After Inye Comes Ovim: Nigerian Tablet PC Market Gets Underway

While we’re still envisaging the success of the Encipher tablet, it seems that more Nigerian companies have started to show interest in tablet computers.

Today, Microscale Embedded Ltd and Fasmicro Ltd announced that they are unveiling what appears to be the prototype of a tablet PC called Ovim (pictured above).

Based in Kaduna, Microscale Embedded Ltd is a high-tech company specializing in embedded system, programmable logic, intellectual property development, software development, and consultancy and system integration in telecommunications and manufacturing sectors.

Fasmicro Ltd provides consulting, training, design, supplies, and more in the fields of microelectronics and semiconductors. Fasmicro’s MD, Victor Nzekwe said: “Ovim is our effort to bring a new dimension in our goal to invent a new Africa,” and according to the Microscale founder, Yahya Salihu, “Ovim will power a new wave of solutions for academic, business and private citizens, as we push to provide tools that will enhance our national productivity.”

Specs?

Powered by Android 2.2 operating system, Ovim is built with the award winning Marvell PXA166 processor and has 256MB DDR2 memory. It comes Wi-Fi ready, fascinating built-in web interface, and in-built 3G wireless internet.

It comes with GPS (and Compass) and uses NAND Flash 16GB (expandable), on Google Android 2.2 O/S, making it an ultimate buddy. Ovim comes in (black, white and pink colours) with a 7 inch touch screen technology with 800 x 480 pixels.

Detailed Specs

CPU Marvel 166 800MHz

O/S Google Android 2.2

Memory 256MB DDR2 RAM

Storage Device 1GB NAND Flash (can be up to 16G)

Screen 7 inch TFT LCD with resistive touch screen, 800*480 Pixels

G-SENSOR MMA7660 accelerometer (inbuilt)

Navigation GPS/compass (inbuilt)

Camera 1.3 MP (inbuilt)

Battery 3200mAH (up to 8 hours after full charge)

Adapter Input voltage: AC 100-240V, output DC9V, 1.6A , Frequency 50-60Hz

USB high speed USB OTG 2.0 AND usb HOST 1.1/ full screen handwriting

Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g. 3G Module (in-built – no driver worries)

I/O ports Mini USB2.0, T-flash–1G to 32G microSD card, build-in microphone, etc

Multimedia video MPEG1, MPEG2, WMV9, MPEG4 SP, ASF, DIVX, H.263, H.264, RMVB, MOV,MKV,TS,FLV, etc

Music MP3/WMA/APE/FLAC/AAC/AC3/WAV/OOG/AAC/EAAC, etc

Online Chat MSN/ SKYPE/GTALK/LUMAQQ/ICQ, etc

E-book PDF/TXT/CHM/DOC/EXCEL, etc

PIC JPEG/BMP/GIF/PNG/TIFF, etc

Product size 20.1 × 12.5× 1.65 cm

Colors: black, white, pink

Market: Android market

Others: standard accessories

Pricing?

While I’m not sure how much Ovim will cost, it is expected to be sold at a breakthrough price. The company plans to publicly announce the cost next month.

In the meantime, the company will start taking orders from December via their websites (Fasmicro.com and Microscale-Embedded.com) or their Nigerian offices.

The Encipher Inye currently sells for N45,000 ($299), but one wonders if Ovim will sell below that price. While I don’t think the Tablet PC market in Nigeria is ready to penetrate the consumer market, there are indications that it could become a million dollar market in the near future.

Ovim will be available in March 2011 or earlier, across Nigeria.