After announcements today from Samsung and Toshiba, it's high time we had a decent touch-and-feel with the Viewsonic ViewPad 7.
We've been following the 7-inch Android 2.2-based tablet for a few weeks now.
It's based around Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor (QSD8250 , clocked at 600MHz) so expect network operators to offer it – it can make phone calls thanks to the silicon.
There's no UK release data as yet but October seems to be a safe bet, with a price point of "less than £350."
It's pretty speedy in terms of operation and we were impressed at how quick things were despite the underclocked processor. The capacitive multitouch screen is responsive, even if it seems a little grainy for our liking.
The device has a standard-size SIM slot housed under a flap alongside a micro SD slot. There's also a 0.3 megapixel VGA front facing camera and a 3 megapixel one on the rear.
Other connectivity includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS.
We really like the ViewPad 7 – it certainly seems well finished and isn't too heavy. For an Android tablet it really seems excellent. However, we can also see the argument that £80 more will get you an iPad. But the Dell Streak is even more than that and, as such, we think it's fairly competitively priced.
Your comments (7) Click to add a new comment
bubbahotepuk
September 3rd 2010
7. Well put mcav!
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mcav
September 3rd 2010
6. Wait... for £80 more you can get the 16gb Wifi only iPad? Wow... for only about a million pounds more you can get a Veron.
It's funny how £80 is tossed around like it's nothing. Here's another way to put it.
...and it's great value considering it's a god £80 cheaper than the cheapest iPad, moreover, unlike the cheapest iPad which has no camera, 3G or GPS, this has WiFi, 3G, Bluetooth AND GPS. More for less you say? Bring it on.
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dansus
September 3rd 2010
5. Considering its half the price of the Tab, looks like a winner. Long as it can be rooted and overclocked of course.. ;)
Perfect for maps and media on a trip.
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bradavon
September 3rd 2010
4. That looks really nice and I agree with bubbahotepuk entirely. 10" is too big!
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bubbahotepuk
September 2nd 2010
3. Yep, the 7" form factor appeals much more than the 10" iPad I just hope the prices are kept to a sensible level.
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tomankcorn
September 2nd 2010
2. yeah I might get one of these 7 inch things to replace my phone and face off would be pretty useful :)
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tentimes
September 2nd 2010
1. After Techradar does it's usual in depth reviews of the competing devices, I really want to see a face-off article for this, Samsung Tab, Ipad, Streak.... in Techradar form.
C'mon guys - be the first to get the info up for us! My contract is up in November and I am really considering a Samsung Tab. This looks good too though :)
I predict that this is going to be the new smartphone market and take off bigtime 2011.
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