First International Computer gave me a T-Shirt last year after we reviewed their N450 based ‘Tycoon’ tablet and strangely enough, I’m wearing it today as I read their press release! We were impressed with the screen and build quality and thought they might have a chance for some sales. At that time FIC said they were also looking to do a reference design with Oaktrail so I was a little disappointed when I heard today that the Tycoon+ is still being offered with Pinetrail.

FIC have upped the CPU spec to N550 and included a Broadcom Crystal HD unit which does make it more interesting for Windows users but that’s not going to put it ahead of the pack come the end of Computex this week. It was more interesting last year.

Press release:

Taipei, Taiwan, May 31, 2011 – First International Computer, Inc. (FIC), a world leader in the design and production of electronic devices today unveiled their dual-core Windows 7 tablet at Computex. The FIC’s Tycoon+ is equipped with a 10.1-inch wide capacitive multi-touch screen, powered by Intel® Atom™ N550 processor and supports 3G wireless connection. The Tycoon+ is designed for both professional mobile worker and multimedia enjoyment.

“According to some market research companies that estimate the global tablet will reach 54 million units shipped in 2011, the sales volume of tablet and other mobile internet devices will grow to 50% market share over the worldwide computer devices. This market begins to crystallize and we can see how the influence of tablet on today’s digital life is so big,” stated Alex Dee, vice president of Sales, FIC. “FIC has taken a lead in developing tablet amongst the many competitors. The Tycoon+ is created to be high productivity and entertainment for mobile users. It is efficient, and furthermore it provides the outstanding multitasking performance.”

Featuring an Intel® Atom™ N550 dual-core processor, the Tycoon+ offers an impressive executive commitment on running any program or working multiple programs smoothly. Benefiting from advanced dual-core technology and improving system performance, FIC’s Tycoon+ is designed to provide exceptional functionality for daily mobile computing.

The Tycoon+ comes with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and an optional 3G/WCDMA support. Users can enjoy a high speed internet access anytime at anywhere. Engineered with a Bluetooth interface, Tycoon+ allows transferring the data wirelessly and instantly.

A Broadcom Crystal HD media processor is installed to support the marvellous Full HD 1080p video playback. Moreover, with two high quality stereo sound boxes built-in, the Tycoon+ is perfectly a great multimedia center for extraordinary entertainment.

The Tycoon+ is wrapped on black soft-touch paint in the rear case. Stream end profile with compact design bring out the most luxurious and professional style. “The black soft-touch paint design makes the Tycoon+ stylish and exquisite,” said Andy Lo, the Sales and Marketing Director of FIC. “It’s the ideal mobile device for business users and offers a comfortable hand grabbing area both in vertical and horizontal position without touching the screen,” “It’s one of our remarkable masterpieces of product art.”

To learn more about FIC and FIC’s Tycoon+ tablet, see FIC at Computex 2011, NanGang Exhibition Hall, booth no. M303a or see www.fic.com.tw

Model Tycoon+ TVB01 Series

• Windows 7 operating system support

• 1.5 GHz, Intel® Atom N550 Dual-Core processor

• 1 DDR3 SO-DIMM Slot (up to 2GB)

• 10.1”W LED BL (1024 x 600), capacitive multi-touch panel

• 1.8” HDD Micro SATA 120GB or SSD 32GB

• 802.11b/g/n WLAN and Bluetooth 2.1

• 3G/WiMAX Compliance

• Broadcom Crystal HD media processor

• 1 x SIM Card slot, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x Headphone Line-Out, 1 x Microphone Line-In, 1 x DC-in, 1 x 2M Webcam (with Mic. design), 3-direction switch

• G-sensor support
• Embedded 3800mAh Polymer battery
• 250mm x 183mm x 17mm (W x D x H)
• Approx. 850g

  * All Specifications subject to change

FIC are looking for customers for their 10” Tycoon tablet based on the netbook platform (N455 cpu)  and running Windows 7. I was a little disappointed with what looks like 2-3hrs battery life (running a netbook platform for more than 3 hours in a sub 1KG package is almost impossible) but the screen was fantastic. Touch, contrast, sharpness and color were better than I’ve seen for a long time. FIC expect to have this ready in Q3 but wouldn’t tell us if they had a customer yet. We suspect that it will get a lot of interest at Computex. FIC are looking to do a design based on Oak Trail for 2011.

A new Intel Atom based “CW0A1″ netbook is said to be making an appearance at Computex this year. Its external design appears to be roughly based around the Easynote reference design that was seen quite a while ago. The 8.9″ screen, 1024×600 res, and optional WiMax module position this netbook to be a competitor to the new Atom based Eee 901 that has already been spotted at Computex. Don’t expect to see the CW0A1 selling under FIC’s branding, as the company manufactures parts and full computers often for sale to other OEMs.

Source: Computex Website