Walgreen’s now selling a $99 Android tablet

In a notable expansion of its electronics offerings, the pharmacy chain Walgreens has begun carrying an Android-powered tablet priced at $99. The device, identified as the Maylong M-150, enters the market as a budget-tier alternative to high-end tablets.

The M-150 features a 7-inch display with a resolution of 800×480. Under the hood, the tablet runs on a 400MHz processor designed by Via, supported by 256MB of RAM. Despite its low price point, the device includes several connectivity options and hardware features, such as integrated Wi-Fi, built-in speakers, and a microSD card slot for expandable storage. A unique inclusion in the box is a dedicated dongle that provides the tablet with USB ports and a 10/100 Ethernet connection.

On the software side, the Maylong M-150 operates on Android version 1.6. The product listing indicates that it comes pre-loaded with several standard applications, including a web browser, an e-reading platform, a video player, and a YouTube client. Because the device utilizes a Via processor, some analysts suggest the hardware might perform more efficiently than its modest clock speed implies, though real-world testing is required to confirm these performance claims.

Public reaction to the device’s online marketing has been mixed. Some observers have raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of the product’s promotional images, which appear to show a user interface featuring icons reminiscent of MacOS and Internet Explorer—elements not typically associated with the Android operating system. Additionally, the software firm Avatron has alleged that the tablet’s interface misappropriates the trademarked icon for their "Air Sharing" application.

While the low-cost hardware may suffer from typical entry-level issues such as a resistive touchscreen, limited battery life, and sluggish processing, industry watchers suggest the $99 price point marks a significant shift. This trend toward ultra-affordable, non-branded devices could present a new competitive challenge for established tech companies, offering a basic entry point for consumers or children who do not require the power of premium tablets. Recent filings with the FCC have confirmed the device’s technical specifications and imminent market presence.