While the Consumer Electronics Show is usually an opportune time to show off something new to the crowd, Acer isn’t satisfied in doing only that. Instead, it is now also announcing the next iteration of its tried and tested affordable Android tablets, the Acer Iconia A1 and the Iconia B1.
Between the two, the Iconia A1, which now bares the model number A1-830, changed the most, though it still remains the same in many ways. Acer boasts of the use of IPS display technology, though that has been the case ever since the Iconia A1-810. Unfortunately, the 7.9-inch display still has the same 1024×768 resolution. The biggest change to the Iconia A1-830 is the heart of the device. The tablet now runs on an Intel processor, a 1.6 GHz Clover Trail+ Atom Z2560, instead of the old quad-core MediaTek CPU. Externally, the Acer Iconia A1 has also stepped up a bit, now sporting a stylish silver design that gives off a premium device impression.
The Iconia B1-720 has also changed, but not considerably so. The CPU has been boosted to a 1.3 GHz dual-core processor, probably a MediaTek chip, and RAM is now at 1 GB. For this newer model, Acer has employed One Glass Solution technology to produce a thinner and brighter display that brings objects closer to the screen for an improved touch experience. The 7-inch display, unfortunately, has seemingly not changed a single bit in terms of pixel resolution. The speakers and microphone have been relocated to the front for better video calls. Buyers will have a choice of red or gray colors for the front bezel but all models sport the same black textured rear design.
Both the Iconia A1-830 and the Iconia B1-720 will be running a rather older Android 4.2 version. The new Iconia A1 is expected to go on sale during the first quarter of this year with a price tag of $179.99 $149.99 while the refreshed Iconia B1 will be heading to the market in mid-January for a lower $129.99 price tag. Both tablets will be making their debut on January 6 at CES 2014 in Las Vegas.
[Update] Acer has reached out letting us know about a change in price for the Iconia A1-830. The price is now shown to be $149.
