ViewSonic has taken the wraps off their first Android tablet, the 7-inch Viewpad 7. The good looking mid-size pad sports Android 2.2 on a capactive screen, 3MP rear camera and a VGA font-facing webcam. For your data needs it packs an integrated GSM/3G modem and can be used as a standard Android phone. (Although we question how many will want to hold a 7-inch slab of glass to their face. Headset use seems to be more likely).
The standard fayre that we’ve come to expect and love from our electonic gadgetry is all present including, WiFi, 3G, GPS, USB and Bluetooth. Screen orientation happens as if by magic with a g-sensor. Interestingly, ViewSonic are pre-loading an eReader app but we would expect that to have a hard time against the Kindle juggernaut. Storage is via MicroSD (up to 32GB) and the device takes a full size SIM.
Slightly disappointedly the processor is reported to be a 600MHz ARM and a screen resolution comes in at 800×480; no bigger than many of today’s Android phone handsets.
ViewSonic’s Derek Wright, European product marketing manager said:
“We are proud to announce another world first at Viewsonic. 3G phone functionality combined with dual cameras gives the ability for use of Android apps to use augmented reality or video calling on the move with the benefit of an excellent 7-inch screen”
ViewSonic will showcasing Viewpad 7 at IFA 2010 in Berlin this week and is due for general availability around October. Pricing is expected to be under £350 ($541) in the UK. No word on US pricing as yet.
The ViewPad 7 looks like an interesting and well engineered device that sits between the 10″ Pads and large screen phones. The question is, will 7 or 10-inch screens be the most convenient for day to day use.