features ensured reliable connectivity for browsing, file transfers, and peripheral connections. Additionally, GPS and A-GPS functionality enhanced its utility for navigation and location-based services.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Excite AT200 was equipped with essential sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, and compass, which contributed to a smooth and intuitive user experience in terms of orientation and motion detection. These sensors supported a range of applications, enhancing gameplay, navigation, and overall device interaction.

Battery Life and Usage

Powered by a non-removable Li-Ion battery, the Excite AT200 promised up to 8 hours of multimedia usage. This was sufficient for a day's worth of browsing, video watching, and light productivity, making it a practical choice for users needing moderate battery performance throughout their day.

Price and Value

At launch, the Toshiba Excite AT200 was priced around 530 EUR, positioning it within the mid-to-high range market segment. For its time, it offered a balanced mix of design, performance, and features, appealing to both technology enthusiasts and typical consumers seeking a reliable tablet experience.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Toshiba Excite AT200 represented a landmark development in tablet technology. With its thin and lightweight design, respectable performance metrics, and versatile feature set, it embodied the growing trend towards compact yet capable personal computing devices. Although it has been discontinued, its legacy lives on in the continuous evolution of tablets that strive to deliver even better performance, design, and user experience.