I had no interest for much of the same reasons you did: it seems like an old-style convention showcasing new products based on outdated ideas.

Going is a big compromise that only lets you brag about having been there.

One of the first U.S. resellers to begin carrying the Ainol Electronics Novo brand is a site called TabletSprint — and the Novo 10 Hero II introduced last week is available at TabletSprint for $239 — this new model offers some of the best specs on the market today of any 10-inch tablet priced under $300 – and features a Quad Core processor, 1280×800 IPS screen, 16GB memory, a strong battery (8000 mAH), front and rear cameras, a MicroSD memory card slot (up to 32GB memory cards), Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS, Google Play installed – with access to 400K+ Apps, a MicroUSB port for connection to printers and other electronic devices, HDMI – to view personal videos and to download movies and watch in full 1080p (HD) on to a large screen TV, WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet through a Micro-USB port, and an option for 3G/4G connection. It’s also a solid gaming device with its high resolution screen and motion gaming sensor. TabletSprint also conveniently offers a 10″ Compact Case with built-in Keyboard ($28) which easily transforms a tablet into a mini-laptop.

The Novo 7 Legend also launched in December, and may be considered the first quality “$100 TABLET” worth buying — featuring an IPS screen display (800×600), MicroSD storage, Android 4.1 O/S, Google Play, a MicroUSB port, and a processor good enough to handle 3D games — Plus WiFi, Ethernet and options for 3G/4G Connection.

Ainol Electronics is also expected to launch later this month a model similar to the Hero II – one that will offer a Quad Core processor and Liquid Crystal display (iPad Retina quality) for around $265 — the Novo Series should gain some notice at CES this year and seems off to a good start for 2013 with affordable tablets packed with the latest features.