CES 2012: New iPad ... Sorry, Make That HaiPad!

The Haier marketing people have been pretty bold in choosing a name for this new touchscreen device. Then again, if you're going to launch a 7-inch Android tablet, there's no point giving it a complicated name that no-one's going to remember. So repeat after us ... HaiPad.

Although Chinese manufacturer Haier seems so have its sights set on launching into all sectors of the global tech market, it's not exactly a household name in the UK yet. However, Haier always seems to have the most surprising stands at CES events, loaded with things like transparent TVs, a (fake) mind-controlled computer system and wireless TVs. This year, we were immediately drawn to this 7-inch Android tablet, displayed right in the middle of the firm's huge stand.

The tablet in question is nothing special when it comes to technology. It's a 7-inch block of plastic on Android 2.3 Gingerbread and with a capacitive touchscreen (TN panel, 1024 x 600 pixels), a rear-facing 3-Megapixel photo and video camera, and 3G compatibility with 'phone mode'. 

However, the best thing about this product has got to be its name, although the legal eagles at Cupertino are likely to find the 'HaiPad' a whole lot less amusing. Plus, the colour scheme and minimalist design of the presentation stands felt a bit like the kind of thing Apple might use for its iPod range. 

The HaiPad is no hoax either, as it's due for release in 2012 in a whole load of eye-catching colours. Let's just hope Haier's tablet manages to hang onto its name—it'll no doubt help boost sales a bit!

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