By Ray Nicolini
Via www.androidandme.com
Earlier today I was downplaying Viewsonic’s Viewpad offerings for their lack of processing power and outdated OS, but I failed to mention the display maker’s other new Android product – the Viewsonic 10″ G-Tablet. This device features the latest Android 2.2, a 10.1 inch TFT LCD (1024×600), NVIDIA’s dual-core 1 GHz Tegra 2 processor, 512 MB RAM, 16 GB of storage, a single USB host port, and a 1.3 megapixel web camera.
I read reports that Sears.com might be selling the Viewsonic 10″ G-Tablet for $369 tomorrow, but their online listing was messed up and included the product description for the dual-boat (Windows 7, Android 1.6) Viewpad 10.
Thanks to a half dozen first-hand reports from YouTube, we can confirm that the Viewsonic G-Tablet is on sale right now at your local Sears for only $379. Original information out of Viewsonic said this device would cost over $500, but Sears is selling a WiFi-only version that lacks the sim-card slot of the more expensive model. Some overseas models were also reported to include 1 GB of RAM, but the Sears unit is shipping with 512 MB RAM.
The good news is that this tablet comes with Android 2.2, but that might be there the fun ends. This tablet was not certified by Google so it lacks all the Google Mobile Services including the official Android Market. Thankfully you can still sideload apps and alternative markets like SlideME.
It also sports a really custom skin called TapUI on top of Android 2.2. This can be replaced with a custom home app like ADW launcher, but it’s not really optimized for a 10-inch display.
Other negatives include the lack of Flash Player 10.1. I’m sure the device hardware could support it, but there is no telling on when a working version might be avialable.
Users with the device said the software doesn’t seem to perform up to the level of the hardware, but I haven’t seen many benchmarks yet. If my Sears has this thing in stock then look for some Galaxy Tab vs G-Tablet benchmarks soon.
Right now I would say pass on this device till we get some solid information on it or evidence that Viewsonic will provide software updates.
Check out one of the Sear’s unboxings below. Would you fork over $369 for a half-baked Android tablet? I think we can see why all the big tablet makers are waiting for Honeycomb before they release their products.I read reports that Sears.com might be selling the Viewsonic 10″ G-Tablet for $369 tomorrow, but their online listing was messed up and included the product description for the dual-boat (Windows 7, Android 1.6) Viewpad 10.
Thanks to a half dozen first-hand reports from YouTube, we can confirm that the Viewsonic G-Tablet is on sale right now at your local Sears for only $379. Original information out of Viewsonic said this device would cost over $500, but Sears is selling a WiFi-only version that lacks the sim-card slot of the more expensive model. Some overseas models were also reported to include 1 GB of RAM, but the Sears unit is shipping with 512 MB RAM.
The good news is that this tablet comes with Android 2.2, but that might be there the fun ends. This tablet was not certified by Google so it lacks all the Google Mobile Services including the official Android Market. Thankfully you can still sideload apps and alternative markets like SlideME.
It also sports a really custom skin called TapUI on top of Android 2.2. This can be replaced with a custom home app like ADW launcher, but it’s not really optimized for a 10-inch display.
Other negatives include the lack of Flash Player 10.1. I’m sure the device hardware could support it, but there is no telling on when a working version might be avialable.
Users with the device said the software doesn’t seem to perform up to the level of the hardware, but I haven’t seen many benchmarks yet. If my Sears has this thing in stock then look for some Galaxy Tab vs G-Tablet benchmarks soon.
Right now I would say pass on this device till we get some solid information on it or evidence that Viewsonic will provide software updates.
Viewsonic G-Tablet specs include:
- NVIDIA Tegra 2 Dual ARM cortex (1Ghz)
- Capacitive Multi-Touch/Multi Tasking panel
- 10.1” 1024 X 600 TFI LCD Screen
- 512 MB RAM, Mass Memory 16 GB
- Mini USB x 1; Full size USB x 1
- 1.3MP Front –Facing Webcam
- Earphone x 1
- Micro SD card slot
- 2 x 1 W speaker
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- G sensor/Light sensor
- Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
- 3500mAh/7.4V Li-polymer Battery Life 8-10 Hours
- Slim design (267 x 173 x 14.3mm) Wt. 820 Grams
- Buttons: Home/Back/Menu/Volume/Power
- OS / Android 2.2
- Headphone Jack
- Built in Microphone
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