Toshiba is the latest company to jump into the rapidly growing tablet market with its 10-inch device called Thrive, priced slightly lower than Apple's iPad 2.

Thrive will go on sale in the United States on July 10th. A wifi-only device with the base model starting at $429.

The device is featuring a 10.1-inch diagonal widescreen HD display (1280x800 resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio), runs Google's Honeycomb version of the Android platform and it is powered by the dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor with integrated NVIDIA graphics.

The tablet also features a built-in motion sensor that enables full screen rotation and includes a rotation-lock switch to set the display in position when the user chooses. In addition, the tablet includes an on-screen keyboard with Haptic feedback for more accurate typing.

Thrive also includes Toshiba Resolution+ video enhancement technology that improves color, contrast and sharpness, giving standard definition video a more high definition look as well as Toshiba sound enhancement technology.



Other features include a two megapixel front-facing camera and five megapixel rear-facing camera and integrated GPS and compass

The tablet will also feature a full host of connectivity options including a full-size HDMI port and a full-size USB and a mini USB 2.0 port. A full-size SD Card slot provides options for additional storage and transferring files. The device will also be equipped with Bluetooth and 802.11n Wi-Fi support.

Thrive has a slip-resistant rubberized surface and features an open design, giving users flexibility for customization with user-replaceable EasyGrip back covers and a replaceable prismatic lithium ion battery.

Toshiba's tablet can be pre-ordered starting June 13 at retailers such as Best Buy Co Inc, Amazon.com Inc and other electronic retailers.