Redfox, an OEM manufacturer who you not have heard of in Singapore, is actually quite a big name over in the Philippines. They have quite a range of products, from motherboards to eBook readers, but it’s actually their new tablet PC, the Redfox Wizpad, that we’re looking at today. Powered by an Intel Atom N455 (1.66GHz) processor, the Wizpad comes in two different flavors, Android 1.6 or Windows 7. If you’re shaking your head at the news that it’s going to be in Android 1.6, we were told that  the Android 2.1 update is in the works, and would be released in the near future.

The WizPad will be powered by an Intel Atom processor (could be one of the new low-powered Atom Z6xx series). Best of all, customers will have a choice of operating system for the tablet — Android, Meego, Windows 7 and and Google’s Chrome OS. The tablet will be larger than the iPad and as slim (14mm vs. 13.4mm of the iPad) with support for multi-touch (1366×768 pixel resolution). The device will have WiFi and 3G versions as well as optional GPS. Unlike the iPad, the WizPad will have USB ports, SD card slot, webcam and mini-HDMI port.

Besides giving you a choice of OSes, the units feature multi-touch capacitive screens, 1 or 2GB RAM, 16 or 32GB solid state storage and the option of whether you want the tablet to come with 3G connectivity for an additional premium, of course. Apart from these configurable options, the tablet comes with two USB ports, a Mini VGA output, and a 1.3-megapixel webcam. Not too shabby in our books, but we wonder how it holds up as a tablet device, especially with the Android version running off version 1.6. Here’s our quick findings with our pre-retail units as detailed in our photo captions.

Wizpad T1034IW

• OS: Windows 7 Home Premium
• Processor: Intel Atom N455 1.66GHz 512kb L2 Cache
• Chipset: Intel NM10 Express
• RAM: 2GB DDR3 SODIMM
• Storage: 32GB SSD
• Expansion: MicroSD Card Reader
• Graphics: Intel GMA x3150
• Display: 10″ LED-backlit (1024×600) capacitive touch screen, G-sensor
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth
• External display: mini VGA
• Audio: High-definition, audio jack
• USB: v2.0 x 2
• Webcam: 1.3-megapixel
• Dimensions: 275×170×14.5mm
• Weight: 850g

Red Fox, just like the other home grown names like Blue and Neo, is a ubiquitous brand with the masses in parts of the Philippines. While the latter two are brands who are focusing on notebook computers, Red Fox has been around earlier providing pre-configured and assembled desktop computers and in recent years, notebooks. What we have is one of their recent notebook models that propose a balance between value and mobility: the Red Fox Razer WR113.

From the way things are going, it’s headed for competition from the netbooks and sub notebooks on the lower end of the scale, and its mainstream peers on the other when one takes a glance at its base offering and price. What exactly differentiates this product from what the competition is offering? That’s what we’ll find out.

It looks simple, even with its glossy, blue finish. There’s nothing about the WR113′s looks that will make heads turn.

This notebook sports a 13.3-inch display and a rather wide keyboard that almost takes up the whole width of the computer – a plus, as it does make typing easier which could be an issue in some thin-and-lights. The WR113 is also a bit on the heavy side, tipping the scales at around 1.8kg.

In terms of ports, this Red Fox offers pretty much what you would expect from this kind of notebook. It has HDMI, VGA, and mic ports, a 3.5-mm headphone jack, and 2 USB ports located at the right side of the computer. A 1.3-megapixel webcam sits atop the display, offering basic video-chat capabilities. A 2.5-inch-long vent lines up the left side, constantly blowing up warm air from the computer’s guts.