ViewSonic officially launches ViewPad 7 with full phone capabilities and Android Market
Arriving a bit earlier than expected, ViewSonic has officially revealed the ViewPad 7 prior to the opening of IFA 2010. There aren't too many surprises thanks to all the previous rumors and leaked images, and the attractive tablet still looks nearly identical to the OlivePad VT100 from India's Olive Telecom. It has since been confirmed that ViewSonic and Olive Telecom are indeed sourcing from the same OEM, but ViewSonic has exclusive rights for the design in its markets in Europe, while Olive Telecom will be focusing on the Indian market.
The main new bits of information are that the ViewPad 7 will ship with Android 2.2 Froyo, have a 600MHz ARM processor (reported to be a Qualcomm Snapdragon design), and also include full 3G phone capabilities with a SIM card slot, meaning voice calls and SMS/MMS messaging are supported. The inclusion of phone capabilities also notably means that the device complies with Google's Android hardware requirements, granting the ViewPad 7 full official access to Android Market and compatibility with most of the apps. Other confirmed specs include the 7-inch WVGA capacitive touch screen, WiFi, 3G data, Bluetooth, GPS, a VGA front facing webcam, a 3MP rear facing camera, and USB and microSD ports. So far ViewSonic has only confirmed the tablet's availability in Europe where it will launch in October for around £350 including tax (around US$541).
From these first impressions, the ViewPad 7 looks like a good entry into the tablet market with the inclusion of Froyo, official support for Android Market, phone capabilities, and nice design being the highlights. I'm slightly disappointed in the speed of the processor, but assuming it's a modern but underclocked Snapdragon core is a small consolation. The key factor will probably come down to the price, with the converted European price definitely being on the expensive side. Hopefully the official prices for other territories will be more reasonable if or when they are announced. Check out the great hands-on video below by NewGadgets.de below for a closer look at the ViewSonic ViewPad 7 in action and let us know what you think in the comments.
[Liliputing (1) | Liliputing (2) | NewGadgets]
