Multi-core tablets may not affect price as much as some think

One of the biggest obstacles to outfitting tablet computers with multi-core chips has been how the technology would affect the price of the mobile devices. But according to a report from technology news provider Computerworld, cost may not be as big a factor as some think.

Computerworld's Patrick Thibodeau highlights one tablet running a quad-core Tegra™ 3 chip from NVIDIA®. The device, which features a 7-inch display and runs on Google's Android™ 4.0 operating system, is priced at $249 -- significantly cheaper than the market standard $500.

This could be a huge development for the tablet market. If manufacturers can start offering high-powered devices with lower price tags, the tablet user base could explode in the coming years. The multi-core processor greatly enhances the tablet's performance, improving web browsing capabilities and other aspects.

It is unclear yet when multi-core processors will become the norm in tablet computers, but industry observers expect 2012 to be the year manufacturers start refining their products. Among other advancements anticipated for tablet technology in the coming months are greater use of near-field communication and USB 3.0 support.