It seems AT&T has a thing for niche products as they have announced another oddity to their lineup. Beginning March 4th, AT&T will offer the unique foldable Sony Tablet P on contract for $399.99. This clamshell tablet has been out for quite some time but hasn’t made it state side until now. It features a Nintendo DS like setup with dual 5.5″ 1024 x 480 touch screens which can be used for viewing tasks independently or in conjunction to form a larger display. Other specs include:

• 5 MP rear camera and 0.3 MP front camera
• 1 GB RAM
• 1 GHz dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor
• 4GB internal storage plus 2GB microSD card included, expandable up to 32GB
• Android 3.2 (ICS update coming eventually)

Personally, at $399.99 on contract, they’re out of their minds! They must not pay too much attention to the tablet market as they would realize there are a dozen better alternatives for less than that (retail). Either way, the device will be available on AT&T and will use AT&T’s HSPA+ “I wish I was 4G” network. It’s also PlayStation Certified and provides access to the full suite of Sony Network Entertainment services.

If you find yourself interested in the Tablet P on AT&T, you can check out the full press release below for more information.

SONY TABLET™ P AVAILABLE ON AT&T 4G NETWORK

Unique Tablet Design Features Two 5.5 Inch Screens, Easily Fits into a Pocket or Purse

DALLAS, FEBRUARY 28, 2012 — AT&T* today announced Sony Tablet™ P, a dual screen, multi-functional tablet ideal for mobile communication and entertainment, will be available beginning March 4. The 4G tablet will be sold for $399.99 with a two-year service agreement in more than 1,000 AT&T company-owned retail stores and online at www.att.com.

The new Sony Tablet P pushes the design of a tablet even further by elevating the user experience to entirely new levels. The unprecedented dual-screen layout of Sony Tablet™ P allows its two 5.5-inch displays to be used for different functions such as playing video on one screen while using the other as a controller, or checking email on one screen while using the other as a keyboard. Customers can also combine the displays into a single large screen and its unique folding design means it can fit easily into a pocket or purse.

At launch, users will be able to download apps optimized for the dual screens of Sony Tablet P via Sony’s “Select App,” including games, entertainment and lifestyle applications. In addition to optimized apps, Sony Tablet P users will have access to the full suite of Android applications via Android Market. Like its predecessor, Sony Tablet P is PlayStation™ Certified and provides access to the full suite of Sony Network Entertainment services. Sony Tablet devices are distinguished by four key features that set them apart from any other tablets on the market. These include: uniquely designed hardware and software, a “swift and smooth” experience (which includes Sony original features, Quick view and Quick touch), network entertainment services and cross-device connectivity.

Running on Android 3.2, Sony Tablet™ P is 4G**capable and Wi-Fi compatible. With a qualifying data plan, users of Sony Tablet™ P also have access to AT&T’s mobile broadband network and unlimited access to AT&T’s more than 20,000 hot spots nationwide. With both 4G and Wi-Fi, customers can browse the Internet, access digital content including videos, games, and check e-mail, while on the go, nearly anytime.

Data Plans

Customers who sign a two-year service agreement have two postpaid data plan options to choose from, including:

· AT&T DataConnect 3GB: $35 for 3GB

· AT&T DataConnect 5GB: $50 for 5GB

Customers may still choose from the existing monthly billing options, or prepaid options, with no long-term commitment. The Sony Tablet P without a long term contract will cost $549.99.

The prepaid plan options include:

· AT&T DataConnect 250MB: $14.99 for 250MB

· AT&T DataConnect 3GB: $30 for 3GB

· AT&T DataConnect 5GB: $50 for 5GB

Specifications

Display

Resolution: 1024 x 480 (each screen)
Screen Size: 5.5″ (x 2 – dual screens)

Hardware

Camera: Front – 0.3 Megapixel Rear – 5 Megapixel
Inputs and Outputs

Headphone Output: 1
MicroUSB: 1
Memory

Internal Memory: 1GB
Power

Battery Life (Approx): Up to 7 hours (based on general usage)
Battery Type: Li-Ion
Processor

Processor Type: NVIDIA® Tegra™2 mobile processor 1GHz
Software

Operating System: Android 3.2
Storage

External storage: microSD card slot (expandable up to 32GB, 2GB microSD card included)
Internal Storage Capacity: 4GB
Weights and Measurements

Dimensions (Approx.): Open – 6.23l x 7.09w x 0.56h (inches) Closed – 3.12l x 7.09w x 1.03 h (inches)
Weight (Approx.): 0.83 lbs
Wireless/Networking

Bluetooth® Technology: Bluetooth version 2.1 + EDR
Wi-Fi: IEEE802.11b/g/n