Google set the stage via the Nexus 7, prompting Acer to jump into the cheap tablet segment with the new Iconia B1 slate, which reports said will carry a sticker price of around $US100 and will hit store shelves within Q1 2013.

Citing Acer's filing before FCC, numerous blog reports indicated that the device maker is all set to add another Android tablet that is geared for consumers looking for the most basic functions and unwilling to spend too much cash.

The Iconia B1 fits the bill, experts concurred, adding that while this Acer gadget is not much a looker and short on muscle as well it is likely to get second notice for buyers gunning to score a tablet solely on utility alone.

This 7-inch tablet is compact enough for e-reading, browsing and low-intensity games, tech blog sites said. It promises to be good buy for parents intending to introduce their kids to tablet use especially if Acer would indeed keep its price level below the $100 mark.

So far, published specs, which were first leaked by GLBenchmark, suggested that the Iconia B1 will be deployed with screen resolution of 1024 by 600 and set to be powered by a dual-core 1.2GHz processer, paired by Acer with 512MB of RAM.

Basic as it is, the tablet itself will not accommodate too many data as its storage is limited to only 8GB but it supports memory expansion on a microSD slot.

Acer confined this tablet to Wi-Fi connectivity, no cellular connection, plus the ability to pair with other devices via Bluetooth 4.0. GPS also comes into play.

The tablet is flavoured by JellyBean, specifically by Android 4.1.2, skipping the latest sweets from Google's menu.

Tech experts pointed to a CES 2013 debut for the Acer Iconia B1, which is scheduled in Las Vegas next month, jockeying up for consumers' attention with new gadgets that device makers are expected to uncloak during the event.