The Omnipad M71-3G provides a television function, which allows users to watch their favorite free-to-air channels even without cellular or network access.
Local PC company, Neo Manufacturing and Services, Inc., has re-entered the tablet market to commemorate its 10th year in the business of selling low-cost desktop and laptop PCs.
The Android-based Omnipad M71-3G and Omnipad R72 tablets succeed the company’s first 10-inch Froyo-based Omnipad tablet which was launched in 2010 but was eventually pulled out of the market.
“We are elated and excited at achieving this milestone after ten years in the business,” said Jason Cheng, Founder, Neo Manufacturing and Services, Inc. “Entering the mobile hardware market, particularly tablets, should allow us to reach and serve a broader mass of users.”
Running on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), the Omnipad M71-3G provides a television function, which allows users to watch their favorite free-to-air channels even without cellular or network access. In addition, the Omnipad can act as a GPS receiver, specifically used for vehicle navigation.
The device offers standard Bluetooth, 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity with a 1.2 GHz Dual Core processor and 7” OMNIBright 1024×768 display. It has both front (0.3MP) and rear (2MP) cameras.
The Omnipad can also be used for calls and texts, supporting 3G, GSM-based cellular networks, with dual-SIM registration. It has built-in 1GB memory, 8GB internal storage and a Micro-SD slot, which is expandable up to 32GB.
The full-featured Omnipad M71 has a suggested retail price of P6,999.00.
The NEO Omnipad R72 features an RK2926 Cortex A9 processor, Android Jellybean 4.1 Operating System, a 512 MB memory and a 4 GB flash storage.
The NEO Omnipad R72 on the other hand features an RK2926 Cortex A9 processor, Android Jellybean 4.1 Operating System, a 512 MB memory, along with a 4 GB flash storage (expandable to 32 GB micro SD capacity), a 7-inch multi-touch LCD screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, back and front cameras, and a 3000 mAh battery.
Customers can purchase the entry level Omnipad R72 for only P3,999.00.
“More and more people are using tablets for communications, Internet access for business, research, social networking, gaming, and even entertainment, such as watching movies or listening to music,” Cheng said. “It is not a fancy gadget for the niche market, it’s slowly becoming a necessary tool for everyone.”
Neo’s decision to introduce tablets in the 7-inch form factor is a good move as 7-inch, Wi-Fi only tablets are popular among Filipino consumers.
Technical Support
Clare Ibanez, brand manager of Neo, announced that the Omnipad comes with a “first-of-its-kind warranty merchandise arrangement.”
She explained that the customer just needs to call 1-800-10-5311671 (531-1671 for Greater Metro Manila area) if they need technical support. A NEO Technical Expert will identify and troubleshoot if there are problems with the unit. Afterwards, a pick-up schedule will be agreed upon by both the NEO Technical Expert and the customer. Within seven working days from the day of pick-up, a replacement/repaired unit will be sent to the customer.
Key to Neo’s Future
Derek Chua, Neo’s Vice President for Sales and Marketing, reveals that the tablet is key to the future of the company’s business.
“While we intend to continue our dominance in the notebook space, we want to establish Neo as a major tablet player,” says Chua. “We will develop a full range of products to provide tablet solutions for every Filipino.”
Chua hinted that future tablets from Neo will have bigger screens, run on a Windows operating system and support 3G or 4G connections.
Neo’s Beginnings
Neo began its business operations as a partner of the Philippine Long Distance and Telecommunications Company (PLDT), providing personal computers (PCs) bundled with PLDT services.
Earlier this year, Neo launched its Élan notebook gaming series to provide mobility, functionality and hardware quality to the country’s avid gamers.
“We’ve enhanced our channel partner program through marketing support. To date, we are celebrating a decade of partnership with six trusted retailers in the country, and the list of partners continues to grow.”
Neo’s resellers include Octagon, PC Express, PC Corner, Silicon Valley, Techead and Compex.
