ViewSonic ViewBook 730 Review

   ViewSonic is no stranger to the tablet field.  It has introduced a 10” dual-core G Tablet which was pulled off the shelves in December due to some manufacturing defects.  The G Tablet became a favorite of the developer community with hacks to improve the buggy software that it used.  ViewSonic also introduced a ViewPad 7 and ViewPad 10 but those tablets have not exactly done well in terms of sales.  Now ViewSonic seems to be targeting the 7” tablet market.  The first being a low cost ViewBook 730 which is now available.  The second being a higher price 7 incher, the ViewPad 7x which would have been the world's first 7” Honeycomb (Android 3.0) tablet but Acer will beat Viewsonic to this claim with its ICIONA Tab A100.  Acer should be launching this in early August.

Nook Color as an Android Tablet: Review

     Ever since Barnes & Noble (B&N) released its Android-based Nook Color eReader, developers have created different custom ROMs for the Nook.  Anyone can turn the Nook Color into a full Android tablet.  While there are different options (dual boot - have the ability to boot into the stock Nook OS or a custom ROM; run the ROM by replacing the stock Nook OS; rooting it and have access to both stock Nook OS and Android; etc.) for getting a Nook Color to run as an Android tablet, I managed to get my hands on a Nook that is running Phiremod (a variation of the popular Cyanogen ROM).  So can the Nook Color be used as an Android tablet?  Let's find out:

Viewsonic Launching $250 Android Tablet

We reported that Viewsonic is going to launch a 7" Android Honeycomb tablet - ViewPad 7x.  In addition, Viewsonic is introducing an Android tablet for the price conscious consumer - ViewBook 730.  Instead of Honeycomb, this tablet will run Android 2.2 (Froyo).  With similar specs and price tag ($250), the ViewBook may replace the Nook Color as a favorite for modders and hackers.  The ViewBook will sport a 1.0GHz ARM Cortex A8 with a 7" 800x480 screen.  It will have 8GB of internal memory with a microSD port.  Unlike the Nook Color, the ViewBook will include mini-HDMI and a front facing camera. 

ViewSonic ViewPad 10 Pro Tablet

With Computex 2011 trade show in full swing, many manufacturers are announcing their new upcoming products.  ViewSonic already introduced its ViewPad 10 but will be launching a ViewPad 10Pro.  This tablet will support Intel's Oak Trail Z670 1.5GHz processor, Dual-OS but not dual-boot (Windows 7 Pro but allows to run Android 2.2 in a virtual software - may be similar to what RIM's PlayBook will be doing), 32GB of onboard storage and 3G capable.  To follow-up on the dual-OS feature: this allows one to switch between operating systems without the need to turn off the device.  No word on price or availability but we will let you know as soon as we hear something. 


Would a Dual-OS tablet interest you?

Viewsonic To Address G Tablet Issues

After Staples decided to pull the Viewsonic G Tablet off the shelves, Viewsonic is declaring there is no "manufacturing defect."  However, Viewsonic views the issues as "user experience [problem] that caused all the returns."  Seriously?  Blame it on the user?  The blame is on the poor UI that Viewsonic implemented.  According to what I have read, installing a custom ROM fixes all the issues.  No user error here.  Anyhow, a fix is apparently on the way or by Friday, 12/24.  Current owners will receive the upgrade via their WiFi connection.

Staples Pulling Viewsonic G Tablet From Its Store

It has been reported that Staples is pulling all Viewsonic G tablets from its store shelve due to a "manufacturing defect."  We are not sure what exactly the "manufacturing defect" is but we do know its Touch N Tap software (which runs on top of Android) has defects.  In any case, do not expect this to return to stores.  From what Staples is stating, this is going back to Viewsonic with no replacement.

Image via Wikipedia

ViewSonic Announces Pricing and Dates for ViewPad 7 and 10

Viewsonic provided a press release giving additional information on its ViewPad 7 and 10. Prior to the press release, no confirmation was given regarding the availability nor pricing.  So what is Viewsonic offering?

Viewsonic shows off its ViewPad 7

Viewsonic has shown off its ViewPad 7 tablet on Thursday.  The ViewPad is nothing more than a rebranded OlivePad.  So what will the ViewPad 7 offer?  Well a 600MHz Snapdragon processor (unfortunately), Android 2.2, 800x480 resolution, dual cameras, 3G, 7" capacitive multi-touch screen, and accelerometer. 

For the moment, this is to go on sale in Europe.  No word on availability in the US nor pricing although it is scheduled to cost no more than £350 ($543) in the UK.