Acer unveils low-cost mini tablet

Taiwan's top computer maker Acer Inc. has unveiled a 7-inch tablet that an official says could sell for $99 in some emerging markets.

Taiwan's top computer maker Acer Inc. has unveiled a 7-inch tablet that an official says could sell for $99 in some emerging markets.

Acer said Wednesday the tablet will be powered by a dual core processor made by Taiwan-based MediaTek Inc., whose processors are widely used by Chinese makers of low-cost smartphones.

The Iconia B1 mini tablet will run on Google's Android Jelly Bean operating system.

Acer president Jim Wong told reporters Iconia B1 will first be introduced in Asia and South America at prices that could go as low as $99 in special promotional programs.

That will make it cheaper than Google's Nexus 7 or Amazon's Kindle Fire.

Once a leading PC maker, Acer's revenue has fallen sharply as tablets undermine PC competitiveness.