Sony shows waterproof Xperia Tablet Z tablet

Sony is showing off its new Xperia Tablet Z, a new 10.1" Android 4.1 tablet woth a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro 1.5GHz processor. The device has a 1920 x 1200 pixel screen and also features 2GB RAM, WiFi, Bluetooth, MHL, NFC, microSD slot, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, aGPS, 8MP rear camera, a 2.2MP front camera, and built-in IR (for universal remote functionality). 

The Xperia Tablet Z is just 6.9mm thick and weighs a merge 494g (1.09 pounds). One of its more interesting features perhaps is that it's waterproof, the Xperia Tablet Z is rated to withstand being dipped into up to three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. 

The Xperia Tablet Z features three different ports on its body: the headphone jack, microSD slot (supporting up to 64GB cards), and MHL/Micro-USB connection. All three include attached covers that function to seal the ports. While covering an headphone jack may seem a bit excessive, there's a good reason behind it. As long as those ports are covered, the Xperia Tablet Z is fully dunkable in up to 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. This makes bathtub and kitchen use much more appealing.

The Xperia Tablet Z is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and includes 2GB of RAM, supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MHL, NFC, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and aGPS. 

The Xperia Tablet Z seems to be Sony finally getting it right. It's no iPad killer, but it makes a strong case for best full-size Android tablet yet. Of course, that determination will come once I've had more time to play with the device.

Look for the Xperia Tablet Z to hit stores this spring starting at $499 for 16GB and $599 for the 32GB version. A white 32GB version will be exclusively available at both online and brick-and-mortar Sony stores.