Qualcomm's S4 developer tablet packs meaty specs and a high price, but it's not for us

Qualcomm's developer tablet certainly packs a punch in the specs department. But, before we go any further, we need to point out clearly and concisely -- this isn't a commercial product, it isn't meant for consumers. That doesn't mean it doesn't interest us though. Far from it.
The APQ8064-based Snapdragon S4 Pro Mobile Development Platform / Tablet as it's full title reads -- we'll call it the S4 Pro from now on -- is Qualcomm's latest efforts at a developer device. This time, it's showing off their first attempts at a quad-core processor, and developers keen to get in on the ground floor can pick one up for a cool $1299. Remember, this isn't a retail device.
Alongside the 1.5 GHz quad-core processor, the S4 Pro also packs 2GB LPDDR2 RAM, 32GB of storage space and Android 4.0. There's also the new Adreno 320 graphics engine, 7 mics, stereo surround sound and a 13MP main camera. Wowzas. In the right hands, a device of this magnitude is sure to be an impressive development tool. Interested developers can purchase one at the link below, and the full press release is after the break.
Source: BSquare
Bsquare Announces Availability of the Quad-Core Snapdragon S4 Pro Mobile Development Platform for Tablets
Snapdragon S4 APQ8064-based Developer Tool Gives Access to Android 4.0 platform for application and game development
Bellevue, WA – July 24, 2012 – BSQUARE Corporation (NASDAQ: BSQR), a leading enabler of smart, connected devices, today announced general availability of the next generation Mobile Development Platform (MDP/T) for Android tablets based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon™ S4 Pro Processor. The MDP/T provides application developers and device manufacturers with access to a high-performance Android 4.0 platform for developing, testing, optimizing and showcasing applications and games.
The MDP/T is the first Snapdragon based Mobile Development Platform in a tablet form factor available to developers, middleware vendors and others. It's also the first to feature the Snapdragon™ S4 Pro APQ8064 processor by Qualcomm with asynchronous Quad CPU cores, running up to 1.5 GHz each. The tablet development platform offers powerful built-in graphics enabled by the Adreno™ 320 GPU, which is over two times faster than the 225 GPU on previous Snapdragon-based MDPs. Power management and multimedia efficiencies are also increased over previous MDPs due to the 2GB LPDDR2 RAM and 32GB Storage. The device also features a higher resolution 10.1 WXGA Multi-touch Display.
"Access to the APQ8064 processor with its asynchronous Quad CPU cores gives Android application developers a powerful platform to develop their differentiated applications for rapid market release," said John Traynor, vice president of products, Bsquare. "This access, combined with best-in-class engineering support and testing solutions from Bsquare, provides a major benefit to application and game developers developing for a wide range of pre-commercial devices."
"It's exciting for us to make available the first tablet form factor Snapdragon -based development platform with Bsquare," said Tia Cassett, senior director of business development, Qualcomm. "The combination of a powerful developer device in the Snapdragon APQ8064-based MDP/T and industry-leading services from Bsquare means faster time-to-market for Android developers."
The Mobile Development Platform (MDP/T) based on Snapdragon S4 Pro Processor is available now at www.bsquare.com/qualcomm. Bsquare will support developers and manufacturers using the APQ8064-based MDP/T with engineering services and technical support. Customers of the tablet device also have 24/7 access to the Bsquare Knowledge Base, technical documentation, complimentary tools and Snapdragon MDP software updates. Users of the APQ8064-based MDP/T can also benefit from the industry-leading TestQuest automated testing technology from Bsquare, which supports testing of Android software and hardware.
Get the Android Central Newsletter
Instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
-
Damn...
-
Nice specs but look at the ultra thick bezel/frame on that thing. And I thought my Nexus 7 had too much frame.
-
It's not a consumer device...they aren't going for looks here...
-
Ah, yeah that makes sense.
-
Its nice to have a bezal. Makes great thumb rest
-
Tablet makers should do near zero bezel and let users add a casing if needing more bezel. Some include a case. Bezel can be easily added but cant be removed. Let users decide how much they want.
-
It still seems a little expensive. You figure a top of the line quad core exynos tablet with a 5mp camera and 1080p display only costs $500 with a metal frame and super thin body with stunning looks. What the hell is the extra $700 for? This should cost around $800 tops with all the extras.
-
Well this quad core would destroy the Exynos Quad Core 4 series, not the 5 series though (not out yet). This is like late 2013 tech being sold right now. That's what the $700 is for. You're pretty much paying for not only development but for a limited edition, exclusiveness.
-
its called a 13 megapixel camera...
-
I don't think you read the entire post prior to posting. Otherwise you may have noticed "and industry-leading services from Bsquare means faster time-to-market for Android developers." and this "customers of the tablet device also have 24/7 access to the Bsquare Knowledge Base, technical documentation, complimentary tools and Snapdragon MDP software updates. Users of the APQ8064-based MDP/T can also benefit from the industry-leading TestQuest automated testing technology from Bsquare, which supports testing of Android software and hardware."
Customer of the tablet are paying for support. -
This is cheap for a developer device. A friend has a few $10k Playstation 2s and another one has a 5K TI Omap developer preview device.
-
I'd pay the $1300 for this any day. See Apple, I could buy 2 1/2 iPads, but I want this.
Now do you see why you're losing market share.? -
Because an Android fanboy doesn't want an Apple product?
-
Speaking of the environment, it looks like it could produce a lot of smug. db.
-
lastest benchmark from the Verge and Engadget S4 quad outperform Tegra 3 and Exynos quad :X
-
It ought to, considering the S4 Quad is meant to compete with A15 based Quads and not A9 based quads.