China Telecom introduces iPad copycat

China Telecom, the Chinese telecommunications operator, launched its first 3G tablet on Monday, un-originally dubbed the LifePad.
The LifePad, based on Freescale’s adaptation of ARM’s Cortex A8 core, the 1GHz i.MX51 processor, has a seven inch screen with 800×600 resolution, sports Google’s Android 2.1 operating system a resistive touch screen, a front camera, GPS and – something the iPad doesn’t have – USB connectivity.

China Telecom, China’s largest fixed-line operator in terms of subscribers, also noted that the LifePad came with plenty of pre-installed apps, from stock trading to email, to e-books, to navigation. It also boasts software for Microsoft Office, mobile television and handwriting-recognition.
The copycat tablet – manufactured by Mastone Communication & Electrical Development Company – also includes an embedded EVDO module which supports China Telecom’s 3G network.
The firm hopes the tablet will get users hooked on its eSurfing platform and promote the development of China Telecom’s 3G business.
Meanwhile, despite pulling a blatant iPad rip-off out of its hat, China Telecom’s chairman Wang Xiaochu has been reported as saying his company may still negotiate with Apple for a chance to introduce the real iPad to the Chinese market.