Filennials (or Filipino millennials) are fond of multitasking. While there is much debate on the real score of “multitasking”, it is trivial and entertaining that most of us are into of doing several things at once and (sometimes) proud of it.
Intel and Cherry Mobile are aware of this, and in fact, it is one of the reasons why they renewed their partnership and came up with new Intel-powered devices that can serve the needs of Filipino Millenials (primarily), whether for productivity or entertainment.
Last year, we got treated with an awesome lineup of Intel-powered devices that run on Windows operating system for mobile and laptop. The introduction of their Alpha series sparked an overwhelming interest on Windows and mobile productivity. Yes, productivity – because there isn’t much mobile games availab le on the Windows Store. I am a fan of their devices; in fact, we even crowned one of their devices as our gadget of the year last January 2015.
Last September 29, Cherry Mobile and Intel launched another set of devices that are packed with Intel processors. 2 devices – MAIA Fone i4 and MAIA Pad – are powered by Intel Atom X3-C3130, clocked at 1Ghz; and another one – the MAIA Smart Tab – powered by Intel Atom Z3735F, clocked at 1.8Ghz.
Intel Tablets for Juan
The two tablets launched by Cherry Mobile and Intel perfectly suit students and businessmen. Cherry Mobile MAIA Smart Tab is positioned as “your first dual boot device” at a very affordable pricepoint. Running on Windows 8.1 and Android Kitkat, MAIA Smart Tab can definitely help users to be productive using Windows-compatible applications like Microsoft Office; and enjoy the rich and entertaining apps via Android operating system. All these can be accessed by a single tap of a button and quick reboot. Cherry Mobile MAIA Pad, on the other hand, does not have the dual-boot features of the Smart TAB but can definitely be used as a daily driver but with bigger (7-inch) screen at 600 x 1024 resolution.
Cherry Mobile MAIA Smart Tab, PhP4999 dual-booter for the masses
Powered by an Intel Atom Z3735F, with processor clocked at 1.8Ghz, the MAIA Smart Tab features a Smart boot system that basically allows the device to boot 2 operating systems. With this device, the need for 2 devices – one that runs on Windows, and another one that runs on Android – may be curbed. On the technical side, having both operating systems compatible to a single device is quite a feat.
[su_spoiler title=”Did you know?” open=”yes” style=”fancy”]Cherry Mobile Alpha Morph has an Intel Atom Z3735D with a 64-bit processor clocked at 1.33Ghz. Cherry Mobile MAIA Smart Tab has an Intel Atom Z3735F with processor clocked at 1.8Ghz.[/su_spoiler]
Apart from its powerful mobile processor, the MAIA Smart Tab has a 32gb internal memory and may be expanded via microSD. It has an 8-inch 1280×720 (HD) screen and packed with 3800mAh battery. The tablet also has a 5mp rear camera and 2mp front camera.
Cherry Mobile MAIA Pad, PhP2999 entry-level tablet with Intel SoC
The MAIA Pad is the country’s first SoFia 3G-R powered device with a 64-bit processor clocked at 1.0Ghz (Intel Atom X3 – C3130). The device, to be honest, does not have overwhelming and powerful hardware specification but that shouldn’t be an issue. The device is primarily meant for people who aspire in owning their first tablet, thus the PhP2999 price.
Adding up to its hardware specs are its 7-inch screen, 8gb internal memory and 1gb RAM. The storage may be expanded up to 32gb via its microSD slot. Its cameras are somewhat basic: 2mp rear, and .3mp (VGA) front. The device has a 2800mAh battery.
We received review units of these devices and we’re posed to give you all our report in a few days. Meanwhile stay tuned for our unboxing contents and device walkthroughs for your reference on what you can find inside its retail boxes and how the devices look and (sort of) feel.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
