Chinese firm launches first two-in-one computer in Kenya

NAIROBI -- Chinese mobile phone company, Tecno, on Wednesday launched a combined tablet and laptop in Nairobi.

The innovation, the first of its kind to be launched in Africa, is designed to serve the needs of Kenya's growing entrepreneurial market that values mobility.

"Kenya is a key market for us and the launch of the Tecno WinPad 10 demonstrates our commitment to providing innovative products to customers," Tecno Mobile Deputy General Manager for Tablet Business Unit, Steven Huang said during the launch.

"We believe this product will allow users to transition smoothly from business to lifestyle, and in the process increasing their productivity by giving them the power of a laptop and the freedom of a tablet," Huang added.

The detachable device, which runs on Windows 8.1 with Bing Operating System, is powered by an Intel Atom quad-cone processor and comes in a package inclusive of the tablet, keypad and keyboard cover.

The computer, which only weighs 550 grams, is easily portable and much lighter than normal PC. It can also easily fit into suitcase or handbag. Users will also enjoy one year of Microsoft Office 365, built-in 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 that allow consumers to surf the internet at optimal speeds, anytime, anywhere.

"We are seeing more and more Kenyans working outside a fixed office, operating mobile and virtual offices aided by the internet and this device is just what they need to optimize their efficiency and productivity," Joseph Tiampati, Kenya's Principal Secretary for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), said during the launch.

The PS said Kenya has increasingly featured in the global map for ICT investment, and so far over 20 million Kenyans access internet, with the number expected to increase when the installation of optic fiber is completed.

"The government has committed to provide and will continue providing a conducive environment to enable our investors to set up and conduct their business with ease," he said.

"We have introduced measures to relieve the tax pressure by zero rated all ICT inputs to be used in local assembly and manufacture of electronic products," added the PS, adding that he hope this will motivate players like Tecno to consider investing in local assembly plants for the products.